Nuclear Strike Survival Guide, The First 10 Minutes Could Save Your Life
As global tensions rise, the prospect of a nuclear attack feels uncomfortably close. In these uncertain times, what you do in the first ten minutes after a detonation can mean the difference between life and death. Experts from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) emphasize that immediate action is absolutely vital: as soon as you become aware of a blast, move without hesitation to the heart of the sturdiest structure you can find—ideally a basement, underground garage, subway station or the central rooms of a concrete or brick building.
Radioactive fallout—tiny particles that become lethal when inhaled or absorbed—begins to descend within minutes. Your goal is to maximize the shielding between you and the outside air; the thicker the walls above you, the more gamma radiation they block. Once inside, stay far from windows, seal cracks around doors and vents with whatever you have on hand, and shut off any ventilation systems that draw air from outdoors.
A powerful reminder of these principles comes from the experience of Eizo Nomura, one of the few Hiroshima survivors situated only 170 meters from ground zero. Nomura survived solely because he was in a basement at the moment of the blast, shielded by the earth and concrete overhead; virtually everyone else that close perished instantly. His story underscores how seconds saved in seeking proper shelter can save lives.
Despite the urgency, keep a clear head. Do not pause to film or photograph the flash, and resist the impulse to rush outside to see what happened. Instead, if you have prepared in advance, grab your emergency kit—water, nonperishable food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio and basic first-aid supplies—and hunker down where you are. If you lack a kit, use whatever you can find: bottled water, energy bars, spare batteries.
Before disaster strikes, make a plan. Identify the safest rooms in your home or workplace, and practice getting there quickly from each living space. Keep emergency contact information readily accessible, and agree on a reunion point with family members in case you’re separated. Every moment counts when a fallout cloud is on its way.
Although a nuclear explosion is a nightmare scenario no one wants to imagine, understanding these steps—and acting on them without hesitation—dramatically increases your chances of survival. By prioritizing immediate shelter, robust shielding and calm, decisive action, you and your loved ones stand a far better chance of weathering the first crucial minutes of a crisis that, thankfully, few will ever have to face.