If you're reading this, chances are it's not because the UK is suffering through a nuclear emergency, but because you're being sensible and planning ahead of time.
Ideally, the prospect of such a disaster will remain hypothetical, but it's worth preparing for the worst just in case it happens, and the government has a three-step plan they'd want you to follow.
You do get the occasional Russian nutjob declaring that they could nuke the UK in the hopes of getting a pat on the head from Putin, and in such a case, it'd pretty much be the end of the world anyway.
Advert
Should the nukes come down, then for a lot of Brits, the three-step plan is going to be 'die, remain dead, continue being dead', especially if you live around one of Russia's main targets.
A nuclear emergency that you'd have to take measures to deal with is more likely to be something going wrong with a nuclear power plant or a problem with the transportation of radioactive material.
Gas, dust and larger fragments of radioactive material could be carried away by the conditions and spread their fatal poison around, and since you absolutely can be killed by something you can't see, you'd better heed the warnings and follow the advice.
Go in
If you're outside during a nuclear emergency then you need to get some big, thick walls between you and the radiation.
Advert
Get inside as soon as possible, ideally into a building made of brick, stone or concrete as this will block some of the radiation, and if you feel like you need to decontaminate then get on that as soon as possible.
Close the doors and windows, and try to stay as far away from the building's external walls as possible.
Those windows won't block gamma radiation, so the closer to the middle of the building you are the better as it'll help keep you away from that and from any radiation clinging to the outside of the building.
Getting into a tent or your car isn't going to do much to protect you, so get somewhere you can put something more solid between you and the radiation.
Stay in
If you've managed to find somewhere solid to hole up then you'd be an absolute plonker to abandon it and go outside for a stroll.
Advert
The building you used for the 'go in' stage of the plan might not be your home, but deciding to pop home in the immediate aftermath would be a bad idea even if that's where you keep your supplies.
Speaking of supplies, these sorts of emergencies are why you might want to keep a survival kit in your home to get you through the first few days.
You should also not go out and attempt to make contact with family members, even your children or those who rely on you for care.
According to the government's advice, you'd be advised to stay indoors for at least a day or two after the release of radioactive material.
Ideally you'll be staying in a place that's got access to food, running water, heating and toilets.
Advert
Since you might be there for a while you want to make sure as little radiation gets in as possible, which means keeping the doors and windows closed and switching off any device which brings in air from the outside such as vents or air conditioning.
If you need to go and get important medication, or need to alert someone to the presence of an individual who requires care who is unattended, then you're supposed to call the NHS on 111 and talk to them rather than trying to pop out and sort it by yourself.
Trying to travel through the radiation isn't going to be a good idea for your health.
Tune in
If you're sheltering in the middle of your house and trying to stay indoors then how are you supposed to know what's going on or what you're meant to do?
Advert
Stick on the TV, turn on the radio, unlock your smartphone and check for official communications keeping you updated on the situation.
The government and local authorities are meant to provide you with instructions for what to do and where to go in an emergency like this, so it'll be up to them to tell you when it's safe to come back out.
If things get really serious, then you might be told to evacuate, and detailed instructions on what to do will be communicated including what you need to do, where you need to go and what support will be available.
Joe Harker