Unless nuclear weapons are eliminated, they will be used to cause immense suffering. As demonstrated by the destruction of Hiroshima and Naga in 1945, a nuclear strike would wipe out cities and countryside, killing many people instantly and inflicting indiscriminate injuries and lasting health impacts that could last for decades. Such a conflict would destroy the social infrastructure needed to help survivors—roads and transportation systems, hospitals and pharmacies, water and fire-fighting supplies, communications systems, and so on.
Nine countries possess more than 13,000 nuclear warheads. Most are kept on hair trigger alert, able to be launched very quickly if ordered. The 40 nuclear warheads on a single Trident submarine can kill more than five million people in the initial attack and then continue to cause untold suffering from radiation poisoning for months and years.
If a nuclear attack does occur, emergency guidelines suggest seeking shelter in the nearest solid structure, like a home or office. If possible, you should go below ground level, to limit the amount of fallout that hits you. Radioactive particles that hit the ground can contaminate food, drinking water, and soil. They can also enter your body through inhalation and skin contact. For this reason, it’s important to have a two-week emergency supply kit of nonperishable food and water. It’s also a good idea to have alternative means of communication, such as battery-powered AM/FM radios and two-way (walkie talkie) radios.