Reassessing the strategy to survive a nuclear explosion
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.027629
Science : What to do following a nuclear explosion is the focus of a recent study by Michael Dillon of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dillon created a mathematical model to figure out the best sheltering strategies for people who survive the initial blast but are endangered by the potential fallout. He determined that immediately sheltering in place—the official US government advice—may not necessarily be the best option, particularly if better shelter, ideally involving thick concrete and plenty of food and water, exists less than five minutes away. Such studies can help improve government evacuation plans by weighing all the variables for a given location, such as the various types of shelter available and acceptable radiation exposure times.
