The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has issued guidance explaining exactly what individuals should do within the first 10 minutes of a nuclear attack. These crucial steps could be the difference between life and death.
First 10 minutes after a nuclear attack
Stating the 'scientifically supported advice could be lifesaving', ICRP guidance explains that a nuclear detonation, be it from a missile or small portable device, has the ability to produce mass casualties. The organisation says that an 'adequate and appropriate response' to a nuclear alert or detonation has the 'ability to protect you and your family’s health and life'.
The guidance clearly states: “The best way to protect you and your family before, during, and after a nuclear blast is getting inside the centre of a building or basement.” The issued guidance notes that in the first 10 minutes after a nuclear attack, it’s crucial to 'go inside and stay inside'.
Real-life example from Hiroshima
ICRP further explains: “The best thing you can do after a nuclear detonation is go inside. Get inside the center of a building or basement to put as much material between you and the radioactive material outside.”
Adding an incredible, albeit tragic, real-life example, the ICRP shares: “On August 6, 1945, Mr Eizo Nomura was in the basement of a building in Hiroshima, about 170 meters from ground zero. He survived the atomic bombing and died in 1982 at the age of 84. Most people within a few hundred metres of a nuclear detonation are not likely to survive, especially if unprepared.”
Shelter before fallout arrives
Another vital step to take within the first 10 minutes of a nuclear attack or blast is to: “Be inside before the fallout arrives.” ICRP says: “After a detonation, you will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter before fallout arrives. If a multi-story building or a basement can be safely reached within a few minutes of the explosion, go there immediately.”
According to the scientifically-backed radiological guidance, the safest buildings to shelter in immediately after a nuclear attack are the ones which have brick or concrete walls. The radiological prevention organisation adds: “Underground parking garages and subways can also provide good shelter.”
