Start here · Nuclear attack
Right now: from the flash to 24 hours
- 0 sFlash
Don't look at the light. Get down, face down, behind something solid. Cover your head and neck; hands under your body.
- SecondsBlast wave
It arrives after the light: several miles out it travels ~1 mile every 5 seconds. Stay away from windows and glass.
- 2 minStay down
At least 2 minutes, until the wind passes and debris stops falling.
- < 10 minGet inside
The sturdiest building you can reach within minutes: basement or center. If there's none, your home.
- On enteringDecontaminate
Outer clothing into a sealed bag. Shower with soap and shampoo, no conditioner.
- 24 hStay inside
Close doors and windows; turn off air conditioning or heating that pulls in outside air.
- AfterStay tuned
A battery or hand-crank radio. Leave or evacuate only when authorities say so, by the route they give.