Nuclear experts have explained how you can increase your chances of survival if a warhead were to hit the UK.
While it used to be nothing more than a load of talk, rising worldwide tensions mean that the nation getting attacked isn't completely out of the question.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which the US recently became directly involved in, signalled that the West may be getting involved, whether we like it or not.
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Iran's retaliation by firing warheads at US airbases in the Middle East also didn't go down well, and President Trump publicly expressed his feelings at both Iran and Israel for violating the agreed upon ceasefire within hours.
Add all of this in with with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and you'd be forgiven for worrying about a potential third World War.
The threat of nuclear warfare is a genuine concern according to none other that the British government, who warned of the possibility in a recent public document.
And now, an international, non-governmental organisation has provided a step-by-step guide on how to survive a nuclear attack, and what to do in its immediate aftermath.
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The guide, which comes from The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), also advises people on how to prepare for a strike beforehand.
They state that they hope that 'this information will never need to be put into action', but have provided 'scientifically supported advice' which could save lives.
First 10 minutes
"The first 10 minutes after a detonation are some of the most important," the guide states.
Speaking of the Hiroshima bombing of August 1945, the ICRP explains that a man named Eizo Nomura was in the basement of a building just 170 metres from the detonation point, but because he was so far underground, he survived and lived until 1982.
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It highlights the importance of finding shelter and protecting yourself from any harm.
The guide explains that 'getting inside the centre of a building or basement' is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones, saying to 'be inside before the fallout arrives'.
The goal is to 'put as much material between you and the radioactive material outside'.
The guide explains: "After a detonation, you will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter before fallout arrives," adding that the safest buildings have brick or concrete walls.
If a basement, multi-story building, underground parking garages or subway is accessible, these would be ideal shelter locations.
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24 hours
After making it past the first 10 minutes, it is important to be clued up on what to do for the following 24 hours.
The guide first advises that if someone thinks they have been exposed to any nuclear fallout, they should look to remove layers of clothing and footwear, and wash any exposed skin or hair.
Contaminated pets should be brushed and washed in a separate room to those being sheltered.
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They explain that food, drink and medicine in someone's shelter or in a store are safe to consume.
The ICRP advises that people tune in to available media, even if it is through AM/FM radio stations, for updated instructions from authorities.
Luckily, the dangers associated with a nuclear fallout decreases rapidly, as people are advised to stay sheltered for 12 to 24 hours following detonation.
But the guide adds: "Self-evacuation is strongly discouraged until hazardous fallout areas have been identified and safe evacuation routes established."
It further notes that peoplr should only exit shelter if instructed to by authorities, or if they are under immediate threat from hazards like a fire, building collapse or life-threatening injury.
After 24 hours
At this point, outdoor radiation levels will have dropped a lot, but it is important to be mindful of time spent outdoors.
They advise to minimise time spent exposed outside, while maximising time spent in the protective locations in your shelter, waiting for more instructions.
Separated friends and family members should stay in their own shelters, as going outside to collect them could put more people at risk.
The ICRP also advise people to ration their food and water as they could be in the shelter for several days, while all containers from outside should be washed and cleaned before use.
If there is an emergency, such as a life-threatening injury, it is advised that you cover exposed body parts or clothes with another layer when going outdoors, which should be discarded when you return.
On the other hand, if authorities give the green light for people to evacuate, it is suggested that people bring legal documents, clothes, medicines, pet supplies, phones, and their survival kits with them.
Topics: Politics, UK News, World News
Joshua Nair