{"id":2395,"date":"2023-09-01T17:39:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T15:39:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dovidka.info\/informations\/yak-diyaty-v-razi-zastosuvannya-brudnoyi-bomby-yadernoyi-ataky-chy-avariyi-na-aes\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T17:21:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T15:21:25","slug":"yak-diyaty-v-razi-zastosuvannya-brudnoyi-bomby-yadernoyi-ataky-chy-avariyi-na-aes","status":"publish","type":"informations","link":"https:\/\/dovidka.info\/en\/yak-diyaty-v-razi-zastosuvannya-brudnoyi-bomby-yadernoyi-ataky-chy-avariyi-na-aes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Yourself From a “Dirty Bomb,” a Nuclear Attack, or an Accident at a Nuclear Power Plant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Russia is suffering defeats on the battlefield, so its leadership is resorting to its usual tactic of blackmail \u2014 this time, nuclear blackmail. The use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine is considered possible, although the main purpose of these threats is to frighten Ukrainians and the world, force concessions, and pressure our partners to weaken their support for Ukraine.<\/b><\/p>\n

This intimidation will not achieve the results Russia expects. At the same time, Ukrainians must have an action plan for any emergency: the use of nuclear weapons, a “dirty bomb,” or an accident at a nuclear power plant.<\/b><\/p>\n

Nuclear weapons are weapons of mass destruction. Nuclear warheads can be placed on various types of missiles, torpedoes, bombs, and artillery shells \u2014 all of which Russia constantly uses to strike our territory. You can only determine that a weapon was nuclear after the explosion itself and after receiving data on radioactive contamination of the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

A radiological dispersal device, also known as a “dirty bomb,” is essentially an explosive device combined with radioactive material. During detonation, radioactive substances are dispersed by the blast wave.<\/span><\/p>\n

The recommendations were developed based on the experience and instructions of Ukraine following the accident at the Chernobyl NPP (1986), by the Center for Strategic Communications together with the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety, and drawing on information from open sources: the State Emergency Service, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the Patrol Police of Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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If nuclear weapons are used, a “dirty bomb” is detonated, or a nuclear power plant explodes, the main rule remains unchanged: when you hear the siren, go to a shelter.<\/b><\/p>\n

Turn on the radio, television, or internet to receive alerts about the threat and further instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Operational information will be provided by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the General Staff, the police, or local authorities on their official websites or social media pages, or through official Viber or Telegram channels. If the internet connection is unstable, you can use lightweight versions of social media apps such as Facebook Lite and Messenger Lite.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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However, there is a high probability that in an area affected by nuclear weapons, the internet and communications will not function at all and there will be no electricity. Therefore, make sure in advance that you have a battery-powered radio \u2014 it may be the only means of communication in an emergency.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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\n If a nuclear explosion catches you outdoors <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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If you notice a flash in the sky (or its reflection from surfaces), do not look in that direction under any circumstances \u2014 this can cause corneal burns, flash blindness, and eye injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Lie down on the ground immediately. Within seconds, try to find a depression or ledge behind which you can shelter from the blast wave and debris.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Try to cover all exposed parts of your body: lie with your feet toward the explosion, face down, and place your hands beneath you to protect them from burns and injuries.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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If possible, cover your ears with headphones to protect against barotrauma.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Cover your mouth and nose with a mask, a piece of clothing, or a scarf, and breathe through it. However, these improvised means cannot fully protect you from internal radiation exposure \u2014 which is why it is critical to reach shelter as quickly as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Run to shelter as soon as you are back on your feet and the blast wave from the nuclear explosion has passed.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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When running to shelter, take the wind direction into account. If the wind is blowing from the epicenter of the explosion, move perpendicular to the wind \u2014 to the left or right. Otherwise, move against the wind.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The main criterion when choosing shelter is whether you can reach it within minutes. If there is no specially equipped shelter nearby, the best option is a basement or the central part of a large concrete building with as few windows and doors as possible. See the illustrations for the safest parts of a building in the event of a nuclear attack.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Before entering the shelter, remove the outer layer of clothing \u2014 this can eliminate up to 90% of radioactive contamination and reduce the time you are exposed to radiation. To prevent the spread of radioactive dust, remove your clothes carefully and avoid skin contact with contaminated clothing. Place the clothes into a plastic bag or airtight container. The best option is to change completely and decontaminate as soon as possible (see point 11).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Make sure no outside air enters the room you are using as a shelter. Close all windows, doors, and ventilation openings, and turn off the air conditioner and heater. If possible, move to a room without windows.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Keep your distance from other people in the room and avoid touching them \u2014 you may contaminate each other with radioactive material.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Do not eat or touch anything that may have been radioactively contaminated.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Carry out <\/span>decontamination<\/b> \u2014 that is, take measures to remove radioactive contamination from your body, the room, surfaces, and objects you have come into contact with.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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You may use tap water to wash radioactive contamination off your skin and surfaces, unless an official announcement has been made prohibiting its use.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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It is recommended to take a cool shower using soap or another detergent. Avoid scrubbing your skin hard, as this may damage it and allow radionuclides to enter the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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If you cannot take a shower, wash all exposed areas of skin \u2014 especially your hands and face. Use soap and plenty of water. Do not rub areas where you have scratches or wounds, to avoid getting radionuclides into the body. If you have no access to water at all, use a wet wipe, a clean damp cloth, or a damp paper towel, and thoroughly wipe all exposed areas of skin.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Wipe surfaces and objects with a damp cloth or wipe \u2014 this is mandatory regardless of which room you are using as a shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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If possible, put on clean, close-fitting clothing that covers as much of the body as possible and could not have been contaminated by radioactive material.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Find a source of information: radio, television, or the internet. To avoid missing instructions, do not turn off the radio or any other communication device.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Stay in the shelter for 24 hours unless the authorities provide other instructions regarding movement or evacuation.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n If a nuclear explosion catches you indoors <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Make sure no air enters the room. Close all windows, doors, and ventilation openings, and turn off the air conditioner and heater. If possible, move to a room without windows.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Stay in the shelter for 24 hours unless the authorities provide other instructions regarding movement or evacuation. To avoid missing instructions, do not turn off the radio or any other communication device.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Do not eat or touch anything that may have been radioactively contaminated.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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If members of your family were in another shelter when the nuclear weapon was used, they must remain there until official permission is given to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Keep your pets inside the shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Do not drink tap water until you receive an official notice confirming it is safe.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n If a nuclear explosion catches you on the road <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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If you notice a flash in the sky (or its reflection from surfaces), do not look in that direction under any circumstances \u2014 this can cause corneal burns, flash blindness, and eye injuries<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Stop the car in a safe part of the road.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Close all windows, doors, hatches, and any other openings to block airflow from outside.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Assume a protective position: cover your head with your hands and lower your elbows onto your knees.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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If possible, cover your ears with headphones to protect against barotrauma.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Cover your mouth and nose with a mask, a piece of clothing, or a scarf, and breathe through it until you reach shelter \u2014 this should help prevent radionuclides from entering your body.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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After the explosion, find shelter immediately. The main criterion is whether you can reach it within minutes. If there is no specially equipped shelter nearby, the best option is a basement or the central part of a large concrete building with as few windows and doors as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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\n If your child is at school or kindergarten during a nuclear explosion <\/h2>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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If your child is at an educational institution when a nuclear explosion occurs, they must stay there in the shelter with the other children.<\/b><\/p>\n

Even if the school or kindergarten is within a five-minute walk from home, you should not leave your shelter to collect your child. This would put you at risk \u2014 you could be exposed to radiation outdoors \u2014 and would also endanger your child, the other children, and the teachers or caregivers in the shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to safety standards, shelter rooms must be sealed from the inside to prevent harmful substances from entering from outside. Parents arriving from outdoors may carry radioactive dust on their clothing, or it may enter the room with the air where the children are sheltering.<\/span><\/p>\n

So going outside means putting not only yourself at risk, but also the children and the staff. In the event of a release accident or a nuclear explosion, any building is safer than being outdoors.<\/b><\/p>\n

To ensure the school or kindergarten is prepared for any scenario, we recommend checking in advance that the shelter there will protect your child from radiation in the event of a nuclear explosion \u2014 and making sure your child is also prepared for such a scenario.<\/b><\/p>\n

To do this, you need to:<\/span><\/p>\n