Nuclear Disaster

A nuclear disaster or attack is a looming specter for many. While unlikely, a nuclear event is certainly survivable and worth preparing for. Rather than re-hashing what to do in case of a disaster, I'd urge you to read the following two guides. They are far more comprehensive than what I can say on a single page.

After a blast, the primary danger is radiation in the form of fallout. It comes in three forms: Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Radiation is blocked and/or slowed by mass. The denser the better.

Fallout is a byproduct of a nuclear blast; dirt and debris are sucked up into the fiery column and then distributed down in radioactive dust over a wide area. A basement is an ideal shelter in case of fallout.

Basic types of Radiation in a Nuclear Disaster:

• Alpha: Least amount of penetrating power, but very dangerous if inhaled. Can be blocked by clothing, skin, or a piece of paper.
• Beta: Can penetrate through a few inches of dirt. Requires sheltering.
• Gamma: The most dangerous, as it can penetrate through feet of concrete. Requires extensive sheltering, but ideally relocating.

Fallout generally follows the 7-10 rule. For every 7 hours, the level of radiation decreases by a factor of 10. So, within a week, 99% of the radiation will be gone. Ideally, sheltering in place for 2 weeks is ideal.

Having a way to pick up the radiation levels is, as one might expect, essential. Personally, I utilize calibrated CDV-715 Geiger Counters. KI4U is the only service in the U.S. that has a lab to calibrate these 60-year-old instruments. While not as accurate as digital ones, they're resistant/immune to the EMP put off by a nuclear blast, and built like a tank. A cheaper option is the NukAlert keychain. Both of these products only detect Gamma radiation, however, and at extremely high ranges. The CDV-700 has a lower range and can detect Beta/Gamma radiation, but can get saturated by higher levels (hence why I utilize both.)

It's important to note that if shopping for an additional radiation meter, you look at the maximum levels for detection. The vast, vast majority don't reach levels present after a nuclear attack (measured in Micro/Mili/Nano Sieverts.) Digital meters will be more accurate, but more complex and vulnerable to an EMP unless you pay a significant amount.

I'd recommend the NukAlert device as a starting point. It's simple, cheaper than other options, and will work in a pinch.

If for whatever reason, you have to leave the shelter of your home before the fallout has dissipated, a mask is essential to prevent the particles from being inhaled. Fallout is fine (or large) particles of dust. An N95 is a good mask to keep you safe (with goggles), but a full-face respirator/filter that hits the 99.95% mark for filtration is ideal, such as the MIRA Safety Masks on the store page.

As the guides explained, a nuclear disaster is a horrific event, but survivable with a few basic preparations. After such an event, having a stockpile of general supplies would greatly help an already horrible situation before help arrives.

In case of multiple detonations/disasters, that requires an additional layer of preparedness to be self-sufficient after the fallout subsides, as infrastructure would likely be destroyed. Doing so is beyond the scope of this initial page. Being prepared for 1+ years of no infrastructure/utilities would be adequate preparation for that event.