It does not have to be daunting. Treat it like any other preparation. Decide what you need, seek out its source. Learn and plan.
Most of the fear surrounding nuclear war comes from a lack of understanding and preparation. Once you grasp the basic risks and responses, you can take meaningful steps to protect yourself and your family. Whether you live in the city, suburbs or countryside—or if you’re considering sailing to the Southern Hemisphere—this guide is designed to help you make smart, realistic plans.
Understanding the Two Primary Dangers
There are two main threats in a nuclear event:
- The Blast: The initial explosion, intense heat and shockwave.
- The Fallout: Radioactive dust and debris that can poison the air, water and soil for days to weeks afterward.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare
1. Know Your Location and Risks
- Urban Areas: These are likely targets due to military, industrial or political importance. Plan to evacuate early if tensions rise.
- Rural Areas: Safer from blast effects, but still at risk from fallout depending on wind patterns. Learn how to monitor radiation and shelter in place.
- Sailing Option: Heading toward the Southern Hemisphere can reduce fallout risk. Most nuclear conflicts are expected to affect the Northern Hemisphere more severely due to military concentration and prevailing winds[1].
2. Build a Nuclear Survival Kit
- Potassium Iodide Tablets: Protects the thyroid from radioactive iodine[2]. Only take when advised.
- Duct Tape and Plastic Sheeting: Seal windows and doors.
- N95 Masks or Gas Masks: Prevents inhaling radioactive dust.
- Food and Water: Minimum 2 weeks per person. Store sealed containers[3].
- Radiation Detector (Geiger Counter or dosimeter): To monitor local exposure levels.
- Flashlight, Batteries, Wind-up Radio: For information and safety without grid power.
- Sanitation Supplies: Wet wipes, toilet paper, waste bags.
3. Prepare a Shelter
Best Option: Underground concrete (basement, storm shelter).
Alternative: Interior rooms, away from windows. Reinforce with:
- Thick walls of earth, water containers or books for shielding.
- Tightly sealed entryways.
- Air filtration if possible (HEPA filters or improvised charcoal cloth filters).
In cities, underground car parks or subway tunnels may offer some protection, but avoid entrances where fallout collects.
4. Understand Fallout Behavior
- Fallout begins within 20 minutes to 2 hours after the blast.
- Most dangerous in the first 24–72 hours.
- Heaviest downwind of the blast. Monitor wind direction and news.
- Radiation decay follows the 7:10 Rule: After 7 hours, radiation drops to 10% of its initial level. After 48 hours, it’s about 1%[4].
5. Action Plan if a Bomb Detonates
Immediately:
- Don’t look at the flash.
- Drop to the ground and cover your head.
- Get inside fast.
- Remove outer clothing and seal in a plastic bag.
- Shower or wipe down. Avoid conditioner or harsh scrubbing.
Next Steps:
- Seal doors and windows.
- Stay indoors for at least 72 hours.
- Use a radiation meter if available.
- Ration supplies and avoid unnecessary exposure.
6. Long-Term Recovery
- Wait for the official “All Clear.”
- Use only bottled or sealed water.
- Avoid local food sources until tested safe.
- Check fallout maps or alerts from emergency authorities.
- If you’re sailing, head for low population and low strategic regions in the Southern Hemisphere[1].
Closing Thoughts
Nuclear war is survivable—if you are prepared. Fear thrives in uncertainty, but confidence grows with planning. Whether you bug in, bug out or set sail, your survival depends on informed action.
Let others panic. You prepare.
Shopping List
Need a shopping list to gather your nuclear-war supplies? Check out our list here: https://sailtosafety.com/nuclear-war-shopping-list
References
- Robock, A., Oman, L., & Stenchikov, G. L. (2007). “Nuclear winter revisited with a modern climate model and current nuclear arsenals: Still catastrophic consequences.” Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 112(D13).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Potassium Iodide (KI).” https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/ki.htm
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “Nuclear Blast – Ready.gov.” https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-blast
- Kearny, Cresson H. (1987). Nuclear War Survival Skills. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Public domain copy hosted by Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine.