British residents are being urged to follow five essential actions within the first 24 hours of a nuclear attack on the UK to maximise their chances of survival. The guidance, issued by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), covers immediate steps such as removing contaminated clothing and sheltering indoors.
Immediate decontamination steps
If exposure to fallout from a nuclear strike is suspected, the outer layers of any contaminated clothing and footwear should be removed immediately. Exposed skin and hair must be wiped down or thoroughly washed. Fallout refers to the radioactive particles that descend from the atmosphere following a nuclear blast.
For pet owners, the ICRP advises: "Any potentially contaminated pets should be brushed in a room away from where people are sheltered and washed if possible." It is also safe to consume food, drink, and medicine already stored in shops or within a shelter.
Stay indoors and tune in
Another crucial measure is to tune in to any available media, including AM or FM stations, using a battery-powered radio. This allows survivors to listen for fresh instructions on what actions to take after the catastrophe.
The ICRP further recommends: "Stay inside unless instructed otherwise. The danger from fallout will decrease rapidly. Remain in the most protective location (basement or centre of a large building) for the first 12 - 24 hours unless threatened by an immediate hazard (e.g., fire, gas leak, building collapse, or serious injury) or informed by authorities that it is safe to leave."
Avoid self-evacuation
Those considering self-evacuation are firmly advised against it. The ICRP states: "Self-evacuation is strongly discouraged until hazardous fallout areas have been identified and safe evacuation routes established."
The guidance also notes that in various regions, essential workers may be permitted to leave protective shelters for brief periods to carry out critical support and life-saving activities. After 24 hours, outdoor radiation levels will have dropped considerably, though protective measures in the locality may still be necessary.
