Nuclear war warning as FEMA issues urgent guidance on finding shelter to survive a blast

FEMA detailed different precautionary methods through zoning methods

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated and expanded the third edition of its training guide to provide teaching for a wider range of nuclear detonations, including larger detonations and air bursts.

Citizens around the world have been warned by their governments that Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear warfare against countries that challenge him.

FEMA detailed different precautionary methodsthrough zoning methods. Their documents categorized where to evacuate to get out of the Light Danger Zone (LDR) and the Dangerous radiation zone (DRZ).

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According to FEMA's planning outline, a Light Danger Zone is described as an area "where glass windows can be broken with enough force to injure those near them." Most structures will be externally damaged, but few will experience structural damage in these zones.

However, LDZ damage can extend up to three miles from "ground zero" from a ten kT nuclear explosion; damage will vary because shock waves can rebound off the surrounding atmosphere, buildings and terrain. A nuclear blast in an LDR will result in damaged, unreinforced structures and cause injuries. Regarding radiation in LDRs, proximity to the near-surface detonations will increase dangerous radiation levels on ground zero within the LDZ, but "initial radiation is unlikely to cause significant exposure (even to those outside), except for yields less than one kT."

In case of attack, FEMA advised people to seek shelter in basement areas or the center of larger concrete brick buildings. After the detonation, there will be about 10 minutes to find "adequate protection before fallout arrives." People should stay sheltered for up to 24 hours unless there are alternative instructions from officials if there's immediate danger from building collapse or other imminent threats.

Responders are required to monitor radiation levels and avoid the DRZ. In emergency settings, responders strongly suggest cooperation with everyone affected. Responders will manage fires, clear routes and treat the injured but do not prevent someone from self-evacuation. Evacuation is not required to mitigate the radiological hazard but may be warranted due to unsafe shelter conditions (weather, fire, medical emergency, smoke, etc.).