How to Survive a Nuclear Attack

The Cold War ended over two decades ago, and many people have never lived under the
shadow of nuclear annihilation. Still, a nuclear attack is a very real threat. Global politics
are far from stable, and human nature has changed none in the last two decades. "The
most persistent sound which reverberates through man's history is the beating of war
drums".[1] As long as nuclear weapons exist, there is always the danger they will be used.

Is nuclear war survivable? Only predictions exist, as some say yes, others say no. For
some, especially those in large population centers, it may seem like an entirely futile
endeavor.[2] If it is survived at all, it will be by those who are mentally and logistically
prepared for such an event. What should you do? Where should you take shelter?

1
Keep an eye on the news. A nuclear attack will unlikely come out of the blue from an
enemy nation. Such an attack would likely be preceded by a deteriorating political
situation. A war with conventional weapons between nations that both have nuclear
weapons, if not ended swiftly, may escalate towards nuclear war; and even limited
nuclear strikes in one region carry the likelihood to escalate towards an all-out nuclear
war elsewhere.[3]

However, an unconventional nuclear attack by terrorists could come without warning.

Given the lack of a credible sovereign enemy, such attacks are very unlikely to escalate to
a full nuclear exchange.

Many countries have a rating system to denote the imminence of attack. In the USA and
Canada, for example, you should know the DEFCON (DEFense CONdition) level:

• DEFCON 5. Normal peacetime readiness

• DEFCON 4. Normal increased readiness, increased intelligence and national
security measures. (Cold War.)
• DEFCON 3. Increased force readiness above normal, American radio call-signs
are changed to classified call-signs. Air Force ready to mobilize in less than
15min.
• DEFCON 2. Increase in force readiness, just below maximum. All forces ready
to mobilize and deploy within 6hrs. (Declared only once during the Cuban Missile
Crisis.)
• DEFCON 1. Maximum force readiness; the use of nuclear weapons has been
authorized. This has never been used for the national condition, though at times
certain military units were placed at DEFCON 1, for certain conflicts. [4]

2
Learn about the different types of nuclear weapons.:

• Fission (A-Bombs) are the most basic nuclear weapon and are incorporated into
the other weapon classes. This bomb's power comes from splitting heavy nuclei
(plutonium and uranium) with neutrons; as the uranium or plutonium split each
 atom releases great amounts of energy - and more neutrons. The daughter
neutrons cause an extremely fast nuclear chain reaction.

Fission bombs are the only type of nuclear bomb used in war so far. The
development of fusion bombs has relegated the 'straight fission' bomb to history.
All weaponized nations now possess Fusion bombs.
• Fusion (H-Bombs), using the incredible heat of a fission bomb 'spark plug',
compress and heat deuterium and tritium (isotopes of hydrogen) which fuse,
releasing immense amounts of energy. Fusion weapons are also known as
thermonuclear weapons since high temperatures are required to fuse deuterium
and tritium; such weapons are usually many times more powerful than the bombs
that destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
• EMP Weapons. A nuclear weapon detonated at a very high altitude will generate
an electromagnetic pulse so powerful that it can destroy electronic and electrical
devices. Placing radios, flashlights in a SEALED metal container (a "Faraday
cage") may protect from EMP, providing the items being protected are not in
contact with the enclosure. The metal shield must surround the protected item
completely - and it helps if it is grounded.

The items to be protected should be insulated from the conductive shell, since the
EMP field washing over the shield can still induce voltages in solid state circuit
boards. A metalized "space blanket" (costing about $2.00 USD) wrapped securely
around a device wrapped in newspaper or cotton may act as an ineffective
Faraday shield, helpful if one is far from the blast.

Another method is to wrap a cardboard box copper, or aluminum foil. Place the
item in there and plug the device into the ground.
• Other Types. Nuclear science is kept secret for reasons of national security, so
this list is not neccessarily exhaustive. Outside of science fiction, real scientists
have speculated ways to create EMP weapons without nuclear blasts, create
Cobalt-Salted ("Neutron") bombs to increase immediate radiation presence, and
possibly other types.

3
Seek shelter immediately. Aside from the geopolitical warning signs, your first
warnings of an imminent nuclear attack will most likely be an alarm or warning signal; if
not, it will be the blast itself. The bright light from a detonation of a nuclear weapon can
be seen tens of miles away from ground zero. If within the vicinity of the blast (or ground
zero), your chances of survival are virtually nonexistent unless you are in a shelter that
provides a very (VERY) good blast protection. If you are a few miles out, you will have
about 10-15 seconds until the heat wave hits you, and maybe 20-30 seconds until the
shockwave does. Under no circumstances should you look directly at the fireball. On a
clear day, this can cause temporary blindness at very large distances.[5]

• If you can't find shelter, seek a depressed area nearby and lay face down, exposing
as little skin as possible. If there is no shelter of this kind, dig as fast as possible.
Even around 8 kilometers (5 miles) you will suffer third degree thermal-burns;
still at 32 kilometers (20 miles) the heat can burn the skin off your body. The
 wind itself will peak at around 960 kilometers per hour (600mph) and will level
anything or anybody caught in the open.
• Failing the above options, get indoors, if, and only if, you can be sure that the
building will not suffer significant blast and heat damage. This will, at least,
provide some protection against radiation. Whether this will be a viable option
depends on the construction of the building and how close you will be to the
likely ground zero of a nuclear strike. Stay well away from any windows,
preferably in a room without one; even if the building does not suffer substantial
damage, a nuclear explosion will blow out windows at enormous distances.[6]
• If residing in Switzerland or Finland, check if your home has an atomic shelter. If
not, determine where your village/town/district atomic shelter is and know how to
get there. Remember: anywhere in Switzerland, you'll be able to find an atomic
shelter. When the sirens sound in Switzerland, you are advised to inform those
who may not be able to hear it (e.g. the deaf) and then listen to the National Radio
Services (RSR, DRS and/or RTSI).
• Don't be surrounded by anything flammable or combustible. Substances like
nylon or any oil based material will ignite from the heat.

4
Remember: it's not the initial blast that creates the high death toll; it's radiation
exposure. There are two threats of radiation:

• Initial (prompt) radiation. This is radiation released at the moment of

detonation, and it is short-lived and travels short distances. With the large yields
of modern nuclear weapons, it is thought that this will kill few who would not be
killed by the blast or heat at the same distance.[7]
• Residual radiation. Known as radiation fallout. If the detonation was a surface
blast or the fireball hits the earth, large amounts of fallout occurs. The dust and
debris kicked into the atmosphere rains down, bringing with it dangerous amounts
of radiation. The fallout may rain down as contaminated black soot known as
"black rain," which is very fatal and may be of extreme temperature. Fallout will
contaminate anything it touches.

o Once you have survived the blast and the initial radiation (for now at least;
radiation symptoms have an incubation period), you must find protection
against the burning black soot.

5
Know the types of radiation particles. Before we continue, we should mention the three
different types:

• Alpha particles. These are the weakest and, during an attack, are virtually non-
existent as a threat. Alpha particles will survive for only a couple inches in the air
before they are absorbed by the atmosphere. They possess a minuscule threat
from the exterior, however, they will be fatal if ingested or inhaled. Standard
clothing will help protect you from Alpha particles.
• Beta particles: These are faster than Alpha particles and can penetrate further.
They will travel for up to 10 meters (10 yards) before they are absorbed into the
 atmosphere. Exposure to beta particles is not fatal unless exposed for prolonged
periods; which may cause "Beta burns," almost like painful sunburn. They pose a
serious threat, however, to the eyes, should they be exposed for a prolonged
period. Once again this is harmful if ingested or inhaled, and clothing will help
prevent Beta burns.
• Gamma Rays. Gamma Rays are the deadliest. They can travel for nearly a mile
in the air and penetrate just about any kind of shielding. Therefore gamma
radiation will cause severe damage to the internal organs even as an external
source. Sufficient shielding will be required.

o A shelter's PF against radiation will tell you how many times less a person
inside the shelter will receive radiation compared to open space. For
example, RPF 300 means that you will receive 300 times less radiation in
the shelter than in the open.
o Avoid exposure to Gamma radiation. Try not to spend more than 5
minutes exposed. If you are in a rural area, try finding a cave, or a fallen
log into which you can crawl. Otherwise just dig a trench to lie in, with
stacked earth around you.

6
Begin reinforcing your shelter from the inside by stacking dirt around the walls or
anything else you can find. If in a trench, then create a roof, but only if materials are
nearby; don't expose yourself when not necessary. Canvas from a parachute or tent will
help stop fallout debris from piling on you, though it will not stop Gamma rays. It is
impossible, at a very fundamental physical level, to completely shield from all radiation.
It can only be reduced to a tolerable level. Use the following to help you determine the
amount of material you'll need to reduce radiation penetration to 1/1000:[8]

• Steel: 21 cm (0.7 feet)

• Rock: 70-100 cm (2-3 ft)
• Concrete: 66 cm (2.2 ft)
• Wood: 2.6 m (8.8 ft)
• Soil: 1 m (3.3 ft)
• Ice: 2 m (6.6 ft)
• Snow: 6 m (20-22 ft)

7
Plan on staying in your shelter for a minimum of 200 hours (8-9 days). Under no
circumstances leave the shelter in the first forty-eight hours .[9]

8
Ration your supplies. You will need to ration to survive, obviously; therefore you will
eventually expose yourself to the radiation (unless you are in a specific shelter with food
and water).

• Processed foods are okay to eat, so long as the container has no punctures and is
relatively intact.
 • Animals may be eaten but, they must be skinned carefully with the heart, liver and
kidneys discarded. Try not to eat meat that is close to the bone, for bone marrow
retains radiation.

o How to Eat Dove or Pigeon

o How to Eat Wild Rabbit
• Plants in a "hot zone" are edible; those with edible roots or undergrowth (carrots,
potatoes...) are highly recommended. Use an edibility test on the plants. See How
to Test if a Plant Is Edible.
• Open water may have received fallout particles and is harmful. Water from an
underground source, such as a spring or covered well, is your best bet. (Consider
making a basic pit-style solar still, as described in How to Make Water in the
Desert.) Use water from streams and lakes only as a last resort. Create a filter by
digging a hole about 1ft from the bank and drawing the water which seeps in. It
may be cloudy or muddy so allow the sediments to sit, then boil the water to
ensure safety from bacteria. If in a building, the water is usually safe. If there is
no water (there most likely won't be), use the water already in the pipes by
opening the faucet at the highest point of the house to let in air, then open a faucet
at the lowest point of the house to drain the water.

9
Wear all clothing (hats, gloves, goggles, closed sleeve shirt, etc.), especially when
outside to help prevent Beta burns. Decontaminate by shaking your clothes constantly
and washing, with water, any exposed skin; settled residue will eventually cause burns.

10
Treat radiation and thermal burns.

• Minor Burn. Also known as a Beta burn (though it may be from other particles).
Immerse Beta burns in cold water until the pain subsides (usually 5 minutes).

o If skin starts to blister, char or break; wash it with cold water to remove
contaminants, then cover with a sterile compress to prevent infection. Do
not break the blisters!
o If the skin does not blister, char or break; don't cover it, even if it covers a
large portion of the body (almost like sunburn). Instead, wash the area and
cover it with Vaseline or a solution of baking powder and water if
available. But, moist (uncontaminated) earth will do.
• Severe Burn. Known as a thermal burn, as it comes mostly from the high
intensity blast heat, rather than ionizing particles, though it can be from the latter.
This can be life threatening; everything becomes a factor: water loss, shock, lung
damage, infection, etc. Follow these steps to treat a severe burn.

o Protect burns from further contamination.

o If clothing covers the burn area, gently cut and remove the cloth from the
burn. DO NOT try to remove cloth which has stuck or fused onto the
burn. DO NOT try to pull clothes over the burn. DO NOT put any
ointment on the burn.
o Gently wash the burned area with water ONLY.
 o Put a sterile dressing over the burnt area. In a mass casualty situation, a
clean sheet may be used instead.
o Prevent shock. Shock is the inadequate flow of blood to the vital tissues
and organs. If untreated, it can be fatal. Shock results from excessive
blood loss, deep burns, or reactions to the sight of a wound or blood. The
signs are restlessness, thirst, pale skin and rapid heartbeat. Sweating may
occur even if the skin feels cool and clammy. As it worsens, they breathe
short fast gasps, with a vacant stare. To treat: maintain proper heartbeat
and respiration by massaging the chest and positioning the person for
adequate respiration. Loosen any constrictive clothing and reassure the
person. Be firm yet gentle with self confidence.

11
Feel free to assist people with radiation sickness, also called Radiation Syndrome.
This is not contagious, and everything depends on the amount of radiation one recieved.
Here is a condensed version of the table:

• Less than 5 REM. No visible symptoms.

• 5-50 REM. REM = Roentgen equivalent man. 1 REM = ~1 Roentgen.
Temporarily decreased red blood cell count.
• 50-100 REM. Decreased production of immunity cells; susceptible to infections;
nausea, headache, and vomiting may be common. This amount of radiation is
usually survivable without any medical treatment-
• 150-300 REM. 35% percent of exposed die within 30 days. (LD 35/30) Nausea,
vomiting, and loss of hair all over the body.
• 300-400 REM Severe radiation poisoning, 50% fatality after 30 days (LD 50/30).
Other symptoms are similar to the 2–3 Sv dose, with uncontrollable bleeding in
the mouth, under the skin and in the kidneys (50% probability at 4 Sv) after the
latent phase.
• 400-600 REM Acute radiation poisoning, 60% fatality after 30 days (LD 60/30).
Fatality increases from 60% at 4.5 Sv to 90% at 6 Sv (unless there is intense
medical care). Symptoms start half an hour to two hours after irradiation and last
for up to 2 days. After that, there is a 7 to 14 day latent phase, after which
generally the same symptoms appear as with 3-4 Sv irradiations, with increased
intensity. Female sterility is common at this point. Convalescence takes several
months to a year. The primary causes of death (in general 2 to 12 weeks after
irradiation) are infections and internal bleeding.
• 600-1000 REM Acute radiation poisoning, near 100% fatality after 14 days (LD
100/14). Survival depends on intense medical care. Bone marrow is nearly or
completely destroyed, so a bone marrow transplant is required. Gastric and
intestinal tissue are severely damaged. Symptoms start 15 to 30 minutes after
irradiation and last for up to 2 days. Subsequently, there is a 5 to 10 day latent
phase, after which the person dies of infection or internal bleeding. Recovery
would take several years and probably never complete. Devair Alves Ferreira
received a dose of approximately 7.0 Sv (700 REM) during the Goiânia accident
and survived, partially due to his fractionated exposure.
• 1200-2000 REM. Death is 100% at this stage; symptoms appear immediately.
The gastrointestinal system is completely destroyed. Uncontrollable bleeding
 from the mouth, under the skin and the kidneys occurs. Fatigue and general illness
takes its toll. Symptoms are the same as before with increased intensity. Recovery
not possible.
• More than 2000 REM. The same symptoms set in instantly, with increased
intensity, then cease for several days in the "walking ghost" phase. Suddenly,
gastrointestinal cells are destroyed, with a loss of water and excessive bleeding.
Death begins with delirium and insanity. When the brain can't control bodily
functions like breathing or blood-circulation, one dies. No medical therapy can
reverse this; medical help is for comfort only.
• Unfortunately, you have to accept that a person may soon die. Though harsh,
don't waste rations or supplies on those dying of radiation sickness. Keep rations
for the fit and healthy, should supplies be in demand. Radiation sickness is
prevalent among the very young, the old or sick.

 12
Most likely, a nuclear attack will not be a singular event. Be prepared for another
strike or strikes by enemy nations, or an invasion by the attacking party.

 13
Be prepared for another blast. Keep your shelter intact, unless the materials used
are absolutely necessary for survival. Collect any excess clean water and food that is
available.

• However, if the attacking nation does attack again, it will likely be in another
part of the country. If all else fails, live in a cave.

Warnings

• Do not expose yourself. It is uncertain how many roentgens a person can receive
without having radiation sickness. Normally, it takes 100-150 roentgens to get a
mild sickness which is survivable. Even if you don't die of radiation sickness, you
can still get cancer later.
• Know if there is a retaliatory attack or a second detonation in your area. If so, you
must wait another 200 hours (8-9 days) from the last detonation.
• Even after it is safe to leave the shelter, local law and the federal government will
be in crisis mode. Incidents of chaos and anarchy may occur, so remain hidden
until it is safe or the federal/local enforcement seizes power and seeks stability.
Generally speaking, if you see tanks, some type of order has been restored.
• Do not drink, eat, or allow object-to-body contact with any plant, stream water or
metallic object found in an unknown area.
• Never lose your cool, especially if you are in charge. This is important in
maintaining a high level of morale amongst others, which is essential in such dire
situations.
• Take the time to learn all you can about this emergency. Every minute spent
learning "what to do, and what is safe" will save you valuable time when the need
for it arises. To depend on hope & luck in a situation like this is foolhardy.