A leading security expert has disclosed the safest area within households to seek refuge in the case of a potential attack by Russia, amidst warnings issued by one of Putin’s associates. Dmitry Rogozin, a senator and former deputy premier and space agency chief, has identified over 20 locations in the UK that could be targeted, including numerous British defence-related sites.
Rogozin recently presented a map revealing 23 defence sites, part of Russia’s latest threat, encompassing military and industrial locations across the UK’s four nations. The information was derived from the UK government’s document ‘Defence Industrial Strategy 2025: Making Defence an Engine for Growth.’
These alarming statements follow former British defense secretary Ben Wallace’s suggestion to render Crimea uninhabitable from a Russian perspective. Additionally, propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, known for Kremlin-scripted TV tirades, hinted at potential destruction of British targets outlined by Rogozin.
While the likelihood of Russia carrying out such actions against the UK remains low, the recent threats have raised concerns among Britons regarding survival strategies. Dr. Arnab Basu, a nuclear expert and CEO of Kromek Group plc, emphasized the importance of seeking shelter promptly in the central part of a building during a nuclear strike, sealing windows and doors to minimize exposure to radioactive dust.
Dr. Basu advised residents to store water in every available container, as water sources could be contaminated post-explosion. He cautioned against fleeing immediately after an attack, emphasizing the significance of shielding oneself from fallout and relying on stored resources while radiation levels decrease.
For optimal protection during a nuclear blast, The International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends seeking shelter in the center of a building or basement. While historical instances suggest underground areas like London’s tube tunnels provided protection during past conflicts, experts warn that modern nuclear weapons may penetrate deeper, necessitating greater precautions for survival.
Andrew Futter, an International Politics Professor at the University of Leicester, highlighted the potential inadequacy of underground shelters in the event of a direct hit by a nuclear weapon. Thus, being outside the blast zone could offer the best chances of survival if a major UK city were targeted by a hostile nation like Russia.
Understanding the expansive reach of nuclear blasts, which include various radii for radiation, fireball, air blast, and thermal radiation, is crucial in assessing safety measures. While some locations outside immediate blast zones may offer relative safety, concerns remain about radiation exposure from winds. In such a scenario, the remote island Foula in the Shetland Isles could potentially be the safest place in the UK.
This information provides insights into protective measures and considerations for individuals amid heightened tensions and potential threats of nuclear conflict.