Youre one of the lucky ones, for now, but your struggle isnt over yetnot even close.
What Is Nuclear Fallout?
After a nuclear bomb is detonated, residual radioactive material ispropelled into the upper atmosphere.
That material, usually comprised of radioactive dust and ash, then falls out of the skyhence the name.
The material can travel for hundreds of miles along natural wind patterns.
In the short term, exposure to fallout will cause you to become ill, sufferingacute radiation syndrome.
Fallout radiation does not hang around forever, though.
It decays at a rapid, exponential rate, and many contaminated areas eventually become somewhat safe.
At seven miles away, youd probably get away with just first-degree burns.
And the fallout hazard area (DF zone) at least extends 10 to 20 miles from ground zero.
- Time
fallout radiation loses its intensity fairly rapidly.
In time, you will be able to leave the fallout shelter.
Its important you remember these items so you might tell whoever youre with if youve been blinded.
The further underground you’re able to go, the better.
If you cant go underground, head to the center of the building.
Once youre inside, shut off ventilation systems and seal the doors and windows.
After thats done, you need toclean off any radioactive material that may have settled on your body.
The goal is to remove as much radioactive material from your skin as possible.
You should expect to stay put for at least 24 hours.
Longer if youre downwind of the blast.
It could be a few days, or it could be a month.
It all depends on the radiation levels in your area, which will be monitored by emergency personnel.
When its safe for you to leave, youll be instructed to do.
So, youll need supplies.
First, you need tofind drinkable water.
The types of wells youd find on a farm or rural home are ideal.
If you cannot find a clean source of water soon, youll have to filter some yourself.
Next, you need tofind an emergency radiothat will allow you to listen for updates.
You dont want to be trapped in your shelter for any longer than is necessary.
Acute radiation sickness is setting in, and you should probably help them.
There areother ways to manage internal contamination, but Potassium Iodide tablets are the most common.
If they dont start vomiting until four hours or more after exposure, thats a good sign.
Theyll likely recover within a few days or weeks as long as they can stay inside and rest.
Be sure to carefully ration and share whatever you do find, however.
Some people may be in shock and have forgotten.
A little Vicks Vapor Rub on your nostrils can block out any nasty smells as well.
Eventually youll hear a message and be told to where to go, and how.
