What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
While no one wants to entertain the thought of such a catastrophic event, it is essential to be prepared and informed in case an unstable world leader with excessive power veers in the wrong direction and sets off on this horrifying path.
So, in the event of a bomb detonation, what do you need to do to make it through? Experts emphasize the utmost importance of the first few minutes and hours following the blast, as they can greatly impact your chances of survival.
Explore the gallery to learn what steps to take, in the worst-case nuclear scenario.
The casualties caused by a weapon depend on its size, location of detonation, and the number of people exposed to the blast. A single nuclear weapon has the potential to cause hundreds of thousands of immediate fatalities in a large city. It is worth noting that Russia's nuclear arsenal is said to have the capability to target almost any location worldwide.
According to the US Disaster and Emergency website, a nuclear explosion is the result of a device that uses a nuclear reaction to create a blast. These devices vary in size, from small portable ones to those carried by large missiles. They have the potential to cause significant damage in multiple ways.
The intense light, the powerful shockwave, the harmful radiation affecting cells, the heat and flames causing harm and damage, the electromagnetic pulse disrupting electronics, and the radioactive particles and debris falling from the sky—known as fallout—are all threats associated with a nuclear explosion.
In an interview, Irwin Redlener, a disaster preparedness specialist at Columbia University, suggests that TV or radio would be the most reliable sources to receive information about a potential nuclear attack. Additionally, loud sirens would likely sound as an alert.
When a nuclear bomb strikes, it sets off an immense flash of light and a giant orange fireball.
To prevent temporary blindness caused by the light, it is advised to promptly shield your eyes. A 1-megaton bomb can cause temporary blindness for individuals as far as 13 miles (21 km) on a clear day and up to 53 miles (85 km) on a clear night.
Aside from seeking shelter behind anything that can provide protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals to lie low on the ground with their face down and place their hands beneath their body to shield themselves against flying objects and intense heat. Using a scarf to cover the nose and mouth can further safeguard against harm. You’ll also want to keep your mouth open to help ensure that your eardrums don’t burst from the pressure.
If you are in a vehicle when an explosion occurs, safely bring the vehicle to a stop and crouch down inside. It’s important that you don’t stay there for too long, however.
Survivors of a nuclear attack are said to have approximately 15 minutes until the grains of nuclear fallout settle on the ground. Contact with these particles can lead to radiation sickness, damaging the body's cells and posing a risk of potential fatality.
According to the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, the risk of radiation exposure decreases by 55% one hour following the explosion, and after 24 hours it's reduced by 80%. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly seek shelter.
Redlener suggests seeking shelter in the opposite direction to fallen buildings and in the direction away from the wind. If there are no nearby shelters, try to distance yourself from the blast within 10-15 minutes, then quickly find shelter to protect yourself from the radiation cloud.
Outdoor areas, vehicles, and mobile homes do not provide adequate shelter, the US government stresses. Instead, it's recommended to seek refuge in buildings made of brick or concrete, such as schools or offices. Ideally, choose a building with a basement for temporary habitation. In the absence of sturdy buildings, it is still advisable to find shelter indoors and away from windows.
When seeking shelter in a multistory building, try to stay in the center of it, especially if it has windows. If it does has windows, you should also avoid both the top and bottom floors. The force of shock waves can cause glass to break even 10 miles (16 km) from the explosion site,which is why it's important to stay as far away from these fixtures as possible.
The first 24 hours after a blast are crucial for reducing radiation exposure and are therefore critical for your health. While some levels of radiation damage are treatable, there is a point where nothing can be done.
If you were outdoors during the explosion or when the fallout arrived, it is crucial to remove all your contaminated clothing as quickly as possible. Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and carefully wipe the exposed skin clean—but avoid using disinfectant wipes on your skin.
As per CDC recommendations, it is advised to seal contaminated clothing, as well as any tissues or cloths used for body or face cleaning, in a plastic bag.
People who were outside during an explosion should shower as soon as they can afterwards. Use warm water and apply soap gently, as scrubbing to hard can break the skin, which serves as a natural protective barrier. Cover any cuts or abrasions while rinsing, and washing isn't possible, use a clean wet cloth to carefully wipe any exposed skin or hair.
Using products like conditioner, body lotion, or face cream after being exposed to a nuclear blast may cause the products to bind themselves to radioactive particles, then becoming trapped in your skin and hair.
Remember to blow your nose and clean areas where debris could get stuck, such as your ears and eyelids. Don't overlook your pets that were outdoors during the fallout; gently brush their fur and wash them with soap and water.
Eating food from securely sealed containers like packages, bottles, or cans, as well as items stored in sealed areas like your pantry or refrigerator, is considered safe. However, the CDC advises wiping down containers, cookware, countertops, and utensils before consumption. It is important to avoid consuming uncovered food, such as fruits or vegetables from a garden, because of their potential exposure to fallout.
Until you’re told to go outside, you should stay in your shelter for at least 24 hours so that the risk of contamination can sufficiently decrease.
In a shared shelter, it is important to maintain a minimum distance of six feet from individuals outside of your household. If possible, wear a mask if you're sheltering with people who are not a part of your household.
Although there may be a strong desire to swiftly reunite with loved ones, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that everyone remains unharmed and free from contamination during the initial 24 hours after an explosion. Following this timeframe, reuniting with friends and family carries a lower risk of harmful radiation exposure.
Make sure to keep your living area in the shelter clean. Take the necessary precautions by disinfecting items that are frequently touched, like toys, cell phones, and various surfaces. Try to minimize contact with high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, and maintain good hygiene by washing your hands regularly.
Though cell phones, television, and internet may be disrupted, it’s important to stay tuned in for official information, such as when it is safe to exit and where you should go. Battery-operated and hand-crank radios are a safe bet in an emergency nuclear situation.
While it is not advisable to constantly worry about catastrophe, it is important to take some precautions for unforeseen circumstances. One way to be prepared for worst-case scenarios is to familiarize yourself with potential safe places in the areas you frequent. Another measure you can take is assembling an Emergency Supply Kit, which may include items such as water, non-perishable food, medicines, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, and spare clothing.
In these challenging times, it is important to maintain connections with loved ones to help cope with stress and trauma. It is crucial to prioritize our mental well-being amidst numerous threats to our safety, even in the absence of a nuclear blast. Remember, you are not facing this alone.
Sources: (Insider) (CDC) (Marca) (Ready.gov)
See also: These are the world’s most powerful nuclear nations
How to stay safe immediately after a nuclear incident
How to navigate a nuclear detonation and stay alive
LIFESTYLE Nuclear war
As tensions rise between global nuclear powers, the possibility of a nuclear blast is becoming increasingly alarming. In a recent policy shift, Russia has significantly broadened its nuclear doctrine, outlining more scenarios under which it would employ nuclear weapons against adversaries. Additionally, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced the country’s intention to rapidly expand its nuclear arsenal, stating that the nation is pursuing an “exponential” increase in its nuclear weapons reserve.
While no one wants to entertain the thought of such a catastrophic event, it is essential to be prepared and informed in case an unstable world leader with excessive power veers in the wrong direction and sets off on this horrifying path.
So, in the event of a bomb detonation, what do you need to do to make it through? Experts emphasize the utmost importance of the first few minutes and hours following the blast, as they can greatly impact your chances of survival.
Explore the gallery to learn what steps to take, in the worst-case nuclear scenario.