With everything going on in the world right now, a lot of people are starting to wonder if World War 3 might actually happen.
There’s been rising tension, and nuclear weapons are a big part of what’s making folks nervous. Just recently, the US launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities, trying to take out key equipment.
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Some fear the threat of nuclear war is no longer a joke
Even politicians are on edge. JD Vance shared a story about how he once thought President Trump actually launched a nuke.
They were on a call with a foreign leader when Trump muted the line and said the talk wasn’t going well. Then he hit a red button. Vance freaked a little and asked what just happened.
“Nuclear,” Trump said. But a few seconds later, someone showed up with a Diet Coke. Turns out, Trump just hit his Diet Coke button.
Experts warn that nuclear war is a serious modern concern
All jokes aside, experts are seriously warning people to know what to do in case a nuclear strike ever happens.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) shared some steps to take, especially in those first 10 minutes.
The first minutes after a detonation are critical to survival
“A nuclear detonation, whether from a missile or small portable device, may result in mass casualties,” the ICRP says on its site.
They stress that being ready and knowing how to react right away can really make a difference for you and your family.
Getting inside a solid building is your best chance
“The best way to protect you and your family before, during, and after a nuclear blast is getting inside the centre of a building or basement.”
That’s pretty much your best move. Stay away from windows, outer walls, or open spaces. Just head straight to the safest part inside.
A real-life survivor story shows why shelter matters
They even mention a man, Mr. Eizo Nomura, who was in a basement in Hiroshima during the 1945 bombing. He was just 170 meters from where the bomb hit.
And he survived. Lived all the way until 1982. Most people that close didn’t make it. Being in the right spot clearly gave him a real shot.
You may have at least 10 minutes to find safety
The ICRP also points out that, after the explosion, there’s usually a little window of time before fallout hits the ground.
“After a detonation, you will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter before fallout arrives. If a multi-story building or a basement can be safely reached within a few minutes of the explosion, go there immediately.”
So you might not need to panic and freeze. Those few minutes can save your life if you use them wisely.
Some structures offer more protection than others
“The safest buildings have brick or concrete walls. Underground parking garages and subways can also provide good shelter.”
Basically, anything thick, solid, and below ground level is way better than being out in the open.
Fallout is deadly and not just immediate
Nuclear ‘fallout’ is what comes after the blast. It’s the radioactive stuff that falls from the sky and settles on everything.
The explosion is just one part of the danger. Fallout can bring radiation sickness, cancer, and can even be fatal. So even if you’re not hit by the blast itself, the aftermath can be just as deadly.