After the Blast: How to Survive a Nuclear Explosion in New York City
1. Don’t Look at the Flash
If you see a sudden, blinding flash—even miles away—look away instantly and drop to the ground. The initial blast wave can arrive seconds later with lethal force.
2. Take Immediate Shelter from Fallout
Radioactive fallout begins to settle within 10–15 minutes after the detonation. Get indoors—preferably in a basement or the center of a building with thick walls and no windows.
3. Seal Off Openings
Shut all windows, doors, and ventilation systems. Use duct tape, towels, or plastic sheeting to cover gaps and vents. Fallout particles are microscopic and deadly.
4. Remove Contaminated Clothing
If you've been outside, strip off your outer layers and place them in a sealed bag. Shower with soap and water—but avoid conditioner, which can trap radiation particles in your hair.
5. Stay Tuned with Emergency Broadcasts
Use a battery-powered or crank radio to listen for official instructions. Cell networks will likely be down, but emergency frequencies will provide evacuation and hazard updates.
6. Wait at Least 24–48 Hours Before Leaving Shelter
Radiation levels are most dangerous in the first 24 hours. Unless your shelter is at risk, staying put during this critical window vastly improves survival chances.
7. Ration Food and Water Immediately
Assume help will not arrive quickly. Use stored supplies and avoid anything exposed to the outside air after the blast. Tap water may still be safe initially, but collect what you can before pressure drops.
8. Avoid Fallout Zones and Hot Spots
If you must evacuate, head perpendicular to the wind direction and avoid downwind areas from the blast site. Fallout travels fast and concentrates in low-lying areas.
9. Treat Injuries Cautiously
Burns, lacerations, and radiation sickness are likely. Prioritize wound care, hydration, and infection prevention—especially if medical services are overwhelmed or unavailable.
10. Prepare for Weeks of Disruption
Power, transportation, and communication networks may be disabled city-wide. Plan for a long-term shelter-in-place scenario and coordinate with trusted neighbors or community networks.
A nuclear strike in New York City would be devastating—but not unsurvivable. Knowing what to do in the moments after the blast is your best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones. In chaos, preparation is power. And in the unthinkable, staying calm could save your life.
