Nuclear Blasts
In the event of a nuclear threat, people living near potential targets will be advised to evacuate or they could decide on their own to evacuate to an area not considered a likely target.

Taking shelter during a nuclear blast is essential.  A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around. A nuclear device can range from a weapon carried by an intercontinental missile to a small, portable nuclear device transported by an individual. There are two kinds of shelters: blast shelters and fallout shelters.
  • Blast shelters are specifically constructed to offer some protection against blast pressure, initial radiation, heat and fire. But even a blast shelter cannot withstand a direct hit from a nuclear explosion.
  • Fallout shelters do not need to be specially constructed for protecting against fallout. They can be any protected space, provided that the walls and roof are thick and dense enough to absorb the radiation given off by fallout particles.
In the event of a nuclear explosion:
  • Monitor alerts or listen to local radio for official information and follow the instructions provided by emergency response personnel. Based on what is know about the threat, you may be asked to take shelter, go to a specific location or evacuate the area.
  • If an attach warning is issued, take cover as quickly as you can, below ground if possible, and stay there until instructed to do otherwise.
  • Go into the nearest building, preferably built of brick or concrete, to avoid any radioactive material outside.
  • If better shelter, such as a multi-story building or basement, can be reached within a few minutes, go there immediately.
  • Go as far below ground as possible or to the center of a tall building. The goal is to put as many walls and as much concrete, brick and soil as possible between you and the radioactive material outside.
  • Stay where you are, even if you are separated from your family. Inside is the safest place for all people in the affected area. Being inside can save your life.
  • When the radiation levels are high, it is safest to stay inside, sheltered from the radioactive material outside. Radiation levels are extremely dangerous immediately after a nuclear detonation but the levels reduce rapidly.
  • Expect to stay inside for at least 24 hours unless told otherwise by authorities.
  • When evacuating is in your best interest, you will be instructed to do so. All available methods of communication will be used to provide news and/or instructions.
  • People in the path of the radioactive material - downwind from the detonation - may also be asked to take protective measures.
If you are caught outside and unable to get inside immediately:
  • Do not look at the blast's flash or fireball - it can blind you.
  • Take cover behind anything that might offer protection.
  • Lie flat on the ground and cover your head. If the explosion is some distance away, it could take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to hit.
  • Take shelter as soon as you can, even if you are many miles from where the attack occurred - radioactive fallout can be carried by the wind for hundreds of miles. Remember the three protective factors; distance, shielding, and time.
    • Distance. The more distance between you and the fallout particles, the better. An underground area such as a basement offers more protection than the first floor of a building. A floor near the middle of a high-rise may be better, depending on the buildings nearby. Flat roofs collect fallout particles, so the top floor is not a good choice. Nor is a floor adjacent to a neighboring flat roof.
    •  Shielding.  The heavier and denser the material - thick walls, concrete, bricks, books and earth - between you and the fallout particles, the better.
    • Time. Remember that any protection, however temporary, is better than none at all, and the more shielding, distance and time you can take advantage of, the better.
  • If you were outside during or after the blast, decontaminate as soon as you have safe shelter. To do this, remove and bag your clothing (and isolate the bag away from you and others), and shower thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention after officials indicate it is safe to leave shelter.
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