With tensions high between world powers, the threat of nuclear war is a scary possibility. While there are no guarantees of safety during a full-scale nuclear exchange, experts agree there are some places that offer better chances of survival than others.
Underground Bunkers
Purpose-built underground bunkers and facilities offer the best protection from both the initial blast and radioactive fallout that follows. Bunkers built by governments and militaries are designed to withstand a nearby nuclear blast and feature air filtration systems, stockpiles of food/water, and other amenities for extended stays. Unfortunately, access to these facilities is extremely limited for most civilians.
Basements
For those without access to purpose-built bunkers, the best option is likely the lowest level of a multi-story, reinforced concrete building, preferably a basement. The soil and multiple levels above provide shielding from initial radiation, and the concrete helps prevent contamination from fallout. Basements in apartment blocks or offices are better than in detached homes.
Subways & Tunnels
Subways, tunnels, parking garages, and other underground structures can also provide effective shielding from radiation. The larger, deeper, and more shielded from above ground the structure is, the better. It’s best to remain in the deepest parts of these structures and away from entrances. Ventilation systems should be shut down if possible.
Inner Rooms
For those above ground, the goal is to put as much dense material between you and outside as possible. Inner rooms like bathrooms, closets, and basements are better than outer rooms. The more walls between you and outside the better. Buildings with thick concrete and brick rather than wood offer the best protection.
Choose Location Carefully
If caught away from home during an attack, experts recommend seeking the strongest shelter possible, ideally a purpose-built fallout shelter or the basement of a large multi-story building away from windows. Avoid shelters with large unsupported roofs like auditoriums, as they may collapse from blast pressure. All shelter types should have doors, ventilation openings, and other penetrations sealed up as much as possible.
Distance from Targets
While complete avoidance of blast and radiation effects is nearly impossible in a major nuclear war, increasing distance from probable targets reduces exposure. Military bases, major cities, infrastructure, and strategic resources are likely targets. Being located in rural areas away from probable ground zeros improves survival chances.
Go Below Ground
Staying below ground as much as possible in the first weeks after an attack is crucial to avoiding radiation exposure from fallout. Dangerous fallout radiation levels can persist for up to 2 weeks. Heavy shielding underground is the best way to avoid this radiation.
Have Reserve Supplies
Nuclear attacks may cripple essential services and supply chains. Having at least 2 weeks of reserves of water, food, medicine, and other supplies allows sheltering in place while dangerous radiation dissipates. Items like radiation detection meters, breathing masks, plastic sheeting, and battery operated radios are also useful gear to have on hand.
Distance from Other Survivors
While sheltering with a group improves morale and security, limiting this group as much as possible reduces competition for resources and exposure to radiation or illness. As fallout radiation dissipates after 2 weeks, larger groups can better consolidate resources in the post-attack environment.
Be Ready to Shelter for Weeks
Emerging prematurely from shelter risks radiation exposure, especially in the first weeks after an attack. Experts strongly recommend staying sheltered for at least 2 weeks to allow for dangerous fallout radiation to decay before attempting to evacuate or acquire supplies.
Know the Signs of Radiation Sickness
The main risk after surviving initial blasts is radiation exposure, either from fallout or proximity to ground zeros. Knowing the symptoms of radiation sickness allows quick detection and treatment. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, skin burns, and hair loss.
Have Potassium Iodide
Taking potassium iodide pills before or immediately after radiation exposure can help prevent thyroid cancer by blocking the body from absorbing radioactive iodine. Having an appropriate supply of these pills is recommended for anyone at risk of radiation exposure.
Be Prepared to Treat Radiation Burns
Covering up skin and wearing clothing can help prevent radiation burns. For those exposed, treat burns like other severe burns by washing with soap and water, removing dead skin, and using antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
Filter Water Supplies
Radioactive fallout particles can contaminate water supplies. Boiling or filtering water using devices like reverse osmosis filters or charcoal filters can remove dangerous radioactive particles and make water safe to drink.
Have Backup Communications
Primary communications infrastructure is likely to be severely damaged in a nuclear attack. Having backup options like emergency radios, ham radios, and satellite phones allow contacting emergency services and learning critical post-attack information.
Be Ready to Bug Out
If sheltering in place becomes untenable due to supply shortages, radiation exposure, or other threats, being ready to evacuate by vehicle or on foot improves chances of survival. Planning backup evacuation routes and supplies helps avoid being stranded.
Conclusion
While the destructive power of nuclear weapons means total avoidance of harm is nearly impossible, experts agree that underground shelters, distance from ground zeros, supplies, radiation preparation, and planning can significantly improve the chances of surviving a nuclear conflict. No one location is guaranteed to be safe from nuclear war, but using the guidelines above can give you and your loved ones a fighting chance.