The idea of a nuclear attack is itself terrifying because it has the ability to destroy everything. As the tensions between Ukraine and Russia are rising significantly, President Vladimir Putin has threatened that he will launch nukes against America. He has warned America because the country has recently shifted its position and is helping Ukraine by providing them with US-made long-range missiles.
Due to this, Putin has threatened to launch nuclear missiles at America if the country continues to oppose or challenge him. In light of this, FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency has released a nuclear attack survival guide in which they shared how American people can save themselves if Russia escalates the situation. This is the 3rd edition of FEMA’s training guide, which provides a broad range of information on nuclear detonations. Also, it includes air bursts and large detonations.
FEMA Issues Safety Guidelines As Russia Warns America Over Launching Nukes
Because of Ukraine and Russia’s war, Vladimir Putin is threatening America with a nuclear attack if it continues to challenge him or help Ukraine. Also, experts are likely that World War III might occur soon if the Ukraine-Russia war continues. In response to the escalating global tension, FEMA has issued some survival guidelines that will help the people of America to protect themselves in a nuclear attack scenario. The guidelines stated by the agency reveal that individuals may just have 10 minutes to find a safe zone after a nuclear explosion happens. The measures laid down by FEMA are detailed by way of two zones, which are, LDR or Light Danger Zone and the DRZ or Dangerous Radiation Zone. These two categories have been made by the agency so that residents can understand easily what to do in the scenario if Russia uses nukes.
Light Danger Zone And Dangerous Radiation Zone
According to the agency, the LDR is a zone that might receive less damage as compared to other areas. In the light danger zone, though there will not be any greater damage but people living in this zone, might suffer injuries. Also, the glass windows of the houses might break due to the force of the nuclear explosion. The agency has further stated that the infrastructure in this zone might get damaged externally but only a few of them will receive serious damages. The damage in this zone can extend up to 3 miles from ground zero if a 10-kiloton nuclear explosion takes place. Further, the level of radiation in this zone depends upon how close the explosion is to the ground. If the bomb explodes near the surface, radiation levels at ground zero will be higher. Usually, the initial radiation is not strong enough to harm people, even if it occurs outside, until and unless the blast is less than one kiloton.
On the other hand, DRZ might receive greater damage than the light danger zone. People living in this zone might receive severe injuries and long-term effects. According to FEMA, the radiation in this zone will be very high, exceeding 10 R/hr, and it will have the potential to cause acute radiation injuries. Because of the fallout and radioactive decay, this zone might begin to shrink within a few hours of the explosion.
Three Important Steps Laid Down By FEMA For Protection
In its nuclear attack protection guide, The Federal Emergency Management Agency has given three major steps that the people of America should follow if Russia launches nukes. These three steps are:-
Get Inside- In the event of a nuclear explosion by Russia, the very first step that the people have to take is to get inside. Individuals should place themselves in a basement or the middle of a large, dense building which is away from any glass windows. This step is one of the most important because when the fallout arrives, any shelter is better than being in the outside scenario as it can cost you your life. To find an appropriate shelter, individuals will only have 10 minutes after the explosion. If you were out when the fallout arrived, it is your duty to remove the contaminated cloth or wash the contaminated skin. Also, when you are inside, stay away from the outside walls and roof.
Stay Inside- Now, the second step after finding the shelter is to stay inside. According to the guidelines issued by FEMA, individuals should stay indoors for 12-24 hours unless the officials advise them to leave the place due to some kind of danger such as the collapse of the building or other related threats. This step is majorly important because people must avoid outdoor exposure as the radiation can be very radioactive.
Stay Tuned- The last step laid down by FEMA in its survival guidelines is to stay tuned for further information and updates. In the case of a nuclear explosion, after taking shelter and staying inside, individuals should wait for the messages of the officials as it can be crucial. Television, the internet, and cell phones are some of the modes that might be disrupted due to the electromagnetic pulse effects. However, people can use battery-operated or hand-crank radios after the nuclear detonation.
Additionally, the agency has said that a nuclear attack can cause severe damage, but it is not just from the blast itself but also from electromagnetic pulse effects and fallout. In case of fallout, harmful radiation from the bomb falls on the ground and gets mixed with the solid and debris. It leads to contamination of the earth’s surface, water bodies, and food. Also, it can cause long-term health problems such as genetic damage and cancer for decades. The electromagnetic pulse directly affects the electronic devices, leading to disruption of communication. Also, it can damage the communication infrastructure such as radar, towers, and telecommunication switches. The agency has expressed that the responders should closely monitor the radiation levels and avoid the Dangerous Radiation Zones. Therefore, FEMA has advised the citizens of America to prepare well in advance so that their lives are saved.
Prepare In Advance For A Nuclear Explosion
In addition to laying down the three surviving steps, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has advised people to prepare in advance for their protection. They have advised that before the explosion takes place, individuals should:-
Identify the most appropriate shelter locations near their houses. It can be a place where they spend most of their time such as work, school, or home. The most ideal place according to FEMA officials will be underground and middle of a large, concrete building.
Do not take shelter in outdoor areas such as cars and mobile homes because they are not safe. Individuals should look for basements and the centre of a large multi-story building.
Keep emergency kits ready and put them at places where you might stay for 12-24 hours. The kits should contain necessary medicines, water bottles, food, flashlights, and other items as needed.
