has receded since the end of the Cold War. Today, another nuclear risk looms—a terrorist cell detonating a single nuclear weapon in a major city—and it requires different preparedness. In 2010, the U.S. government released a 130-page publication designed to help local officials plan for the explosion of a 10-kiloton weapon. The publication instructs survivors (anyone outside the blast radius) to shelter where they are, preferably in a basement or other underground space. It recommends waiting at least 12 hours before emerging; fallout drops by 90 percent within 7 hours of detonation. Not all experts agree with the shelter-in-place campaign. Joseph Cirincione, the author of Bomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons, says firestorms could turn such shelters into coffins. "The only true defense against a nuclear attack is to prevent it from happening in the first place," he says.

Living Room to Fallout Shelter

A basement or underground area is the best location to hide from nuclear fallout, but what if you're stuck aboveground? Janet Liebsch of Fedhealth, a Tucson-based publisher of disaster guides, says people in that situation should build an "expedient shelter." Here's how:

Step One: Find a solid table, desk or workbench that is tall enough to fit survivors and supplies.

Step Two: Surround it with shielding, such as books, mattresses or furniture. Several inches of protection is enough to block radiation.

Step Three: Gather your supplies in the shelter. Don't go overboard—you may only need 12 hours' worth.

Step Four: Block the entrance, but include two small vents for air.

Supplies:

Hand-Cranked Radio: Listen for updates on fire and radiation risks.

Bucket: Use for personal sanitation.

Medicine: Fill prescriptions so that you always have a few days' worth.

Food: Opt for snacks and bottled water.

Dosimeter: Emerge when the pen-size device detects low ionizing radiation; a safe level depends on how long it will take to find new shelter.

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