How to Survive a Nuclear Attack

The threat of nuclear attack has been a specter in the west's collective unconscious since the fifties. Humanity has witnessed only two nuclear attacks, but as more countries acquire atomic weapons the threat remains. The good news is that nuclear attacks are limited and those not very close to the bomb stand a good chance of survival. Read on to learn how to survive a nuclear attack.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Duck. The bright light from a nuclear explosion will be seen for a few seconds before the first wave of destruction begins.
2. Stay down for about two minutes. There are two blast waves in a nuclear blast--the first goes out and the second goes back in and fills in the vacuum of air left when the first blast wave occurred. These blasts level buildings so try to get your center of gravity very low and cover your head.
3. Cover exposed skin to keep out radiation. Your clothing or even a piece of paper can stop the beta particles and your skin stops the alpha particles. The gamma rays can travel through almost any thin material, so the only thing that stops them is lots of earth. If you are in a bomb shelter you will be fine. The good news is it takes a lot of gamma rays to cause any damage to your body.
4. Keep clean and eat clean food. Normal personal hygiene is always advisable. Know that canned food will still be safe, and that fresh fruits and vegetables should be alright to eat so long as you wash any radioactive dust off of them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't panic. If you are far enough from a blast that you can see it in time to duck then you will probably live for a long time.