The world changed when we saw the brutality of the Russian invaders in Ukraine. If you asked anyone ten years ago about the possibility of a nuclear weapon being used, people would laugh in your face and think you’re not well in the head. Now, more and more people, especially in Ukraine and Europe, are starting to learn how to save themselves from the consequences of a potential nuclear disaster.
Let’s hope that no one will ever need this information, but knowledge is power, so just in case, here’s what you do.
First things first
1) If you are indoors, stay there. If not, take cover as soon as possible. Radioactive material settles on walls, roofs, and the ground. Try to have as little contact with the outside world as possible.
2) If you have any pets, keep them inside. Don’t let them frolic around in the radioactive meadow.
3) Close doors and windows, and seal all cracks with damp cloths.
4) Make sure you have a supply of food for several days. Pack everything in airtight bags and hide it in the refrigerator or a cold place.
5) Prepare a respirator, face mask, or cotton gauze bandage to protect the lungs.
6) Sit tight and wait for further instructions from the State Emergency Service, law enforcement officers, or other authorities. Do not go outside unless you really-REALLY have no other choice.
Basic means of protection against radiation
If you decide to go outside for some time (evacuation, medical assistance), remember these rules:
1) Wear a respirator, a raincoat, rubber boots, and gloves.
2) Do not take off your clothes on the street, do not touch the ground, grass, bushes, trees, and whatever you do – do not swim or wash in bodies of water outside.
3) After returning home, carefully remove your outer layer of clothing so as not to shake off the radioactive dust. Place the clothing in an airtight bag or container and place it as far away from people and animals as possible.
4) If possible, take a shower with soap, and wash your head. Use shampoo but not the conditioner. Do not rub or scratch the skin.
5) If a shower isn’t an option, use running water to wash all exposed areas of the skin, especially your face, eyes, and ears. Wet wipes or cloth will also do in a pinch.
6) Now that you’re clean, put on clean clothes.
What to eat and drink in case of a radiation accident?
It’s worth remembering that not all food is safe to consume during a nuclear disaster.
1) Drink only clean water. Tap is a no-go, but if you find a clean, uncontaminated well, be sure to refill your bottles.
2) Boiling does not remove radiation, so you must always have a supply of drinkable water. Almost any water in a container would do, as it wasn’t exposed to radiation.
3) Food is safe if it is hermetically sealed in a jar or another container. You can also take food from the freezer or fridge, so it’s not a bad idea to stock up on some highly nutritious snacks, just in case. Oh, and Before opening the package, wipe it with a damp cloth or towel. Later, stick that cloth in a plastic bag and put it in an inaccessible place.
