Amid fresh Kremlin warnings about deploying nuclear weapons against Britain, US government guidance outlines the essential survival kit and shelter actions Britons should take now to prepare for a potential strike.
Russia's nuclear threats over Ukraine
Moscow reacted with fury after learning that British-manufactured long-range drones were used in Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russian territory, and rapidly issued threats of reprisal.
The Russian Embassy in London warned in a statement on August 17: "The United Kingdom is acting as an accomplice and co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis."
"London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer ... The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support of Kiev's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay," the statement continued.
US survival kit and shelter advice
The United States government has published details of the survival kit required for a nuclear incident. It stressed you must get indoors as rapidly as possible and remain there, but you should also buy supplies for such an eventuality beforehand.
It said: "After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency."
It further advised storing items in airtight plastic bags and placing your "entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag."
Immediate action after a blast
The survival guide stated: "If warned of the possibility of a radiation hazard, immediately get inside the nearest building and move away from windows. Put as many walls between you and the outside to protect you from the radiation outside."
"Nuclear detonations are the most dangerous radiation emergency. It creates a large, deadly blast. If it detonates on the ground, the explosion can suck material up into the air and create dangerous, sand-like, radioactive particles called fallout."
"For a nuclear explosion, if you have warning, take cover from the blast behind anything that might offer protection. If you are outside, lie face down to protect exposed skin from the heat and flying debris. After the shockwave passes, go inside the nearest building as quickly as possible."
The crucial window to seek shelter is within the first 10 minutes following the explosion. The most suitable structure to seek refuge in is a multi-storey building or a basement. Underground car parks and subway stations can also offer adequate shelter. It is vital to remain indoors for the first 24 hours, after which radiation levels will drop significantly.
Full emergency kit checklist
Here is everything you will need in your emergency kit: water (4.5 litres per person per day), food (ideally non-perishable), a battery-powered radio, torch, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, mask, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape for shelter, wet wipes, bin bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene, wrench or pliers, manual can opener, local maps, and a portable battery charger for your phone.
For those wishing to be thoroughly prepared, consider adding: soap, hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces; prescription medications; non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhoea medication, antacids or laxatives; prescription glasses and contact lens solution; infant formula, bottles, nappies, wipes and nappy rash cream; pet food and extra water for your pet; cash; passports; a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; a complete change of clothing; fire extinguisher; matches in a waterproof container; feminine supplies and personal hygiene items; mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils; paper and pencil; and books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
