what to do in case of a nuclear attack

Recent news reports suggest Pakistan's nuclear facilities are under threat by some terrorist organisations.

There are more than 25,000 active nuclear warheads in the world at present.It would be nothing short of a disaster if some terrorists were to get hold of some of these dangerous weapons.

Here's what you should do in case of a nuclear attack in your area.

I Before The Blast

Be prepared with a shelter in case of a nuclear attack. Here are some things that a shelter would need to keep you safe from all that radiation outside:

1. Choose the place furthest from the outside walls within your home. It may be a good idea to go underground. The greater the distance you are from the radiation, the better.

2. You will want to shut off all openings like windows. But at the same time, you will need to ensure proper ventillation so that your lungs get enough oxygen to breath.

3. You need maximum shielding from the radioactive materials outside. Walls alone may not be enough, so you'll have to add some shielding material like a layer of steel, concrete or sand which will absorb the radiation, and prevent it from getting to you.

Supplies to have in hand in your shelter:

In general, you should have enough to survive atleast 10 days.

1. Collect as much water as you can. Water can prove to be very useful at a later stage.

2. Collect food enough for a few days.

3. Take a first-aid kit, and all important/emergancy medications you/your family members may need in the next few days.

4. Keep a source of light (flashlight) handy. Matchsticks could also prove useful.

5. Take a battery-powered radio with yourself so that you stay in touch with all that's happenning (like rescue efforts)

6. Have plenty of clothes, since it will be very important to change them frequently as they would be constantly absorbing radioactive material

7. Have a place to shower to keep yourself clean from the radiation

8. You my also want to keep some things like books so you don't get bored to death

II During The Blast

A nuclear bomb explosion emits such tremendous heat and power that it literally destroys structures and kills on contact within five miles of detonation, depending on the power of the bomb. So you would probably have to stay out of those 5 miles in order to survive. Luck will be an important factor here, but if you are out there and manage to survive, here's what you should do:

1. Don't lose hope. Luck will be an important factor in the coming hours, but being prepared ensures that you are doing the best you can in order to survive.

2. You will have to make a decison. You can either take cover inside a shelter, or get out of the area.

3. Consider the following factors:

• Shielding: Your shelter should be able to provide a thick shield between you and the radioactive material. Shut off all openings like windows, etc.

• Distance: The further away you are from the blast, lower will be your exposure, and hence the safer it will be for you

• Time: You must minimize time spent exposed to radiation in order to minimize risk

If you are outside at the time of the nuclear attack:

1. Cover your nose and mouth so you don't breath in radioactive dust

2. Don't touch anything thrown off by the explosion: it could be radioactive.

3. Find a building where walls and windows have not broken, and get inside. This will be a relatively safe place to be at that time.

If you are inside at the time of the nuclear attack:

1. If you have prepared a shelter, go there. Else, take some food , water, clothes, flashlight and a portable radio and go into a safe building, or as far as underground as possible

2. Change clothes and take a shower as soon as possible. This will rid you of the majority of the radioactive dust on you. Store clothes in a sealed plastic bag away from you.

3. Turn on a radio or TV to get instructions from the authorities.

If you follow these instructions carefully, you will be able to survive the attack. Best of luck!