Nuclear war what to do. How to survive after a nuclear war

Affecting factors nuclear weapons

Nuclear weapons have five main damaging factors. The distribution of energy between them depends on the type and conditions of the explosion. The impact of these factors also differs in form and duration (contamination of the area has the longest impact).

shock wave. A shock wave is a region of sharp compression of the medium, propagating in the form of a spherical layer from the explosion site at supersonic speed. Shock waves are classified depending on the propagation medium. The shock wave in the air arises due to the transfer of compression and expansion of air layers. With increasing distance from the place of explosion, the wave weakens and turns into an ordinary acoustic wave. When a wave passes through a given point in space, it causes changes in pressure, characterized by the presence of two phases: compression and expansion. The contraction period begins immediately and lasts a relatively short time compared to the expansion period. Destructive action shock wave characterize the excess pressure in its front (front boundary), the pressure of the velocity head, and the duration of the compression phase. A shock wave in water differs from an air one in the values of its characteristics (high overpressure and shorter exposure time). The shock wave in the ground, when moving away from the explosion site, becomes similar to seismic wave. The impact of the shock wave on people and animals can lead to direct or indirect injuries. It is characterized by light, medium, severe and extremely severe injuries and injuries. The mechanical impact of a shock wave is estimated by the degree of destruction caused by the action of the wave (weak, medium, strong and complete destruction are distinguished). Energy, industrial and municipal equipment as a result of the impact of a shock wave can receive damage, also assessed by their severity (weak, medium and severe). The impact of the shock wave can also cause damage Vehicle, waterworks, forests. As a rule, the damage caused by the impact of the shock wave is very large; it is applied both to people's health and to various structures, equipment, etc.

Light emission. It is a combination of the visible spectrum and infrared and ultraviolet rays. The luminous area of a nuclear explosion is characterized by a very high temperature. The damaging effect is characterized by the power of the light pulse. The impact of radiation on people causes direct or indirect burns, divided by severity, temporary blindness, retinal burns. Clothing protects against burns, so they are more likely to occur in open areas of the body. Fires at facilities are also a major hazard. National economy, in forest areas, resulting from the combined effect of light radiation and a shock wave. Another factor in the impact of light radiation is the thermal effect on materials. Its character is determined by many characteristics of both radiation and the object itself.

penetrating radiation. This is gamma radiation and the flux of neutrons emitted in environment. Its exposure time does not exceed 10-15 s. The main characteristics of radiation are the flux and flux density of particles, the dose and dose rate of radiation. The severity of radiation injury mainly depends on the absorbed dose. When propagating in a medium, ionizing radiation changes it physical structure by ionizing the atoms of matter. When exposed to penetrating radiation, people can experience radiation sickness of varying degrees (the most severe forms usually end in death). Radiation damage can also be applied to materials (changes in their structure can be irreversible). Materials with protective properties are actively used in the construction of protective structures.

electromagnetic impulse. A set of short-term electric and magnetic fields arising from the interaction of gamma and neutron radiation with atoms and molecules of the medium. The impulse does not directly affect a person, the objects of his defeat are all bodies conducting electric current: communication lines, power lines, metal structures, etc. The result of the impact of the pulse may be the failure of various devices and structures that conduct current, damage to the health of people working with unprotected equipment. Especially dangerous is the impact of an electromagnetic pulse on equipment that is not equipped with special protection. Protection may include various "add-ons" to wire and cable systems, electromagnetic shielding etc.

Radioactive contamination of the area. occurs as a result of the fallout of radioactive substances from the cloud of a nuclear explosion. This is a defeat factor that has the longest effect (tens of years), acting on a huge area. The radiation of falling radioactive substances consists of alpha, beta and gamma rays. The most dangerous are beta and gamma rays. A nuclear explosion produces a cloud that can be carried by the wind. Fallout of radioactive substances occurs in the first 10-20 hours after the explosion. The scale and degree of contamination depend on the characteristics of the explosion, the surface, meteorological conditions. As a rule, the area of the radioactive trace has the shape of an ellipse, and the extent of contamination decreases with distance from the end of the ellipse where the explosion occurred. Depending on the degree of infection and possible consequences external exposure allocate zones of moderate, strong, dangerous and extremely dangerous contamination. The damaging effect is mainly beta particles and gamma radiation. Especially dangerous is the ingress of radioactive substances into the body. The main way to protect the population is isolation from external exposure to radiation and the exclusion of radioactive substances from entering the body. It is advisable to shelter people in shelters and anti-radiation shelters, as well as in buildings whose design weakens the effect of gamma radiation. Personal protective equipment is also used.
Protective structures and actions to take shelter in them

Protective structures are structures specially designed to protect people, in particular, from the effects of the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion. They are divided into shelters and anti-radiation shelters (PRU), as well as the simplest shelters - cracks. In the event of a sudden attack, the shelters and the PRU can be adapted to suit the characteristics of the premises. Shelters provide reliable protection for people sheltering in them from the effects of all the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion. People can be in them long time. Reliability of protection is achieved due to the strength of structures, the creation of normal sanitary and hygienic conditions. Shelters can be built-in and free-standing (built-in are the most common). Anti-radiation shelters protect people from external gamma radiation and direct contact with radioactive substances on the skin, from light radiation and shock waves. The protective properties of the PRU depend on the attenuation coefficient, which shows how much the radiation level in the open area is greater than the radiation level in the shelter. The basement and basement rooms of buildings with a high attenuation coefficient are often adapted under the PRU. In the PRU, conditions must be created for the normal life of the sheltered people (appropriate sanitary and hygienic conditions, etc.). The simplest shelters - cracks, of course, provide much less protection from the effects of damaging factors. The use of slots, as a rule, is also accompanied by the use of personal protective equipment. Work to bring protective structures to readiness is carried out under the leadership of the headquarters of the civil defense, their compliance with established standards is checked. The rules and procedures for people to take shelter in protective structures are established by the civil defense headquarters.
Individual protection means

Means of protection of respiratory organs. These include gas masks, respirators, cotton-gauze bandages and anti-dust fabric masks. These funds provide respiratory protection from harmful impurities and radioactive substances contained in the air.

Skin protection products. There is an urgent need in nuclear contamination to protect everything skin person. Skin protection products are divided according to the principle of action into insulating and filtering. They provide full skin protection against alpha particles and weaken light emission nuclear explosion.

Medical protective equipment is used to reduce the impact of factors of damage on the human body and prevent undesirable consequences this impact (radioprotective agents from an individual first-aid kit).
Nuclear explosion and radioactive contamination

The effects that accompany nuclear explosions are deadly - blinding light, intense heat (thermal radiation), primary radiation, explosion, fire caused by a thermal pulse, and secondary fires caused by destruction. A nuclear explosion produces radioactive particles called fallout, which can be carried by the wind for hundreds of miles.

The use by terrorists of a Radiation Dissemination Device (RDD, often referred to as a "dirty nuclear bomb" or " dirty bomb is considered more likely than the use of nuclear weapons. This weapon is a combination of regular explosives and radioactive materials and is designed to spread lethal and near-lethal amounts of radiation over a wide area. Terrorists like these radioactive weapons because, compared to nuclear weapons, they require almost no technical skills to assemble and use. In addition, the radioactive materials used in it are widely used in medicine, agriculture, industry and research, and much more accessible than uranium or plutonium-level substances.

The use of nuclear weapons by terrorists is very likely to be limited to one rather small "suitcase". The power of such a weapon is roughly equivalent to the range of the bombs used in World War II. The nature of the impact would be similar to that of a weapon delivered on an intercontinental missile, but the radius and force would be much more limited.

Find out how far in advance the warning will be before terrorist act, does not seem possible. The possibility of a sudden attack is not ruled out.

The danger of a massive strategic nuclear attack from large quantity weapons with the end of the Cold War has declined. However, states with nuclear programs have supported some terrorists.

In the event of a threat of attack from a hostile country, people living near potential targets will be warned to evacuate or may choose to leave for a location not considered a likely target.

In general, potential targets are:
Location of strategic weapons and military bases.
Government centers, such as the capital of the country, and the capitals of the regions.
Important transport and communication nodes.
Manufacturing, industrial, technological and financial centers.
Oil refineries, power plants and chemical plants.
major ports and airports.

In a nuclear attack, shelter is absolutely essential. There are two types of shelter - from the explosion and from radioactive fallout. A blast shelter provides some protection against blast pressure, initial radiation, heat, and fire, but even such a shelter would not survive a direct nuclear strike. Fallout shelters do not have to be specially constructed. This can be any sheltered location, as long as the walls and ceiling are thick and dense enough to absorb the radiation given off by the fallout particles. The three protective factors of a rain shelter are reflection, distance, and time.
Reflection. The heavier and denser materials- thick walls, concrete, bricks, books and earth - between you and particles of precipitation, the better.
Distance. The more distance between you and the radioactive particles, the better. An underground area, such as the basement of a house or office building, will provide better protection than the ground floor. Floor in the center high-rise building may be better, depending on what is nearby at this level, and on which significant particles of precipitation will accumulate. Particles collect flat roofs, so the top floor is not suitable, nor is the floor adjacent to the flat roof of an adjacent building.
Time. The level of precipitation radiation falls relatively quickly. After a while, you will be able to leave the shelter. Fallout is most dangerous to humans during the first two weeks, during which time the radiation level drops to about 1-3%.

Remember, any protection, no matter how temporary, is better than none at all, and the more reflection, distance and time you can use, the better.
electromagnetic pulse

In addition to other effects, the explosion nuclear bomb in the atmosphere or above the earth's atmosphere can create an electromagnetic pulse (EI), an electric field high density. EI is similar to a lightning strike, but stronger, faster, and shorter. EI can damage electronic structures connected to power sources or antennas, including communication systems, computers, electrical devices and the ignition system of a car or aircraft. Damage can range from a minor glitch to burning components. Most of the electronic equipment within a 1,000 mile radius of a high-altitude nuclear explosion could be affected. Battery operated radios with short antennas generally do not fail. While it is unlikely that human beings will be harmed by EI, the pulse may be harmful to people with pacemakers or other built-in electronic equipment.
How to prepare for a nuclear explosion or radioactive contamination

1. Listen to alerts and all alerts in your community. You need to know what these signals are, what they mean, how they are used, and what you should do if you hear them.

2. Collect and keep ready a set of items needed in emergency with food, water, medicines, fuel and personal belongings. The stock should last up to 2 weeks - the more the better.

3. Find out which public buildings in your community may have been fallout shelters. They may have been built many years ago, so start there and find out which buildings are still in use and can be reused as shelter.
Call your local emergency management office.
Look for black and yellow radiation shelter signs on public buildings. Note: With the end of the Cold War, many signs were removed from specially designed buildings.
If no official shelters have been built, or you haven't been able to find them, make your list of potential shelters near your home, workplace, and school: a basement or a windowless room on the central floors of a high-rise building, as well as subways and tunnels.
Give your family clear instructions on where radiation shelters are located and what actions to take in the event of an attack.

4. If you live in an apartment building or high-rise, discuss with the manager the safest place in the building for shelter and how to maintain the livelihoods of residents until it is safe to go outside.

5. In suburban and rural areas not many public hiding places. If you want to build a shelter yourself, consider the following features.
The best place to hide from radioactive fallout is a basement or underground room. Often only minor changes are enough, especially if your house has two or more floors, and the basement - or one of its corners - goes underground.
AT Peaceful time radiation shelters can be used as warehouses, but only if the things stored there can be quickly removed. (When putting things away, dense heavy objects can be used to enhance the reflection.)
A windproof room can be used as a shelter in case of a nuclear explosion or to protect against radiation, especially in a house without a basement.
Items needed to stay in the hideout do not have to be stored until you can quickly transfer them to the shelter.

6. Find out about your community's evacuation plans. Plans may include escape routes, evacuation locations, public address systems, and provision of transportation for those who do not have cars and for people with special needs.

7. Obtain other emergency preparedness booklets you need.
What to do during a nuclear explosion or radiation contamination

1. Do not look at the flash or fire ball- you can go blind.

2. If you hear an attack warning:
Take cover ASAP, UNDERGROUND IF POSSIBLE, and don't come out until you've received other instructions.
If you are outside at this time and cannot immediately enter the premises, take cover behind any object that may offer protection. Lie flat on the ground and cover your head.
If the explosion occurred at some distance, the blast wave may take 30 seconds or more to reach you.

3. Protect yourself from radioactive fallout. If you are close enough to see a blinding flash or a nuclear explosion, the fallout will appear in about 20 minutes. Take cover, even if you are several miles away from the epicenter - the wind can carry radioactive particles hundreds of miles. Don't forget the three protective factors: reflection, distance, and time.

4. Keep a battery-operated radio with you and listen to official announcements. Follow the instructions you receive. The instructions of the local authorities must always be followed first: they know the situation better on the ground.
What to do after a nuclear explosion or radiation contamination

In a public or home shelter:

1. Do not leave shelters until officials say it is safe. Once out of hiding, follow their instructions.

2. In a special radiation shelter, do not go out until local authorities they will not say that it is possible or desirable to go out. The length of your stay can vary from one day to two to four weeks.
Contamination from a radiation spreading device can cover a wide area, depending on the amount of conventional explosives used, radioactive material, and atmospheric conditions.
A nuclear device - a "suitcase" of a terrorist, blown up on the ground or near the surface of the earth, will drag soil and debris into an explosion cloud and produce a large number of radioactive fallout.
A nuclear weapon delivered by a missile from a hostile country is likely to produce a much larger explosion and create a larger cloud of radioactive fallout.
The decay time of radioactive fallout is the same, that is, residents of areas with the most high level radiation must necessarily remain in the shelter for up to a month.
The most intense precipitation will be limited to the explosion area and the area along the wind direction. 80% of precipitation will fall within the first 24 hours.
Because of this, and because of the extremely limited number of weapons that terrorists could use, most of the country will not be affected by the fallout.
In most affected areas, people will be allowed to leave the shelter in a few days and, if necessary, evacuate to uncontaminated places.

3. Although it may be difficult, make every effort to maintain sanitary conditions in the shelter.

4. Water and food may not be enough. Use them sparingly, but do not set a rigid diet, especially for children, the sick or the elderly.

5. Help the shelter managers. Being with a lot of people in a confined space can be difficult and frustrating.
Homecoming

1. Listen on the radio for information on what to do, where to go and what places to avoid.

2. If your home was within the bomb's shockwave radius, or if you live in a high-rise or apartment building that was subjected to a conventional explosion, check for signs of collapse or damage, such as:
tilted chimneys, falling bricks, crumbling walls, crumbling plaster.
fallen small pieces of furniture, paintings and mirrors.
broken window panes.
overturned bookcases, walls, or other solidly standing objects.
fire escaping from damaged fireplaces and stoves.
breakthrough of gas and electric lines.

3. Clean up spilled medications, flammable liquids, and other potentially hazardous substances immediately.

4. Listen to a battery powered radio for instructions and information about services in your community.

5. Listen regularly for information about help, which may be announced on the radio and TV. Local, state, federal governments and other organizations will help meet all emergency needs and repair damage or loss.

6. The danger may be aggravated by damage to water mains and power lines.

7. If you turned off the gas, water and electricity before going to the shelter:
Do not turn on the gas yourself. The gas company will turn it on or you will receive other instructions.
Turn on the water, the main faucet, only after you know that the water supply is working and the water is not contaminated.
Turn on the electricity, the main node, only after you know that the wires in your house are not damaged and the power supply in your area is functioning.
Check the sewage system for damage before using the sanitary facilities.

8. Stay away from damaged areas.

9. Stay away from areas marked "Radiation Hazard" or "Hazardous Materials".
Preparations for the prevention and treatment of radiation sickness

For prevention radiation injuries and treatment different forms, stages and manifestations of radiation sickness, a large number of different medicines are used. Preventive agents are combined under common name"radio protectors". They are used in the event of a threat of radiation injury, radiation therapy for cancer patients, and work with radioactive substances. Some drugs have a general (systemic) effect. Others are applied topically to prevent and treat lesions of the skin and adjacent tissues. as radioprotectors. general action, used, as a rule, inside, sulfur-containing compounds (Cistamine), serotonin derivatives (Mexamine), glycerol esters (Batilol), etc. are used. To protect thyroid gland from damage by radioactive iodine, use potassium iodide. When radioactive compounds enter the stomach, enteral sorbents are used ( activated carbons and etc.); various complexones (Pentatsin, Ferrocin, etc.). For the treatment of common manifestations of radiation sickness (damage to the nervous, cardiovascular systems, vomiting, impaired hematopoiesis, etc.) medicines of the corresponding pharmacological profile (Leukogen, Zymosan Suspension, Actovegin.). For the prevention and treatment of skin radiation injuries, a number of ointments, liniments and other dosage forms are used (Tezana Liniment, Parmidine Ointment, Dieton Ointment, etc.).

1. Anyone within 800m of the source of the explosion will die instantly with a 90% chance, and within 3,200m with a 50% chance. Radiation spreads very quickly: if you are within a radius of 8,000 m, you have about 10-15 minutes to find shelter. So run. Pay attention to which direction the wind is blowing and stay in the opposite direction. Try not to look into the area of the source of the explosion - you risk going blind. It is advisable not to close your mouth, because the sounds accompanying a nuclear strike are likely to rupture eardrums.

2. If you are within 8,000 meters of the explosion but you know there is no time to run, your salvation is a refuge. The best way- get inside the basement of a high-rise building or a room without windows. If you can't get into the basement, climb above the 10th floor to the most isolated room. But keep in mind that the metro option is the highest priority, because it is suitable for a long-term shelter.

3. If you are tens of kilometers away from the seat of a nuclear attack, your main concern— fallout that can last for weeks. Even if you live 100-150 km from the explosion site, pay attention to the news about where this flow is predominantly directed. You will probably still have to seek shelter underground.

4. The most likely targets for a nuclear attack are government buildings, military bases, large retail outlets, power plants and ports. If you're lucky and you get text message about an impending strike, it is best to move away from such places. Try to avoid and major highways. In the event of a disaster, highways tend to get stuck and filled with people who desperately want to get out of the city.

5. Please note that radioactive fallout will certainly remain on your clothes and on your skin. Therefore, one more important task — get rid of clothes and wash, if possible. It is recommended to wrap the clothes in a plastic bag and place them as far away from people and animals as possible. If you have the opportunity to take a shower, do not use any washcloths and scrubs. Use as much soap and shampoo as possible. After a shower, we further advise you to avoid contact with water: radiation will gradually begin to seep into the groundwater.

6. Alas, there is no way to find out in advance how long you will have to stay in the shelter. According to experts, it can take from several days to several weeks before the level of radiation drops sufficiently. Listen to the radio wait for information on the internet: You will be told at what point going outside will become possible and will not lead to death.

7. In many post-apocalyptic films, we see heroes raiding grocery stores. In reality from you'd better refrain from this practice: food, like water, will be exposed to radiation. By the way, the temptation to pocket non-food items is no less fraught.

8. Prepare your home. The house should be stocked in case of any disaster: first aid kit, bottled water, flashlights. Stock up on foods that are not perishable: canned food, cereals, pasta, etc. Keep potassium iodide on hand for water purification.

9. If you live in a city, find out where the local bomb shelters are. Calculate how long it will take you to get to this point. Information about hiding places can be found on the Internet. We advise you to take a closer look at the buildings nearby, so that in the event of a real threat you will not get confused and immediately develop an action plan.

The Cold War ended over two decades ago, and many people have never lived in fear of nuclear annihilation. However, a nuclear attack is very real threat. Global Politics far from stable and human nature has not changed in recent years, nor in the last two decades. "The most constant sound in the history of mankind is the sound of the drums of war." As long as nuclear weapons exist, there is always the danger of their use.

Is it really possible to survive after a nuclear war? There are only predictions: some say yes, others say no. Keep in mind that modern thermonuclear weapons are plentiful and several thousand times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan. We really don't fully understand what will happen when thousands of these munitions explode at the same time. For some, especially those living in densely populated areas, trying to survive may seem completely futile. However, if a person survives, it will be someone who is morally and logistically prepared for such an event and lives in a very remote area of no strategic importance.

Steps

Preliminary preparation

Make a plan. If a nuclear attack occurs, you will not be able to go outside, as it will be dangerous. You must stay protected at least, 48 hours, but preferably longer. With food and medicine on hand, you can at least temporarily not worry about them and focus on other aspects of survival.

Stock up on foods that are not perishable. Such products can be stored for several years, so they should be available and will help you survive after an attack. Choose foods that are high in carbs so you get more calories for less money. Store them in a cool dry place:

White rice
Wheat
Beans
Sugar
Pasta
Powdered milk
Dried fruits and vegetables
Build up your stock gradually. Every time you go to the grocery store, buy one or two items for your dry rations. In the end, you will stock up for several months.
Make sure you have a can opener with you.

You must have a supply of water. Water can be stored in food grade plastic containers. Clean them with a bleach solution and then fill them with filtered and distilled water.
- Your goal is to have 4 liters per person per day.
- Keep common chlorine bleach and potassium iodide (Lugol's solution) on hand to purify water in the event of an attack.
You must have means of communication. Staying up to date, as well as being able to alert others to your location, can be vital. Here's what you might need:
- Radio. Try to find an option that works with the crank or from solar energy. If you have a radio with batteries, don't forget spares. If possible, connect to a radio station that broadcasts 24-hour weather forecasts and emergency information.
- Whistle. You can use it to call for help.
- Mobile phone. It is not known whether mobile communication will work, but if it does, you should be prepared. If possible, find a solar charger for your phone model.
Stock up on medicines. Having the necessary medicines and being able to provide first aid is a matter of life and death if you are injured in an attack. You will need:

Prepare other items. Add the following to your survival kit:
- Flashlight and batteries
- Respirators
- plastic film and adhesive tape
- Garbage bags, plastic ties and wet wipes for personal hygiene
- Wrench and pliers to turn off gas and water.
Follow the news. A nuclear attack is unlikely to happen out of the blue. It will certainly be preceded by a sharp deterioration in the political situation. If a conventional war breaks out between countries that have nuclear weapons and does not end quickly, it could escalate into a nuclear war. Even individual nuclear strikes in one region can escalate into an all-out nuclear conflict. Many countries have rating system to indicate the imminence of an attack. In the USA and Canada, for example, it is called DEFCON.

Assess the risk and consider evacuation if a nuclear exchange looks realistic. If evacuation is not an option, then you should at least build a shelter for yourself. Assess your proximity to the following destinations
- Airfields and naval bases, especially those hosting nuclear bombers, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, or bunkers. These places for sure will be attacked even with a limited exchange of nuclear strikes.
- Commercial ports and airstrips over 3 km long. These places, probably for sure
- government buildings. These places, probably, will be attacked even with a limited exchange of nuclear strikes and for sure be attacked in an all-out nuclear war.
- Large industrial cities and most populated regions. These places, probably, will be attacked in the event of an all-out nuclear war.
Learn about the different types of nuclear weapons:
- Atomic bombs are the main types of nuclear weapons and are included in other classes of weapons. The power of the atomic bomb is due to fission heavy nuclei(plutonium and uranium) when irradiated with neutrons. When each atom splits, a large amount of energy is released and even more neutrons. This results in an extremely fast chain nuclear reaction. Atomic bombs are the only type of nuclear bomb still used in warfare. If terrorists can capture and use a nuclear weapon, it will most likely be an atomic bomb.
- Hydrogen bombs use the ultra-high temperature of an atomic charge as a "spark plug". Under the influence of temperature and strong pressure, deuterium and tritium are formed. Their nuclei interact, and as a result, there is a huge release of energy - thermonuclear explosion. Hydrogen bombs are also known as thermonuclear weapons because deuterium and tritium nuclei require high temperatures to interact. Such weapons are usually many hundreds of times stronger than the bombs that destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Most of the US and Russian strategic arsenal are just such bombs.
Survival in the face of an imminent attack
1. Seek shelter immediately. Aside from geopolitical warning signs, the first warning of an imminent nuclear attack is likely to be an alarm, and if not, it will be the explosion itself. Bright light from the detonation of nuclear weapons can be seen tens of kilometers from the epicenter. If you find yourself in close proximity to the explosion (at the epicenter), then your chances of surviving are practically zero, unless you hide in a shelter that provides very (VERY!) good protection from the explosion. If you are several kilometers away, you will have about 10-15 seconds until the heat kills you, and maybe 20-30 seconds until the shock wave hits. Under no circumstances should you look directly into a fireball.. On a clear day, this can cause temporary blindness over very long distances. However, the actual damage radius varies greatly depending on the size of the bomb, the height of the explosion, and even the weather conditions at the time of the explosion.
  
  remember, that radiation exposure causes a large number of deaths.
  
  Understand the types of radioactive particles. Before we continue, three things should be mentioned. various types particles (and, accordingly, radiation):
  - Alpha particles. They are the weakest, and during the strike, the threat from them practically does not emanate. Alpha particles do not live long in the air and, having traveled only a few centimeters, are absorbed by the atmosphere. Although the danger from external exposure to them is minimal, these particles will be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. Regular clothing will help you protect yourself from them.
  - Beta particles. They are faster than alpha particles and can penetrate further. Before being absorbed by the atmosphere, they have time to travel up to 10 meters. Exposure to beta particles is not fatal unless exposed for long periods of time, in which case beta burns can occur, similar to painful sunburns. However, the danger to the eyes during prolonged exposure is really great. In addition, they are dangerous if swallowed or inhaled. Regular clothing helps prevent beta burns.
  - Gamma rays. Gamma rays are the most dangerous. They can spread almost one and a half kilometers in the air and penetrate almost any material. Therefore, gamma radiation causes serious damage to internal organs, even when affecting the body from the outside. Adequate protection is required.
    - The shelter protection index indicates how many times less radiation a person will receive inside the shelter compared to open space. For example, a value of 300 means that you will receive 300 times less in the shelter radioactive radiation than outdoors.
    - Avoid exposure to gamma radiation. Try not to be exposed to radiation for more than 5 minutes. If you're in the countryside, try to find a cave or a fallen tree that's rotten from the inside that you can crawl into. Otherwise, just dig a trench to lie down in, leaving the excavated earth around as a fence.
2. Start fortifying your shelter with earth or whatever you can find. If you're hiding in a trench, think of some sort of roof, but only if the materials are nearby: don't come out of hiding unnecessarily. Parachute silk or a tent will help protect you from radioactive fallout and debris, but will not stop gamma rays. Completely protected from any radiation is impossible purely physically. You can only reduce its impact to an acceptable level. Use the following information to determine the amount of material that will allow you to reduce radiation penetration to 1/1000:
  - Steel: 21 cm
  - Stones: 70-100 cm
  - Concrete: 66 cm
  - Tree: 2.6 m
  - Ground: 1 m
  - Ice: 2 m
  - Snow: 6 m
3. Plan to spend at least 200 hours (8-9 days) in your hideout. Do not, under any circumstances, leave the shelter during the first forty-eight hours!
  - The reason is that you need to avoid the decay products produced by a nuclear explosion. The deadliest of these is radioactive iodine. Fortunately, radioactive iodine has a relatively short half-life of eight days (the time it takes for half of its natural decay into safer isotopes). Keep in mind that even after 8-9 days there will still be a lot of radioactive iodine around, so you need to limit your exposure. It can take up to 90 days for radioactive iodine to break down to 0.1% of its original volume.
  - Other significant decay products are cesium and strontium. They have a long period half-life: 30 and 28 years, respectively. These elements are very well absorbed by wildlife and can make food dangerous for decades. In addition, they are carried by the wind for thousands of kilometers, so if you think that you are not in danger in a remote area, you are wrong.
4. Handle food and water wisely. You'll need to eat to survive, so you'll end up exposing yourself to radiation (unless the shelter doesn't have large supplies of food and water).
  - Processed foods can be eaten as long as the packaging is puncture-free and relatively intact.
  - Animals may be eaten, but the skin must be carefully skinned and the heart, liver, and kidneys discarded. Try not to eat meat that is close to the bone, as the bone marrow stores radiation.
    - Eat the pigeons
    - Eat wild rabbits
  - Plants in the affected area are edible; those that have edible root vegetables or tubers (such as carrots and potatoes) are best eaten. Check if the plant is edible.
  - Radioactive particles can get into open water, so it is not suitable for drinking. It is safer to take water from underground source, for example, from a spring or a well-closed well. Think of building a solar distiller as you would when extracting drinking water in the desert. Only use water from streams and lakes as a last resort. Make a filter: Dig a hole about 30 cm from the water's edge and draw water from it as it fills up. Water can be cloudy or dirty, so it needs to be boiled to get rid of the bacteria. If you are in a building, then the water is generally safe. If the water supply is turned off (most likely it will), use the water left in the pipes. To do this, open the tap in the high point house to let air in, and then at the lowest point of the house to drain water.
    - Check out How to Get Drinkable Water from Your Water Heater in an Emergency.
    - You must know how to purify water.
5. Dress to cover your skin as much as possible (wear a hat, gloves, goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, etc.). This is especially important when you go outside as it helps prevent beta burns. To disinfect, constantly shake clothing and rinse exposed skin with water, otherwise the accumulated particles will cause burns over time.
  
  Treat radiation and thermal burns.
  - Minor burns are also known as beta burns (although they can also be caused by other particles). Soak the burned area in cold water until the pain subsides (usually 5 minutes).
    - If the skin begins to blister, char, or tear, rinse with cold water to remove debris, then cover with a sterile compress to prevent infection. Don't pop bubbles!
    - If the skin does not blister, char or tear, do not cover it, even if the burn covers most body (almost like a sunburn). Instead, wash the burnt area and cover it with petroleum jelly or a solution of baking soda and water, if available. Moist (uncontaminated) soil will also work.
  - Severe burns, known as thermal burns, are more likely to occur due to strong thermal radiation than due to ionizing particles (although also because of them). They can be life-threatening and come with many risk factors: dehydration, shock, lung damage, infections, and the like. Follow these steps to treat a severe burn.
    - Protect burns from further contamination.
    - If clothing covers the area of the burn, gently cut and remove the fabric from the burn. NOT try to remove tissue that is caught or stuck to the burn. NOT try to pull clothing over the burn. NOT apply ointment on the burn! It is best, if possible, to seek qualified medical help.
    - Gently rinse the burnt area with water ONLY. DO NOT apply creams or ointments.
    - DO NOT use a normal sterile medical dressing not specifically designed for burns. Since non-adhesive burn dressings (and all other medical supplies) are likely to be in short supply, food-grade plastic wrap, which is sterile, will not stick to the burn, and is readily available, can be an alternative.
    - Shock must be prevented. Shock means insufficient blood flow to vital tissues and organs. If left unattended, it can be fatal. Shock can result from severe blood loss, deep burns, or even a reaction to appearance wounds or blood. Signs of shock are restlessness, thirst, pale skin, and a fast heartbeat. Sweating may occur even if the skin feels cool and clammy. When the condition worsens, breathing becomes frequent and intermittent, an absent look appears. To help, maintain a normal heartbeat and breathing by massaging the chest and helping the person regain calm breathing. Loosen any tight clothing and reassure the person. Be gentle, but firm and confident.
6. Don't be afraid to help people with radiation sickness. It is not contagious and it all depends on the amount of radiation the person has received. The next step is an abbreviated version of the table.
7. Familiarize yourself with radiation units. Gray (Gy) is the SI unit of absorbed dose ionizing radiation. 1 Gy = 100 rad. Sievert (Sv) is an SI unit that measures the effective and equivalent dose of ionizing radiation. 1 Sv = 100 rem (X-ray biological equivalent). For the sake of simplicity, it is generally assumed that 1 Gy is equivalent to 1 Sv.
  - Less than 0.05 Gy: no visible symptoms.
  - 0.05-0.5 Gy: temporarily decreases the number of red blood cells.
  - 0.5-1 Gy: reduced production of immune cells; susceptibility to infections; nausea, headache, and vomiting are common. After such exposure, you can survive without treatment.
  - 1.5-3 Gy: 35% of those affected die within 30 days. Nausea, vomiting and loss of hair all over the body.
  - 3-4 Gy: severe radiation poisoning, 50% of those affected die within 30 days. Other symptoms are similar to those characteristic for a radiation dose of 2-3 Sv; after the latent phase, uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth, under the skin and in the kidneys is observed (at a dose of 4 Sv, the probability is 50%).
  - 4-6 Gy: acute radiation poisoning, 60% of those affected die within 30 days. Mortality increases from 60% at 4.5 Sv to 90% at 6 Sv (unless intensive medical measures are taken). Symptoms appear within half an hour to 2 hours after exposure and last up to 2 days. This is followed by 7 to 14 days of a latent phase, after which the same symptoms appear as at a dose of 3-4 Sv, but more intensely. At this dose of radiation, female infertility often occurs. Recovery takes from several months to a year. The main causes of death (within 2-12 weeks after exposure) are infections and internal bleeding.
  - 6-10 Gy: Acute radiation poisoning, mortality is almost 100% within 14 days. Survival depends on medical care. The bone marrow is almost or completely destroyed, so a transplant is required. The tissues of the stomach and intestines are severely damaged. Symptoms appear 15-30 minutes after exposure and last up to 2 days. This is followed by a 5 to 10 day latent phase, after which the person dies from infection or internal bleeding. Recovery will take several years and will probably never be complete. Devar Alves Ferreira received a dose of approximately 7.0 Sv during an accident in Goiania and survived, in part due to the fractional nature of the exposure.
  - 12-20 rem: mortality is 100%, symptoms appear immediately. The gastrointestinal tract is completely destroyed. Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, under the skin, and from the kidneys. Fatigue and feeling unwell in general. The symptoms are the same as described above, but more pronounced. Recovery is impossible.
  - More than 20 rem. The same symptoms appear instantly and very strongly, then stop for a few days. The cells of the gastrointestinal tract are rapidly destroyed, with the loss of water and profuse bleeding. Before death, a person is delirious and falls into madness. When the brain cannot control bodily functions such as breathing or circulation, the person dies. There is no cure; health care aimed at alleviating suffering.
  - Unfortunately, you have to admit that the person may soon die. Although it is hard, do not waste food and medicine on those who are dying from radiation sickness. Save everything you need for the healthy and able to survive. Radiation sickness often affects children, the elderly and the sick.
8. Try to save electrical equipment. Nuclear explosion for a very high altitude will generate a powerful electromagnetic pulse, so strong that it can destroy electronic and electrical devices. The least you have to do is disconnect all devices from electrical outlets and antennas. Place the radio and flashlights in the SEALED metal container ("Faraday shield"). This can protect against electromagnetic pulse, provided that the devices inside do NOT come into contact with the case. The metal shield must completely surround the objects and must be grounded.
  - The devices you want to protect must be isolated from the conductive case, as the electromagnetic field can induce voltage in the boards. A metal rescue (thermal, space) blanket that wraps all devices, pre-wrapped in newspapers or cotton wool, can act as a Faraday shield if you are far from the explosion.

So, let's say a low-yield nuclear bomb exploded in your city. How long will you have to hide and where to do it to avoid the consequences of radioactive fallout?

Michael Dillon, a scientist at the Livermore National Laboratory, spoke about radioactive fallout and how to survive. After numerous studies of radioactive fallout, analysis of many factors and possible development events, he developed a plan of action in the event of a disaster.

At the same time, Dillon's plan is aimed at ordinary citizens, which have no way to determine where the wind will blow and what was the magnitude of the explosion.

small bombs

Dillon's fallout protection technique has so far been developed only in theory. The fact is that it is designed for small nuclear bombs from 1 to 10 kilotons.

Dillon argues that everyone now associates nuclear bombs with the incredible power and destruction that could occur during cold war. However, such a threat seems less likely than terrorist attacks using small nuclear bombs, several times less than those that fell on Hiroshima, and simply incomparably less than those that could destroy everything if it happened. global war between countries.

Dillon's plan is based on the assumption that after a small nuclear bomb, the city survived, and now its inhabitants must escape from radioactive fallout.

The diagram below shows the difference between the range of a bomb in the situation Dillon is investigating and the range of a bomb in the Cold War arsenal. The most hazardous area is shown in dark blue (the psi standard is psi, which is used to measure the force of an explosion, 1 psi = 720 kg/m2).

People who are within a kilometer of this explosion zone are at risk of radiation doses and burns. The range of radiation hazard from the explosion of a small nuclear bomb is much less than from Cold War thermonuclear weapons.

For example, a 10 kiloton warhead will create a radiation threat 1 kilometer from the epicenter, and radioactive fallout can travel another 10-20 miles. So it turns out that a nuclear attack today is not instant death for all living things. Maybe your city will even recover from it.

What to do if the bomb exploded

If you see a bright flash, do not go to the window - you may get hurt while looking around. As in the case of thunder and lightning, the blast wave travels much more slowly than the explosion.

Now you have to take care of fallout protection, but in case of a small explosion, you do not need to look for a special isolated shelter. For protection, it will be possible to hide in an ordinary building, you just need to know which one.

30 minutes after the explosion, you must find a suitable shelter. In 30 minutes, all the initial radiation from the explosion will disappear, and the main danger will be radioactive particles, the size of a grain of sand, which will settle around you.

Dillon explains:

If you're in an unreliable shelter that can't provide tolerable protection during a disaster, and you know there isn't any such building nearby within 15 minutes, you'll have to wait half an hour and then go look for it. Make sure that before you enter the shelter, you will not have radioactive substances the size of sand particles on you.

But what kind of buildings can become a normal shelter? Dillon says the following:

There should be as many obstacles and distance as possible between you and the consequences of the explosion. Buildings with thick concrete walls and roofs, lots of earth, like when you sit in a basement surrounded by earth on all sides. You can also go deep into large buildings in order to be as far as possible from the open air with the consequences of the disaster.

Think about where you can find such a building in your city, and how far it is from you.

Maybe it's the basement of your house or a building with a lot of interior spaces and walls, a library with bookshelves and concrete walls, or something else. Just choose buildings that you can reach within half an hour, and don't rely on transportation - many will flee the city and the roads will be completely clogged.

Let's say you got to your shelter, and now the question arises: how long to stay in it until the threat has passed? The films show different developments events ranging from a few minutes in a shelter to several generations in a bunker. Dillon claims that they are all very far from the truth.

It's best to stay in the shelter until help arrives.

Considering that we are talking about a small bomb with a radius of destruction of less than a mile, the rescuers must react quickly and begin the evacuation. In the event that no one comes to the rescue, you need to spend at least a day in the shelter, but still it is better to wait until the rescuers arrive - they will indicate the desired evacuation route so that you do not jump out to places with high levels of radiation.

The principle of operation of radioactive fallout

It may seem strange that it would be safe enough to leave the shelter after a day, but Dillon explains that the biggest danger after the explosion comes from early radioactive fallout, and they are heavy enough to settle within a few hours after the explosion. As a rule, they cover the area in the immediate vicinity of the explosion, depending on the direction of the wind.

These large particles are the most dangerous because of the high levels of radiation that will ensure the immediate onset of radiation sickness. In this they differ from smaller doses of radiation, which are many years after the incident.

Taking refuge in a shelter will not save you from the prospect of cancer in the future, but it will prevent a quick death from radiation sickness.

It is also worth remembering that Nuclear pollution- this is not a magical substance that flies everywhere and penetrates into any place. There will be a limited region with a high level of radiation, and after you leave the shelter, you will need to get out of it as soon as possible.

This is where you need rescuers who will tell you where the border is. danger zone and how far to go. Of course, in addition to the most dangerous large particles, many lighter ones will remain in the air, but they are not capable of causing immediate radiation sickness - what you are trying to avoid after an explosion.

Dillon also noted that radioactive particles decay very quickly, so that being outside the shelter 24 hours after the explosion is much safer than immediately after it.

Our pop culture continues to relish the theme of a nuclear apocalypse, when only a few survivors remain on the planet, hiding in underground bunkers, but a nuclear attack may not be so devastating and large-scale.

So you should think about your city and figure out where to run if something happens. Maybe some ugly concrete building that has always seemed to you a miscarriage of architecture will one day save your life.

As they say - if a gun hangs on the wall, it will fire someday. The same can be said about stockpiles of nuclear weapons in different countries. It sounds terrible and sad, but a nuclear explosion may not necessarily occur as a result of military aggression. This can happen due to improper storage and transportation, due to testing errors, in quality.

Let's hope our society is smart enough to never start a nuclear war. But still, you need to know how to behave in any life situation, so we advise you to familiarize yourself with these rules.

1. Nuclear alert

At modern means communications and alerts, it is simply impossible not to find out about the impending danger. Here you can object that the people will know about everything last, when it is already useless to save themselves. But if the incident is really serious, you will learn about it even from a neighbor, and even from a cat.

Turn on the TV or radio immediately and listen carefully to the information about and further instructions. The main thing is to listen to everything to the end and not to panic.

2. Bomb shelter

When you hear the siren's lingering signal, know that for shelter in safe place you have about 10 minutes. If you live in a metropolis, take cover, but keep in mind that after the alarm, the subway entrance will close in 5 minutes. In addition, under many high-rise buildings built in Soviet time there are bomb shelters. Even if they have already been remade for other purposes a long time ago, the walls remain the same and they will save you from trouble.

If you are far away from any bomb shelters and cellars, or simply started to panic, take cover in any building or behind a stone wall, cover your head with your hands and open your mouth. Remember: in no case do not look at the explosion, even if you are far from the epicenter. You may be blinded by the flash. Taking a selfie is the dumbest idea ever.

3. About cover classes

From messages on the radio or from the Internet (here it is better to do this in advance) you will learn about the location of bomb shelters in your city. It is important to understand what their labeling means. The class of shelters is determined by the ability to withstand excess pressure from the shock wave: A-I (0.5 MPa), A-II (0.3 MPa), A-III (0.2 MPa) and A-IV (0.1 MPa ). The first 3 are intended for valuable specialists and the military. But do not despair, because often these objects are subject to further attack.

4. Threats of nuclear explosion

People who are "lucky" to be at the epicenter of a nuclear bomb explosion do not survive. can withstand an explosion, but the blast wave will destroy all life. If you see a huge crowd of people trying to get into a bomb shelter in a panic, it’s better not to push with them, but quickly hide in some basement. That way you'll have a better chance of saving your life.

5. Explosion of a nuclear bomb

In conditions nuclear threat the main task is to survive at the moment of a nuclear missile strike. Therefore, do not try to waste time collecting jewelry and a wardrobe for all occasions. It is enough to take the documents.

The survivors of the explosion need to urgently get away from the epicenter of the explosion. In this case . The military will create special points where they will provide needed help, identify the victims and restore order.

6. Radiation

If at the time of the nuclear explosion you were in a bomb shelter, then stay in it for a few more days. The fact is that, which will be on the surface, it is enough to kill a person. Within 3-4 days, especially dangerous radioactive substances will reduce their deadly effect. The longer you take refuge in a shelter, the more likely you are to stay alive and healthy.

7. In case of destruction of the shelter

If the bomb shelter is partially destroyed, it is not worth staying in it, even if there is enough water and food. main reason the same is radiation. area of the epicenter of the explosion.

8. Exposure precautions

Follow these instructions when you go to the surface. Protect your respiratory organs with a gas mask or a construction mask, in extreme cases a damp rag will do. If possible, avoid moving during the wind. It is better to drink bottled water, which was packaged before the explosion. If there is none, you can drink from sources flowing towards the epicenter of the explosion, and not vice versa.

Try to cover all parts of the body so that radioactive dust does not fall on them. Until you leave the affected area, hide from the rain. Every drop can be deadly.

9. Decontamination

Upon arrival in a safe area, immediately take a bath, change clothes and that are given by the doctors. Do not panic and help others to cope with the trouble as much as possible.

The faster you leave the affected area, the more chances you have to survive and stay healthy. But if your strength has left you, remember: you should not lie down on the ground. And try to avoid the lowlands.

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