Nuclear fallout is dangerous radiation that affects dust particles and debris after a nuclear explosion. It can be fatal, and there are steps to increase safety. Fallout travels on wind currents, and there are no perfect maps. Those within 30 miles are likely to receive a lethal dose of radiation. Steps to increase safety include determining fallout shelters, packing a survival kit, and seeking refuge in a safe location. After the emergency, it’s important to stay safe and keep the environment healthy. No one is 100% safe, but following safety procedures increases survival chances.
Nuclear fallout is the term used when, after a nuclear explosion, dust particles and other debris receive a dangerous dose of nuclear radiation. While not immediately fatal under most circumstances, and not nearly as dangerous as being within a radius of a nuclear blast, nuclear fallout can be fatal. In case you are exposed to nuclear fallout, there are several steps that can increase your safety.
While there are a number of fallout maps available that attempt to project a pattern that nuclear fallout is likely to travel, there is no perfect system. This is because the fallout travels on wind currents. Put simply, if you happen to be downwind during a nuclear emergency you can expect to receive some degree of nuclear fallout.
Those within 30 miles (48 km) of a nuclear emergency who are unshielded are likely to receive a lethal dose of radiation, which can be fatal after several hours of exposure. Within 90 miles (145 km), exposure to nuclear fallout is still potent enough to cause death within two weeks of untreated exposure. After 160 miles (258km), fallout exposure can cause severe internal damage with loss of white blood cells (lowered immune system), although death is less likely. Those who are 250 miles (402 km) away from a nuclear emergency will experience a loss of white blood cells, but will not suffer immediate symptoms. However, this does not take all factors into account and it can be extremely difficult to predict the effects of nuclear fallout in a specific area.
There are numerous steps that can be taken prior to a nuclear fallout emergency to increase safety and chances of survival. First, determine if there are any buildings in your area that have been designated a fallout shelter. Make sure you share this information with your family. Also, pack a disaster survival kit with food, clean water, medical supplies, relevant literature, a radio, and anything else you or your family might need for at least two weeks. Finally, determine your community’s evacuation methods.
If you find yourself in the midst of a nuclear emergency, all hope is not lost. The most important step to take in this situation is to take cover. Try to hide behind anything that will offer good protection from a shock wave, such as brick or concrete structures. If possible, seek refuge in a safe, underground location.
After a nuclear emergency, it’s important to stay safe until officials say it’s safe. It is also extremely important to keep the environment and person healthy. Washing with soap and water can remove any radiated dust particles from the body. You may need to ration food and medical supplies, but pay attention to the special needs of children and the elderly.
This is not a definitive guide to nuclear fallout protection. There is an almost infinite amount of information available from credible online and print sources, published in almost every language. In the event of a nuclear emergency, no one is 100 percent safe, but following the correct safety procedures increases the chances of survival.
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