With global tensions escalating and fears of World War III growing, experts are warning that knowing how to respond in the first ten minutes after a nuclear strike could be crucial for survival.
As unsettling as the thought may be, preparation and immediate action can dramatically improve your chances of making it through the unthinkable.
From seeking proper shelter to avoiding dangerous fallout, understanding what to do in those critical moments could save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
The U.S. recently conducted airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities in a bid to neutralize potential threats amid rising concerns over nuclear armament.
Senator J.D. Vance shared a moment that captured the anxiety in Washington. He recalled a time when President Donald Trump muted a call with a foreign leader and said the conversation “isn’t going very well.” When Vance asked what happened after Trump pressed a red button, the former president reportedly replied, “Nuclear”—only for someone to walk in moments later with a Diet Coke, having answered Trump’s infamous Diet Coke button instead. While humorous in hindsight, it underscores the genuine tension surrounding the threat of nuclear war.
In the face of these anxieties, nuclear safety experts are offering life-saving guidance for what to do immediately after a nuclear detonation. According to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), your actions in the first 10 minutes can make all the difference.
“A nuclear blast, whether caused by a missile or a smaller portable device, can lead to mass casualties,” states the ICRP. “Being prepared and knowing how to respond can protect your health and save your life. The best protection before, during, and after a nuclear explosion is finding shelter in the center of a sturdy building or underground, such as in a basement.”
They cite the example of Eizo Nomura, who survived the 1945 Hiroshima bombing by sheltering in a basement just 170 meters from ground zero. He lived until the age of 84. In contrast, most people within a few hundred meters of the blast who are unprotected will likely not survive.
The ICRP advises that after the initial detonation, there’s typically a window of about 10 minutes or more to find secure shelter before radioactive fallout begins to descend. Ideal shelters include buildings with thick brick or concrete walls, basements, underground parking lots, or subway stations.
Fallout refers to the radioactive debris that settles after a nuclear blast. It poses severe health risks including radiation sickness, cancer, and potentially death—making the period immediately following the explosion just as deadly as the initial impact.
In conclusion, while the thought of a nuclear attack is terrifying, knowing what to do in the critical first ten minutes can dramatically increase your chances of survival. Experts stress that immediate action—finding shelter in a sturdy, enclosed space like a basement or concrete structure—is key to avoiding the deadly effects of radiation fallout.
Preparation, awareness, and quick thinking can be the difference between life and death in such a catastrophic event. As global tensions rise, staying informed and ready is no longer just precautionary—it’s potentially life-saving.