How to be prepared for a nuclear explosion

Nuclear explosions can cause significant damage and casualties from blast, heat and radiation but it is possible to keep yourself and your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared in case one occurs.

First, you need to know a few things: radioactive fallout is most dangerous in the first few hours after detonation, when the highest levels of radiation are emitted. It takes some time for radioactive fallout to return to ground level, usually more than 15 minutes for areas outside the immediate damage zones of the blast. This is enough time for you to avoid significant radiation exposure by following these steps:

Enter a building:

1. Enter the nearest building to avoid radiation (brick or concrete is the best alternative).
2. Remove contaminated clothing and clean or wash unprotected skin if you were outside after the fallout arrived.
3. Go to the basement or the middle of the building. Stay away from exterior walls and roof.

Stay inside

4. Stay inside for 24 hours unless local authorities provide other instructions.
5. The family must stay where it is inside. Meet later to avoid exposure to dangerous radiation.
6. Keep your pets with you at all times.

Stay tuned

7. Tune into any available media outlets for official information, such as when it is safe to leave and where you should go.
8. Battery-operated and hand-cranked radios will work after a nuclear detonation.
9. Services through telephone, text messaging, television and internet operators may be interrupted or unavailable.

However, there are some things you can do now to protect yourself in the future: Identify the best shelter near home, work and school. Make sure you have an emergency kit in the places you frequent and may have to stay for up to 24 hours.