Cloud City

Cloud City
What would you do if you looked out your window and say a huge mushroom cloud over the city?

Serious answers only please. Try, for once in your life, to not be sarcastic. I probably just set myself up for sarcasm but whatever… Just please respect my wishes and answer it seriously. Thanks.

Oddly enough I have actually given a lot of thought to this exact scenario. I’m assuming you mean a mushrooms cloud caused by a nuclear detonation so I’ll go with that.

A lot depends on just how far away the explosion was and how large the bomb in question is. Even a 1 megaton bomb has a blast zone that can spread over 10 miles. This means you could be 10 miles away from the detonation and still recieve 1st degree burns from the extreme heat released. If you are say 6 miles from ground zero you are in danger of recieving third degree burns to exposed areas. Within 5 miles you are in serious danger of being fatally burned and/or wounded just from the immediate blast. Keep in mind this is with a relatively small 1 megaton bomb. A much larger explosion and who knows. At least if you are close your death comes almost instantaneously.

So lets say I lived through the inital blast. First and foremost the key is to avoid panic and stay calm. This is of course much easier said then done, but is essential to execute a good survival plan. In the initial moments after the detonation mass panic will sweep over the city. Personally I would avoid any populated areas to avoid the histeria. The next thing to avoid is the radioactive fallout that will begin raining down to earth.

The fallout area as dictated by the size of the blast as well as the direction and speed of the wind will certainly be reported on the news as well as radio. If there is still power then I would be popped down watching the tv to get information. Radio if no power. If I am in an area that will get hit by fallout over the next few hours then I need to protect myself as best as I can. My basement would likely be my best protection from the radiaton.

So I would go down to the basement with my radio, tv, food, water, blankets, etc. Survival stuff. Any loved ones who were with me would of course join. I would do my best to contact those who lived elsewhere but cell phone lines would likely be jammed. I would try and put as many dense objects between me and the fallout as possible. Then you play the waiting game. It could be several weeks before its safe at all to venture out of the house or merely days. Your best bet would be to listen to radio or tv reports to tell you when radiation levels are safe. Ration food and water as needed.

If I wasn’t in an area of fallout then I would proceed to inventory and purchase supplies, take out cash, and then lock my doors and hope for the best.

If this was the beginning of a long drawn out nuclear conflict then there isn’t much you can do but protect yourself and loved ones and manage your supplies. Panic will strike the world leading to mass rioting, lawlessness, and general histeria. The economy will take a large hit and the market will fall until trading is suspended. Power could be lost. Travel will become very difficult if not impossible. It could be a very long time before things are ever close to being normal if they ever are. Expect international relations to take a huge hit especially between the waring nations and their allies. All you could do is pray for the best in the event of a full blown nuclear war.

Well there you have it. Hope thats worth 10 points to you. I am a sad person for giving it that much thought, but hey better be prepared just in case.

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