How to Survive a Nuclear Explosion
Humanity, democracy, and disarmament are all wonderful ideals, but nuclear weapons still exist. So, how can you survive a nuclear explosion? Find out in this article.
Despite all the talk about peace, the threat of nuclear weapons remains. Anyone could witness the blindingly bright mushroom cloud in their lifetime. Unfortunately, for most, it would be the last thing they ever see. Still, the will to live will make you fight to the end, and it’s better to know in advance what to do—just in case a nuclear explosion catches you off guard.
Listen for Warnings
Even though there’s constant talk about the decline of the military and civil defense, early warning systems and civil defense infrastructure still work. You won’t die in ignorance—if you pay attention. When there’s a real threat, loudspeakers on street corners and buildings will come to life, proving they’re not just useless decorations. You’ll hear an announcement like “Attention, everyone!” followed by information about the threat, such as a missile or nuclear attack.
If you hear strange sounds or announcements, try to understand what’s being said, or turn on the radio or TV. All channels will broadcast the same emergency information. The voice on the loudspeaker will also tell you where to go and what to do to survive. Listen carefully and act quickly.
Head Underground
Once the emergency broadcast starts, you’ll have about ten minutes at best. You might have time to pray, forgive everyone in your mind, or run to the subway. Move fast—five minutes after the signal, the subway will close.
Working bomb shelters from Soviet times are a luxury you’ll appreciate if you’re lucky enough to be near one. If there’s a bomb shelter nearby, go there instead of the subway.
If not, basements will do—your building’s basement or any other you can access. Most importantly, don’t look at the mushroom cloud. It’s an incredible sight, but it will blind you. Hide in the shadows during the explosion, and you’ll likely survive at least two more weeks. Don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of intense experiences without looking at the blast.
Types of Shelters
Since the late 1970s, shelters for civilians have been built to withstand a blast wave pressure of 0.1 MPa (Type A-IV). These days, such shelters are built for everyone, not just civilians.
The strongest and safest shelters are rated for 0.5 MPa (Type A-I). Slightly weaker options are A-II and A-III, rated for 0.3 and 0.2 MPa, respectively. But don’t get too comfortable if there’s an A-I shelter across the street—such shelters are usually near strategic targets, which are likely to be hit first.
Since the late 1950s, most shelters were built to withstand 0.15 or 0.3 MPa, while pre-war buildings aren’t designed for nuclear blasts at all. Still, it’s better to be in any shelter than out in the open. If the shelter isn’t too old, it might withstand a 0.1–0.2 MPa blast.
Where Is It Safest When Nowhere Is Safe?
In the 1960s, shelters were built in several classes: fifth class (0.05 MPa), fourth class (0.1 MPa), and third class (0.4–0.5 MPa). Second and first-class shelters were built in subways and special bunkers. Subway stations about 20 meters deep are second class and can withstand both airbursts and ground explosions up to 10–15 kilotons, even nearby. Stations and tunnels up to 30 meters deep are first class and can withstand blasts up to 100 kilotons.
The explosion should not occur directly above the shelter, but at least a hundred meters away on the surface. Even in the deepest, first-class subway shelter, you’re not guaranteed safety. Seismic waves from the blast will shake all underground structures, so people in the subway could be injured by hitting walls, equipment, or other hard surfaces.
Before You Run…
In the first 24 hours after the explosion, those who are fit and athletic will have the best chance of escaping the epicenter. Remember: your speed will determine how much longer and how well you live.
If you survive the initial blast, don’t run blindly in your slippers with your cat in your arms. Be sure to take all important documents—you’ll need them for police, military, officials, and anyone else who survived or arrives in your city. Without documents, you’ll start your life as a refugee in a filtration camp. If you don’t like that idea, don’t forget your passport. Money will also come in handy—grab your last stash, as you probably won’t be coming home soon.
When to Leave the Shelter?
When you no longer hear explosions, the ground stops shaking, and nothing is falling, you’ll have to decide whether to leave or stay. If you’re in an intact, stocked bomb shelter, you can stay as long as you have food and air. In the first 24 hours after a nuclear explosion, radiation levels on the surface are lethal to living beings.
Radioactive decay is real and works in your favor. The longer you stay in the basement, the safer it will be to come out. So, if you don’t have a car or at least a bicycle, but you do have a bunker with food, stay put.
Run, Forest, Run
If you can’t stay in the basement—no food, air running out—you’ll have to move quickly while you still can. If your building has gas, get out even faster to avoid being burned. Still, fire is a faster killer than radiation. If the basement is completely blocked, it will soon be hard to breathe; if it’s too open, it won’t protect you from radiation.
The worst radiation doses are near the epicenter, but if you’re still alive, you’re far enough away. Initially, radiation will be high in the atmosphere, so you have a chance to escape the danger zone quickly.
What to Do After You Get Out?
The first thing to do is figure out, by looking at the debris, where the blast wave came from. Then, move as quickly as possible in the opposite direction. Don’t go downwind—during the first few days after the explosion, radioactive dust carried by the wind is especially dangerous. It contains primary decay products and secondary sources, so if it gets into your respiratory or digestive system, it can be fatal.
Immediately protect your respiratory system—if you don’t have a respirator, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth, and never breathe through your mouth. Don’t eat anything. Only drink tap water, or, in extreme cases, running water, but only if it’s not coming from the direction of the explosion.
The faster you move, the better your chances of survival, so don’t stop to rest. If you’re exhausted, at least don’t sit or lie on the ground, and avoid low-lying areas.
Finally, if it starts to rain, take cover anywhere you can—just don’t let the rain touch you.
Keep Listening
Once (if) you’ve made it out of the city and it’s out of sight, turn on the radio and listen for updates. As soon as you hear about population assistance points, head there. When (if) you arrive, pass the screening and show your documents. Congratulations—you’ve survived. You’ll take all the prescribed medications, throw away your outer clothing, and hope for the best.