In video games, nuclear wars have toppled civilizations more than once, forcing the hero to move through scarred landscapes in search of even a glimmer of hope. While the world’s leaders in the real world are shocked by how prepared modern systems can be and won’t casually tolerate a massacre, the idea of Fallout or Metro-like futures остаётся a topic of debate. Read the article to understand the possibilities and the limits of preparedness.
Remark The editors of VGTimes have endured simulated nuclear scenarios and post-apocalyptic challenges in fictional worlds, but their grasp of real-world nuclear warfare remains imperfect. This article should be treated as thoughtful information, not a set of instructions.
First step: stay calm
During the Cold War, the doctrine of mutually assured destruction emerged. Nuclear forces possessed enough power to destroy an adversary, and even the attacker risked a ruinous retaliation. The country that launched a nuclear strike would itself face catastrophic consequences, offering a powerful deterrent that’s hard to underestimate.
So, initiating a nuclear attack is generally not advantageous. This deterrent is a critical factor in maintaining strategic stability.
Will there be a nuclear war?
Step two: be prepared
Does the threat of mutual destruction guarantee safety? Not completely. The risk is not only about a leader losing control and pressing the red button; practical realities can play a part as well.
The world has hovered on the edge of catastrophe before. For example, on September 26, 1983, the Soviet missile warning system briefly indicated a launch from a US base. Alarms sounded, the clock ticked, and troops braced for impact.
Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov judged that the alert was false or misleading. He observed that only a portion of the missiles appeared to be fired, that the flashes and flares were inconsistent, and that radar warnings were unreliable. He advised not to retaliate, and after a few minutes the anomalies disappeared. The fault lay in the warning system.
That incident teaches that doctrine alone does not guarantee safety and that a seemingly impossible mistake could spark a disastrous exchange. It is prudent to relax, but it remains wise to take precautions.
Serpukhov-15 command post, where the warning system warned of a 1983 incidentSerpukhov-15 command post, where the warning system warned of a 1983 incident
That episode underscores the point that no strategy is a perfect shield, and accidents can trigger responses as if a real threat existed. The takeaway is to stay composed while considering practical safety measures.
Step Three: accept the reality
The likelihood of surviving a nuclear attack remains limited. Instructions can help, but they are not guarantees of rescue.
A ballistic missile travels fast, covering thousands of kilometers in minutes. Warning systems may detect it only shortly before impact, and authorities need time to convey alerts to the public. In many scenarios, it could take additional minutes to issue sirens and messages.
From the moment the public learns of an attack to the moment of impact, the window is tight. In many cases, it can feel rushed and overwhelming.
Step Four: prepare thoughtfully
Identify the nearest shelter or fortified area. While there are extensive networks of air-raid shelters in some countries, not all locations provide current, accessible information about their whereabouts. Even when a shelter is found, its usability can be uncertain due to maintenance issues.
A practical alternative is to contact local emergency services or municipal offices to learn the safest, reachable shelter options. If shelters are scarce, the subway system can offer temporary protection during a threat.
Traveling to a shelter empty-handed is not advisable. A pre-packed kit including clothing change, water, a basic first aid kit for a vehicle, essential medications, iodine tablets, a multivitamin, a flashlight, and other necessities should be ready.
Vitamins play a role in maintaining health—sunlight supports immunity, metabolism, and mood. Vitamin D can help, though it cannot replace exposure to daylight. A gas mask or respirator is a sensible precaution as well, even if the shelter remains accessible, since accidents can occur outside.
When warnings sound, estimate whether reaching a shelter or subway is feasible. Surviving the blast outdoors is unlikely; converging behind solid walls at a shelter is generally safer than remaining on the street.
Fifth step: estimate distance and risk
Survival chances hinge on distance from the explosion and the nature of the blast. Historical accounts show that within a few kilometers, devastation is severe, while distances beyond a certain radius offer a better prospect for staying alive. The exact impact varies with the weapon’s yield and structural resilience of nearby buildings.
Predicting the exact strike point is difficult, especially when planning for municipal safety. Citizens should consider the presence of critical facilities in their area and plan to minimize exposure.
There is little value in reckless flight or long distances if shelter options are not nearby. In many cases, remaining indoors behind sturdy walls provides better protection than moving through open spaces.
If a blast is observed outside, seek a covered or depressed location. Clothing that shields skin helps reduce exposure to fragments.
Sixth step: what comes next?
If sheltering in a bunker or subway is necessary, stay there. Some media portray radiation as trivial after-effects, but it remains a significant concern and warrants cautious behavior.
After a localized event, individuals should commence basic decontamination strategies: wipe the face with a damp cloth, remove contaminated clothing, and, if possible, don a respirator or mask. If no protective gear is available, use damp wipes or a mask to cover the mouth and nose.
Going outdoors immediately after a blast is not recommended, as walls that survived the blast do not guarantee safety from radiation. The goal is to reach a hospital or main road where responders are more likely to converge.
If help is not nearby, move away from the epicenter and seek maximum distance where possible. Seek shelter behind robust structures to block the wave direction and minimize exposure.
Survival depends on many unpredictable factors. No plan can guarantee safety for someone near the impact site without a shelter. Yet a calm mind and proper equipment can save lives in a crisis.
It is fortunate that the world does not resemble the Fallout universe, and that political leaders do not routinely place deterrents on high alert in daily life.
Are you preparing for a nuclear threat?
Source: VG Times