Nuclear Strike Survival Guide: The First 10 Minutes Could Save Your Life

Nuclear Strike Survival Guide: The First 10 Minutes Could Save Your Life

As global tensions continue to rise, the fear of a nuclear conflict has become more real for many people around the world. Recent escalations, such as U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, have only added to the growing anxiety. In such uncertain times, experts are urging the public to understand one crucial fact: what you do in the first ten minutes after a nuclear detonation could be the key to survival.

Senator JD Vance shared a story that, while amusing on the surface, underscores how high-stakes nuclear decisions can be. During Donald Trump’s presidency, Vance witnessed Trump mute a call with a foreign leader, then press a red button on his desk. The senator feared that it might be the nuclear launch button, but instead, it simply summoned a Diet Coke. The incident, although funny in hindsight, highlights the ever-present possibility—and fear—of a nuclear mistake or sudden escalation.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has long emphasized the importance of rapid response and preparation. According to the ICRP, a nuclear explosion can cause immediate mass casualties and catastrophic damage. However, they stress that survival is possible if you act quickly. “The best way to protect yourself,” the ICRP states, “is to get inside the center of a sturdy building or a basement as soon as possible.”

A striking historical example comes from Eizo Nomura, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb in 1945. Nomura was only 170 meters from ground zero—an area where survival seemed impossible. But because he happened to be in a basement, he lived, while almost everyone else that close perished instantly. His story is a powerful testament to the importance of immediate shelter.

Experts say you have about ten precious minutes after a nuclear explosion before radioactive fallout—dangerous, invisible particles from the explosion—starts to rain down. This fallout can cause severe radiation sickness, increase cancer risk, and lead to death if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Finding a solid shelter during this short window is critical to avoid these life-threatening effects.

Ideal shelters include basements, underground garages, subways, and the innermost parts of brick or concrete buildings. The thicker and denser the materials surrounding you, the more protection they provide against radiation. Once inside, stay away from windows and seal any openings if possible to prevent radioactive dust from entering.

Beyond physical shelter, it’s important to be mentally prepared. Have a plan for where you would go if an alert were issued, and if possible, keep an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a radio, and basic medical supplies ready at home.

In the event of a nuclear attack, your actions in the first ten minutes are absolutely critical. Do not attempt to watch the explosion or record it on your phone—immediate shelter could be the difference between life and death. By understanding these steps now, you give yourself and your loved ones a far better chance of surviving a nightmare scenario that no one ever hopes to face.