Although the chances of a nuclear attack are relatively slim, many countries have nuclear weapons and therefore must be considered a threat.
The immediate hazards of a nuclear strike are the blast, heat and radiation. The severity of these effects depends on the size and type of weapon, distance and height of the explosion, the weather conditions and the terrain.
Blast
The detonation causes the initial shock wave. However, an even more power effect is the compression of air produced by the rapid expansion of the fireball. The pressure wave traveling outwards from the detonation point will collapse buildings, uproot trees and fill the air with all kinds of debris, long before the heat follows. About half of the total energy of the explosion is expended in this way.
After the blast wave has passed, air rushes back in to fill the void which causes even further damage. At distances where the initial blast has only weakened structures, this vacuum effect will finish the job.
Heat
The thermal radiation (heat and light) that is produced by a nuclear explosion generates heat greater than that of the sun. At or near the point of detonation, anything inflammable will be ignited or ever vaporized. In the case of the Hiroshima bomb, exposed skin was burned at a distance of 4 km (2.5 miles). Today’s weapons are MANY times more powerful than that bomb and their effects are proportionately more extensive.
Radioactivity
In addition to the light and heat, nuclear fission bombs produce, alpha, beta and gamma rays. Although radioactive fallout settles to the ground, with the appearance of white ash or dust, this is actually the residue from destroyed matter, not the radioactivity itself. That can not be detected by normal human senses. A Geiger counter is required to register its presence. Generally, this is indicated by a dial or a sound signal which becomes faster as the radiation increases.
- Alpha Particles: have low penetrating capabilities and it is easy to shield them off. They cannot penetrate the skin, but will pose a serious problem is they are ingested or inhaled.
- Beta Particles: are only slightly penetrating so heavy clothing and boots will give full protection. On exposed skin, they will cause burns and if ingested will attack bone, the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland and other organs.
- Gamma Particles: are highly penetrating. They travel much slower than alpha or beta particles, but they will damage all body cells unless the subject is heavily protected by either a radiation proof suit or in a lead-lined or thickly concreted building.
Residual Radiation
The initial radiation created during the first minute of a nuclear explosion can kill – but it lasts only a short time. Once the blast has passed, so has the initial radiation threat. However, exposure to residual radiation can be equally dangerous.
The amount of residual radiation depends on how the bomb was exploded.
If it exploded above the ground and the fireball didn’t touch the earth, then little residual radiation is produced. Strategists will call this a “clean bomb”.
If it exploded on or near the ground, a huge quantity of soil and debris is sucked upwards to a great height and falls back to earth as radioactive dust. Heavier particles will fall in the vicinity of the explosion, but lighter ones may be carried by wind over a wide area, consequently spreading the radioactivity.
Radiation does decay. However, while as much as 70% of the particles following an explosion remain radioactive for only one day or less, it takes other types of particles years for their radiation to decay.
Radiation Shelters
The ideal position to be in which to ride out a nuclear attack and it’s aftermath would be a deep bunker equipped with air, water and food supplies. Otherwise, the best protection is a deep trench with a roof covered by a meter or more of earth. If the detonation is sufficiently distant not to produce total destruction, the trench and earth will protect from the blast, heat and radiation.
Look for terrain that has natural shelter, such as ravines, gullies, ditches and rocky outcrops. If you do not have a trench shelter prepared, start digging – FAST! As soon as the hole is big enough, get inside and keep digging, to minimize exposure to radiation if you are caught out while still digging. Rig up a roof, even if it is only cloth, it will stop dust from falling on you. However, penetrating rays can still reach you, so try to get a meter of earth above you as quickly as possible.
If caught in the open, get to your shelter as quickly as possible. Once you are under cover, remove outer garments and bury them under a foot of soil at one end of the bottom of the shelter. Do not go outside unless necessary and do not re-use your discarded garments. Under NO circumstances move out of the shelter in the first 48 hours.
If desperate for water, a brief venture out, lasting no more than 30 minutes, is permissible on the 3rd day. On the 7th day, a further exposure, up to another 30 minutes is permissible. On the 8th day, up to 60 minutes (1 hr), and then from Two (2) to Four (4) hours for the next Four (4) days and from the13th day, normal working hours, followed by rest in the shelter.
Decontamination
If your body, or even your clothing, has been exposed to radiation, it must be decontaminated. Once in your shelter, scrape earth from the shelter bottom and rub it over the exposed parts of your body and your outer clothing. Brush it off and throw the soil outside. Wipe the skin with a clean cloth, if possible. A more effective solution, instead of soil, would be to wash the body thoroughly with soap and water, provided uncontaminated sources of both are readily available.
Medical Care
ALL wounds must be covered to prevent alpha and beta particle exposure. Burns, whether caused by beta particles, gamma particles or firestorm heat, should be washed with clean water and covered. Urine may be used, if no uncontaminated water is available.
The eyes should be covered o prevent further particles entering and a damp cloth placed over the mouth and nose to prevent inhalation.
Radiation affects the blood and increases susceptibility to infection. Take all precautions, even against colds and respiratory infections.