Nuclear Survival

When it comes to nuclear survival we are primarily concerned with suitcase bombs or single strikes. The devastation from a full-blown World War III nuclear battle would make it impossible to recommend strategies. There are some tips that can relate to that situation, but one would have to use ingenuity at the time to survive.

Although everyone has heard of nukes, it would be wrong to assume that the reader has a clear understanding of what a nuclear weapon is. So we will begin our discussion of nuclear survival with a very short primer.

What do we mean by nuclear?
Nuclear refers to nucleus, as in the center of an atom. A nuclear explosion is the result of either splitting an atom (called fission) or combining two atoms into one (called fusion). Fission requires the use of either uranium or plutonium. Fusion generally brings two hydrogen atoms together.

As a result of these various methods there are a variety of names that all refer to nuclear weapons. For example "A-bomb" for the atom, and "H-bomb" for the hydrogen. Other common names are: atom bomb, fission bomb, fusion bomb, thermonuclear bomb, hydrogen bomb, and neutron bomb. You may also hear people talk of "Little Boy" and "Fat Man" which were the names given to the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively.

What is a suitcase bomb?
A suitcase bomb is a nuclear weapon small enough to fit into a suitcase, trunk, or backpack. It has been alleged that the Soviet Union created a few hundred of these weapons, and that after its dissolution over one hundred of these suitcase bombs were unaccounted for. Russian leaders have both denied their creation and claimed they were dismantled.

If suitcase bombs do exist it is quite likely they are in the hands of terrorist organizations or nations friendly to those terrorists. So the threat is questionable, but possible.

A suitcase nuke, although more destructive than any conventional bomb, would not cover as large an area as those that hit Japan. In estimation they could yield a charge of only 10 tons to as much as 1 kiloton which could destroy almost everything within a quarter mile radius.

Nuclear survival tips
Planned tactics for nuclear survival apply primarily to suitcase bombs. The conditions following a worldwide nuclear catastrophe are unknown. A popular theory, nuclear winter, asserts that the global environment would change enough to cause the death of the entire human population. A regional conflict could also cause devastating effects on the worldwide climate.

In the case of a nuclear explosion, you must obviously be outside of ground zero, also known as the hypocenter. Anyone and everything in this area would be immediately vaporized. The resulting particulate matter would be flung up into the air creating the mushroom cloud.

Those outside of the hypocenter are still at risk. Extreme heat, the force of the blast, and flying debris will cause continued carnage. Those who survive the initial blast may be burned, injured by moving objects, or suffer radiation poisoning. Others further away can also be infected by radiation as the fallout is blown downwind. Radioactive dust can be breathed in or touched as particulate matter settles. It can also contaminate the water and food supply.

If you witness a nuclear blast, follow these tips:

• Cover your eyes to prevent blindness
• Immediately lay down with your face to the ground, head away from the blast, and hands underneath you
• Wait for the blast of heat and two shock waves to go by
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Carefully dust off
• Get to a safe place
• If possible get medical attention
• Change clothes and get a shower

If you are anywhere near the blast:

• Seal off your house or shelter so that no outside air comes in
• Watch the news and do not go outside until you hear it is safe
• Eat canned and frozen food
• Drink stored emergency water

Because suitcase bombs are small, the likelihood of nuclear survival is strong if you do not die from the initial blast and are not severely injured. Most people who get radiation sickness will recover within a few weeks, although there may be some long-term effects such as greater susceptibility to cancer.

If you come in contact with radiation:

• Throw your clothes away in a sealed bag
• Take a shower
• Get medical attention right away

In the event of a full-size atomic explosion you should consider leaving home if you are in the path of the fallout. Check the news and see what is going on. The roads may be congested preventing a safe and quick exit. Coordinate with family and friends. If you do leave, seal off your house before leaving and be sure to take all your survival gear.

It is important that the government has issued clearance before either leaving your shelter or returning home if you left. Most radiation will weaken rapidly but it can remain in the area for days.

What is potassium iodide (KI)?
Potassium iodide is a chrystaline salt added to table salt to prevent goiter. It is a diluting agent that can reduce the absorption of radioactive material. If radioactive iodine is found the potassium iodide will be used to protect the thyroid gland.

Nuclear survival is possible. It is important to react extremely quickly if you are in range of the blast. It is also important that you take precautions against radioactive exposure. However, by focusing on survival you can achieve it.

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