Preparing for the Threat of Russian Nuclear War: What You Need to Know

The specter of nuclear war has loomed over the world since the first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico during the Manhattan Project 78 years ago. This pivotal moment, led by J. Robert Oppenheimer, is the focus of Christopher Nolan's film Oppenheimer, which delivers a message with renewed relevance in today's tense geopolitical climate.

Stephen Miles, president of Win Without War, highlighted this during a recent panel on the movie, stating, "It's safe to say we're in the midst of an incredibly dangerous moment, where the use of nuclear weapons seems more possible now than at any time since the end of the Cold War."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has further exacerbated these fears, with President Vladimir Putin repeatedly threatening nuclear force. His June announcement about deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus added weight to these threats. While U.S. officials maintain there’s no immediate indication of an attack, President Joe Biden has acknowledged the potential for catastrophic escalation.

Experts are divided: some believe Putin’s rhetoric aims to deter Western support for Ukraine, while others view it as signaling an increased risk of nuclear confrontation.

How Prepared Are Civilians for a Nuclear Strike? If a nuclear attack occurred, especially one involving Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles, American civilians would have minimal warning. Flight times for missiles range from 10-30 minutes depending on their origin, with submarine-launched missiles presenting the shortest timelines.

For example, a missile launched from a Russian submarine near the U.S. East Coast could strike cities like New York or Washington, D.C., within 10-15 minutes—leaving no time to retrieve family members or gather supplies.

Despite this threat, public preparedness has waned since the Cold War era. Fallout shelters, drills, and air raid sirens are largely relics of the past, leaving many unprepared for such a scenario.

Immediate Actions During a Nuclear Attack First 30 Minutes: Avert Your Eyes and Shield Yourself In the event of a nuclear strike, the explosion's initial flash and fireball are lethal. A one-megaton bomb, significantly more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb, could cause temporary blindness up to 13 miles away during the day and 53 miles at night.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises immediately dropping to the ground, shielding your face and body, and keeping your mouth open to prevent eardrum damage from pressure waves. If indoors, avoid narrow hallways and windows, which can amplify shock waves.

First 45 Minutes: Seek Shelter Indoors Radioactive fallout, consisting of deadly sand-like particles, begins descending about 15 minutes after a detonation. Seek sturdy, windowless shelter in basements or central areas of large buildings, staying away from top floors or basements prone to flooding. If you're outside, move upwind of the blast site to minimize exposure.

First 24 Hours: Decontaminate and Stay Indoors If you were outdoors during the blast, shower as soon as possible with warm water, avoiding scrubbing to prevent radioactive particles from entering your skin. Cover any open wounds and dispose of contaminated clothing. Use only sealed or packaged food and water, and avoid fresh produce or open water sources.

First 7 Days: Monitor Radio Broadcasts for Updates With fallout continuing to settle, authorities will provide updates via battery-powered or hand-crank radios. These advisories may include evacuation instructions or information on available medical assistance.

When venturing outdoors during this period, cover your mouth and wounds to reduce exposure. Avoid eating uncovered food or drinking water exposed to the open air.

Remaining Vigilant While the likelihood of an immediate Russian nuclear attack remains low, the threat is real enough to warrant preparation. Staying informed, having an emergency plan, and knowing how to react can save lives in the unthinkable event of nuclear war.