How Far Away is Safe from a Nuclear Attack?

At a distance of 40-45 miles, a person would have a maximum of 3 hours after the rain began to find shelter.

Significantly smaller doses of radiation

would make people seriously ill, and the prospects for survival of those closest to the bomb would be slim unless they could be sheltered or evacuated. Those within a 5-mile radius could suffer third-degree burns, while those within 53 miles may experience temporary blindness. In a nuclear attack, a bomb is detonated in the air or on the ground, causing a devastating explosion.

It is important to know how far you live and work from major nuclear power plants and potential nuclear attack sites.

The threat of weapons-grade materials

from former Soviet nuclear reserves is a major concern in the post-Cold War era (1991-today). Between 1991 and 2002, there were fourteen confirmed cases of theft of nuclear material usable for weapons from Russia's nuclear arsenal. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 25 kg or 55.1 pounds of nuclear material is enough to create a nuclear explosive device.

With the recent threats of terrorism, many people have expressed concern about the likelihood and effects of a nuclear explosion. It is wise to avoid countries with access to nuclear weapons and those involved in nuclear agreements. Nuclear explosions produce a powerful phenomenon called a nuclear electromagnetic pulse (PEM), an invisible burst of energy that can cut off power lines, telephone and Internet. They can also produce clouds of dust and radioactive sand-like particles that disperse into the atmosphere, known as nuclear fallout.

In the event of a nuclear attack, it is important to know how far away you need to be in order to stay safe. A distance of 40-45 miles would give you 3 hours after the rain began to find shelter. Those closest to the bomb would face death, while anyone within 5 miles could suffer third-degree burns. People within 53 miles may experience temporary blindness.

It is also important to be aware of the threat posed by weapons-grade materials from former Soviet nuclear reserves and those involved in nuclear agreements.