Surviving a Nuclear Explosion – Part 3

In the 2nd part of our “Surviving a Nuclear Explosion” series, we covered the astounding aftereffects of a nuclear explosion.

We learned how radioactive fireballs can be created instantly upon the detonation of a nuclear weapon and how tons upon tons of earth can easily be displaced by such an explosion to create radioactive fallout.

In our 3rd and last post for this series, we are going to discuss the essential guidelines that will help you deal with the immediate aftermath of a nuclear explosion.

I will also be sharing with you some excellent tips on how to prepare for a possible nuclear explosion so that you can keep your family relatively safe and well afterward.

How can you prepare your family for a nuclear-related emergency?

Your chances of survival depend on how much preparation you’re willing to carry out in the name of disaster preparedness.

What is the first step?

If you’ve read our entire series on nuclear explosions, you’ve already begun fulfilling the first requirement of disaster preparedness which is be aware.

Knowing what you’re up against is important especially if you’re dealing with manmade disasters like nuclear incidents. Knowing what to expect can also help you negotiate risky situations such as going out into the open or travelling into areas that are nearest the nuclear blasts.

Nuclear Blast Guidelines

Below are several emergency preparations that you need to carry out in order to be fully equipped in the event of a nuclear emergency.

Stock Sufficient Disaster Supplies – Aim to stock 30 days worth of food and clean water first. Store your food and water in durable containers that can be covered tightly.

Here are some additional supplies and equipment that you will definitely need if you’re holed up in a nuclear shelter or bunker in the basement:

Kerosene stove & kerosene
Lighters and matches
Disposable plates, cups and eating utensils
Battery operated radio
Battery operated flashlights and lamps
Two-way radio (optional but extremely useful in communicating with local law enforcement and emergency personnel)
Generous supply of batteries for your battery-operated devices
Sharp carving knife
Collection of compact carpentry, electrical and mechanist tools
Plastic bags for different purposes
A large roll of durable string
Thick rope
At least one large fire extinguisher that can handle gas, electrical and ordinary fires.
Tissue paper and paper towel rolls

Be Prepared to Put Out Fires – There is an overwhelmingly common belief that once a nuclear bomb goes off, everything is going to be burned and pulverized right down to the last molecule.

This type of destruction only happens in movies. In reality, the widespread destruction caused by a nuclear explosion is actually due to fires starting in different locations all at once.

Nuclear fallout doesn’t directly cause the mass damage and uncontrollable fires associated with a blast – it’s the shockwave and immense heat that you have to be really careful about. As for the radioactive fallout, that won’t even come for another 30 to 40 minutes after an actual blast.

In the event that you live within the effective blast radius of a nuclear explosion, focus on keeping everyone safe and putting out fires inside your home. Heat from a nuclear blast is of course invisible but it doesn’t mean that it can’t cause fires. Curtains, wooden furniture, office supplies – these are just some of the things that can easily catch fire.
Familiarize Yourself with First Aid and Basic Home Nursing

Due to the extreme nature of manmade disasters like nuclear blasts, physical injuries are exceedingly common and everyone living/working within the effective radius of a nuclear explosion is at risk.

Knowing first aid is essential to the survival of your loved ones, should they experience burns and other injuries after a blast. Below are some skills that you should learn/acquire in preparation for disasters:

Caring for an unconscious individual
Transporting injured persons
Basic wound care (including cleaning/disinfection and application of proper dressings)
Caring for bone injuries or fractures
Caring for infants, children and seniors
Emotional counseling and psychological support for victims of disasters
Care for individuals that may have been exposed to high levels of radiation.
Proper removal of radioactive materials from clothes and the body

These are just some of the essential skills that are absolutely vital for your family’s survival in the aftermath of a nuclear explosion. Try to read survival manuals or attend first aid seminars to learn more about these skills.