Surviving a Nuclear Blast in a Major City

FIRST 60 SECONDS (the flash): 1. Do not look at the fireball — it can blind you. 2. Drop flat face-down. Protect exposed skin. The blast wave arrives seconds after the flash — stay down for 2 full minutes. 3. Cover your head. Once the blast passes, check yourself for injuries. FIND SHELTER (under 10 minutes): - Get inside a solid building immediately. The center or basement is best. Put as many walls and as much concrete/brick between you and the outside as possible. - Radioactive fallout is heaviest for the first 24–48 hours. - If you were outside, remove outer clothing (removes ~90% of fallout). Do not scrub skin raw — wipe off, then shower with soap and water. Blot, don't shave. SHELTER IN PLACE (24–72 hours): - Stay inside. Close all windows, doors, vents. Tape gaps if possible. - Use stored food and water. Do not drink tap water until officials say it's safe. - Listen to a battery/hand-crank radio for instructions (NOAA, AM/FM). EVACUATION: - Leave only when officials say it's safe, or to escape fire/collapse. The worst fallout settles within 10–20 miles downwind. - Drive perpendicular to the wind direction, not downwind. - From NYC: head north (upstate) or west, NOT along the coast. Avoid bridges/tunnels — they'll jam. Use secondary roads. - From a West Coast city (LA/SF): move inland to higher ground away from the blast zone. WATER & FOOD: - Sealed bottled water is safe. Tap water is not safe in the fallout zone until cleared. - Eat only sealed/canned food. Wipe cans before opening.