When a nuclear weapon is detonated, it causes an instantaneous explosion that produces radioactive fallout. Fallout can cause immediate radiation poisoning and severe injuries. If a nuclear device is nearby, the best option is to seek a suitable shelter. Ideally, this should be a basement, underground parking, subway, or the centre of a large modern brick or concrete building. If you cannot get to a protected structure, move as far back from the source of the blast as possible and cover your face. If in a car, stay inside the vehicle and put it into gear, but don’t open any doors or windows.
The threat of terrorist groups obtaining fissile materials or weapons to create a nuclear threat device (NTD) is an ongoing concern. The United States is reducing this risk through numerous interagency programs that enhance partner capabilities to intercept and prosecute smuggling, deter material support to potential terrorists, and develop advanced nuclear technical forensics and attribution capabilities.
With the end of the Cold War, the likelihood of a premeditated nuclear attack by an established nuclear state has diminished considerably. The primary nuclear concerns today include the deteriorating ballistic missile early warning and nuclear command and control systems of Russia, Iran, and North Korea; and the possibility that nuclear weapons or material could fall into terrorist hands.
As a result, there is little doubt that if nuclear weapons are able to be made more available, deterrence will fail to prevent their use by rogue states and terrorists. To bolster the effectiveness of deterrence, the United States must recommit to and invest in the people, policies, and programs that underpin its ability to prevent proliferation. This includes refocusing its efforts on countering the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their materials, increasing the retention and recruitment of experts in critical areas, and updating antiproliferation sanctions, aid, and operations.
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