Radiation from a thermonuclear blast is different in that if you were to survive a nuclear blast or attack there are certain important factors to consider in terms of preparedness and survivability. A nuclear blast can produce a shock wave that can travel at a velocity almost as fast as the speed of sound and depending on the burst altitude and, more importantly, the explosive yield of the weapon, a blast radius can reach a circumference of of 60 miles or more.
Of course it helps if you happen to have an underground bunker or shelter or if your house is made entirely of concrete walls, but honestly, how many of us have that? Here are some helpful key points or advice to consider:
- Distance is better. The further you are from the center the better chance of surviving. Also stay close to ground level. Avoid being on anything but ground level floors.
- Depending on elevation and wind speed a blast wave can hit you in mere seconds so reaction time is crucial. Stay indoors. Look for a room in the house or wherever you may be that, in your best judgement, think stands a fair chance of holding up against a concussion blast. Basements are always better but if your house doesn't have that choose a room with the least windows as long as it is in the ground floor.
- Once you got that settled there a handful of items you must prepare or have with you when the time does come. This is not a thorough or complete list but it does entail the most important items you will be needing:
- Drinking Water. You need at least a liter of water per family member per day and you need to multiply that by 3 because you might have to be "bunked in" for at least 3 days.
- Antibiotics, wound dressings, a good tourniquet, burn lotion or salves. Make or avail of a First Aid Kit.
- Flashlight, Flares, a Whistle.
- A fully charged cellphone ( or two)
- Important documents and ID's. Make a note of your blood type and every family member's blood type as well.
- Warm blankets and toiletries.
- Food, Honey, Beans, Dried Meats, Canned goods. MRE's
- Supplements that are high in antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin D.
- A working transistor radio to listen in on emergency broadcasts.
- Shampoos and soaps to wash off parts of your body you think may have been exposed to radiation. Remember that if you go out you get exposed immediately.
Try to resist the urge to go out unless you really have to because radiation levels vary depending on the materials which absorb them. The most important thing for you to do is to stay put and utilize your survival skills along with common sense to increase your chance of survival. Garlic, Onions, Green Juice, Apples, Beets, and even Papayas are foods that are high in anti-oxidant properties to try to cope with radiation damage but realistically speaking you probably will not have these around or even have time to gather them. Try to stock up on MRE's ( Meals-Ready to-Eat). Always hydrate and supplement. Also, know that your house is made of materials that can absorb or shield against radiation. Bottom line is you will have some degree of exposure even in the best or optimal settings.
Remember that there is no real ideal model for surviving through a nuclear threat. Preparedness and a working knowledge can mean the difference between survival and demise. Let's hope and pray we never have to go through one.
