Iranian state media have reportedly issued a set of nuclear attack safety tips for civilians. According to the reports, following these steps could make the difference between life and death. This article lays out the guidance as described, with context at the end.
Do Not Look at the Flash
The first instruction is simple: never look at the flash. At the moment of the blast, the guidance says there is an initial light brighter than the sun, called the flash barrier.
According to the guidance, this intense light burns the retina immediately. It can cause permanent blindness. Therefore, people are told to look away at once.
Do Not Stay Inside a Vehicle
Anyone inside a car or other vehicle is told not to stay there. The guidance calls staying put a mistake. Instead, people should get out and head for a sturdy shelter nearby.
The reason given is that vehicle glass and a thin metal frame cannot withstand the blast shockwave. In addition, they cannot stop harmful radiation.
What to Do When You Sense the Blast
As soon as the blast is felt, the guidance says people should take these steps:
- Lie flat on the ground, face down.
- Close the eyes tightly.
- Place the hands behind the head and neck.
- Keep the mouth slightly open.
- The mouth tip is meant to protect the eardrums from the sharp difference in air pressure.
Take Shelter Within 15 Minutes
Once the initial blast wave has passed, the guidance says people have 15 minutes to take shelter. The best places are the middle of a building made of brick, concrete or heavy stone, or an underground basement.
All windows, doors and ventilation openings should be sealed completely. The guidance suggests wet cloths or bricks. This is meant to keep out nuclear fallout, the dangerous radioactive dust that spreads outside.
Protect Your Body, Food and Water
The guidance also gives these instructions:
- Cover all exposed parts of the body completely.
- Wear an N95 mask, or tie a wet cloth over the mouth, to avoid breathing in radioactive particles.
- Do not use water, milk or fresh food left in the open.
- Eat only food kept in airtight cans and sealed bottles.
- How Long to Stay in Shelter
- According to the reports, people should stay in shelter for at least 24 to 48 hours. Meanwhile, they should listen to official emergency radio broadcasts. Those broadcasts will say what to do next.
Context and Expert Guidance
This guidance is reported from Iranian state media, and its original source and date are not independently confirmed here. Reporting it does not mean a nuclear attack is expected.
