A leading international safety organization has released a detailed, easy-to-follow survival guide for what to do in the event of a nuclear explosion, including crucial steps to take in the first 10 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after a blast.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) compiled the publicly available guide to help individuals prepare in advance and respond effectively if a nuclear detonation occurs. The information is free and accessible to the public.
“While we hope this advice will never need to be used, it could be life-saving,” the ICRP explains. “This guide is based on scientific evidence and best practices for survival in the event of a nuclear explosion.”
The first 10 minutes
The guide begins with how to prepare in case of a nuclear alert. If a warning is issued, or even if there’s no notice at all, the first few minutes after a detonation are the most critical.
The ICRP emphasizes one key survival tactic: get inside and stay inside. “The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get to the center of a sturdy building or, ideally, a basement,” it states. Fallout typically arrives within 10 minutes of an explosion, so acting fast is essential.
Safe shelter options include multi-story buildings, concrete or brick structures, and underground spaces like basements, parking garages, or subway stations. In essence, the more physical material between you and the radioactive fallout, the better your protection.
The first 24 hours
Once immediate shelter is secured, the next focus is minimizing radiation exposure. If you believe you’ve come into contact with fallout, the guide urges you to remove outer clothing and footwear; wash exposed skin and hair thoroughly; and isolate and clean any contaminated pets in a separate room.
Tune into AM/FM radio or other available communication channels for official updates. Food, drinks, and medicine already inside a shelter or store are safe to consume.
Unless there is a direct threat, such as fire, structural collapse, or medical emergency, remain indoors for at least 12 to 24 hours, as radiation levels decrease rapidly during this period.
The next 48 hours
After the first day, outdoor radiation will have dropped significantly, but safety precautions remain important.
If authorities advise evacuation, the recommendation is to bring essential items (medications, documents, clothes, pet supplies, emergency kits, and a phone, for example) and to minimize time spent outdoors and avoid areas with visible fallout.
If told to stay inside, or if no official guidance is given, continue to shelter in place. If you must briefly leave for an emergency, wear an extra layer of clothing and remove it before re-entering your shelter.
Water and food should be rationed. Any items brought from outside should be cleaned before use.
Real-life example
To underscore the possibility of survival, the ICRP recounts the story of Eizo Nomura, who was just 170 meters from the Hiroshima blast in 1945. Shielded in a basement, he survived and lived to the age of 84, the Hiroshima Peace Media Center detailed.
While a nuclear detonation remains an unthinkable event, the ICRP says proper preparation and quick action can make a life-saving difference.