With fears of World War III growing, the U.S. government has released a hard-hitting guide for surviving a nuclear strike, especially from a hydrogen bomb. These weapons make the atomic bombs that struck Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, killing roughly 210,000 people, look small by comparison. The Soviet Union’s 1961 Tsar Bomba was over three times as powerful, and modern hydrogen bombs could be up to 1,000 times stronger. If you want to come out alive, you need to know what to do.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of Homeland Security, lays out a clear survival plan. After a nuclear explosion, radioactive fallout—debris and dust—starts raining down within 10 minutes, blanketing a 20-mile area. Get to a sturdy shelter, like a concrete or brick building, and stay in the center, far from outer walls and roofs where radiation piles up. Hunker down for at least 24 hours, or longer if officials advise.
A bunker is your best bet, but a basement or the core of a tall building will do in a pinch. Don’t go near windows, as they’re no defense against radiation or debris. If you’re outside when the blast hits, drop face-down to protect your skin from burns and flying hazards. Cars, open fields, and mobile homes are not safe—find a solid structure fast.
Stay tuned to any radio or device for official updates on when it’s safe to move and where to head. Seal your shelter by closing doors, windows, and any vents or air systems that draw in outside air. If you were exposed to fallout, ditch your outer clothes, bag them away from others, and scrub your skin and hair clean to remove radioactive particles.
The key to survival is preparation. Stockpile food, water, and medical gear now, and map out exactly where you’ll take cover in an emergency. Research safe spots and drill your plan regularly. Being ready means you’re one step ahead when the worst happens.
