How to stay safe and informed during a war (or a war-like situation)?

Highlights What if the world is actually in a state of war or has always been? As geopolitical and economic tensions continue to escalate worldwide, you never know when a bombing or an air strike comes over for you Firstly, Russia and Ukraine, then Israel and Palestine, and now India and Pakistan, were also on the verge of a war. It is the individual safety that we can count on, apart from the country's military capabilities Here is how to stay safe during an airstrike, a blackout, and a nuclear attack in case of war, or a war-like situation in any part of the world

 

It is in the times of adversity that we are tested the most. And it is in these moments when we are required to stay calm, informed, and safe. As geopolitical instability continues to rise worldwide, as responsible citizens, we should ensure our safety and do as the authorities say. There can be an alarming situation anytime, and that's when you have to avoid the panic and keep yourself settled. It's how you react amid the chaos that can keep you and others around you safe. Here is all that every individual must do and know: 

During an airstrike   First air strikes carried by Ukraine on Russia in 2022

 

If there is an aerial attack, you must know how to respond. The Governments initiate mock drills across major cities in respective countries, so that the general public knows what to do when there is danger from up in the air. Take an insight here: 

The best defence in the world has radar systems of the Air Force that are designed to detect any object that's combative- a rocket, a missile, a drone, or a fighter jet, that purposely breaches the airspace. The real-time surveillance allows for to identification of the threat. The speed and trajectory of the missile are analysed, followed by a mapping of the potential targets[1]. 

As the interception systems become active to neutralise the aerial attack through defence systems, air raid sirens sound in the areas under threat so that the civilians stay alert and seek shelter[1]. 

An Air siren is a red alert (a loud sound that continues rising and falling as a warning), which sounds during a potential threat, such as an air strike or a missile attack. Upon hearing an air siren, one must take shelter immediately[1]:  When outdoors: Under a flyover or a subway, or inside a bunker, if present in an open area. An underpass or a flyover reduces the impact, therefore, one should leave a crowded place and rush down there.  In a building: When inside a building, move towards an area of walls with multiple layers of reinforced protection (like bathrooms and beneath the staircase).  At home: Home is the safest haven during a 'potential war-like situation'. As you hear the siren buzz, immediately close all the doors and windows. Turn off all the electrical and gas appliances, switching off the main electricity.  Wherever you are, lie down on the ground and cover your head. 

If the danger has passed, there is a single sound of a siren, which doesn't last more than a minute. But if it continues for long, say 3 minutes with the same rise and fall warning, that means you have to evacuate and move to a safer place[1]. 

Must-have essentials at home   A survival emergency kit must be ready in every household in a situation of war (Image source: Freepik)   

There might be times when the authorities advise you to stay indoors, and it might last for days in some regions. So, it becomes vital to have the 'essentials' at home, call it the 'preparedness during an emergency': 

Food & Water: The Food and water supply might be disrupted during times of crisis. Thus, you must have an adequate stock of non-perishable food items such as canned meals, grains, nuts and seeds, pulses, and energy bars[2]. Just like the sustenance we relied upon during the COVID-19 lockdown.  Safe drinking water is a necessity, more so during a conflict. Bottled and purified water must be kept in store, in case the supply is depleted or the water is contaminated by any chance. Also, keep purification tablets and filters for safety[2]. 

Medical kit: Before any other aid, first aid! Exactly, before medical help reaches you, make sure you have the 'primary care' at home. A ready medical kit that can treat you for injuries and illness- antiseptics, pain relievers, and all the basic medications, along with your prescription needs[2].  

Health & Hygiene: Despite the crisis, it is necessary to stay healthy and hygienic to survive. Soap, toothpaste, handwash, and other sanitary items come in handy in your kit of essentials. These keep you fresh and free from any infections. 

Flashlights, batteries, and a radio: Frequent power cuts, followed by blackouts during air raids, are a common sight. Keeping flashlights and extra batteries will help with your safety and comfort in the dark. Apart from this, another must-have is a battery-powered radio to stay updated, informed, and connected to the news, military instructions, and guidelines issued for safety. It helps when the internet services are censored, broadcasts are halted, and the network is down[2]. 

Cash: In a situation of conflict, ATMs, UPIs, and other Online Payment systems might stop. Cash comes to the rescue then. So, keep cash in small denominations along with you for anytime use. You can at least pay for essentials, commute, or any other basic service[2]. 

Important documents and handy items: Your IDs, insurance, property, and medical documents in hard copy shall be kept safe. Along with this, items like whistles, pepper spray, and lock chains, among others, can prove handy for your self-defence and protection[2]. 

When there is a blackout   Blackout in Jammu city of Kashmir, India during India-Pakistan conflict, May 8, 2025 (Image source: AP Photo)   

A blackout during a war is an act of civil defence to prevent detection or targeting by enemy forces by hindering their visibility. It is aimed at protecting vital areas to reduce the likelihood of any damage caused by missiles or any air strikes. And, when there is a blackout, light exposure must stay minimal[3]. One act of yours can cost lives. Remember, you miss, they hit. Here is what you must do in a situation of blackout, wherever you are[3][4][5]:

Turn off all the electrical equipment you were using when the power went off, like air-conditioners or other appliances. And avoid using a refrigerator or freezer.

Do not use a gas stove or an oven for heating to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Pull down the curtains or sheets of your home that do not allow light to escape. Only use a flashlight, that too, in case of an emergency. Do not use candles at all. You might have windows as your sole illumination source in a crisis. 

Make sure you have an emergency kit ready with you, with all the daily essentials stocked up. 

In a situation of war, street lights are also turned off or are set to a quarter of their power. The headlights or taillights of vehicles are also turned to low beams or blackout to ensure minimum visibility from above. 

Keep listening to the radio and television for news updates from the media or any instructions from the authorities. Do not use your phone all this time, even for information, restrict to a radio. 

Survival during a nuclear attack   The next nuclear war may be one that is triggered by AI: The future conflict (Image source: ORF) 

 

As tensions escalate between countries, there might be a situation of a nuclear attack. What happened to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 can be repeated if some nation chooses to. Like, Pakistan threatening to use a nuclear weapon against India every once in a while. A nuclear attack can sound scary, but you can survive it just by being a little aware, alert, and informed. Here are the essential steps for surviving a nuclear explosion, along with the aftermath that follows, by the American Red Cross Society[6]: 

Distance: Distance is the key to your safety from radioactive fallout. Seeking shelter underground in spaces like basements in homes and offices, or subway stations, ensures more protection than being on the upper floors or open areas. 

Shielding: Along with the distance, there has to be a presence of heavy, dense materials between you and the fallout that provides enhanced protection. It can be concrete, bricks, heavy books, or a packed surface, which acts as a shield. 

Time: Radiation after a fallout isn't intense for long; it drops down rapidly. Within time, one can leave the shelter. A radioactive fallout is threatening and dangerous during the first two weeks, after which it falls to 1% of the original radiation level.

Before the explosion

Protect yourself, others around you, and your property, too. If there are chances of a nuclear attack, do this[6]: 

Prepare an Emergency Preparedness Kit with essentials like food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a radio, among others.

Make yourself a Family Disaster Plan, through which you and your loved ones can meet, communicate, and know what to do when separated from one another. 

Look out for fallout shelters in your locality. If there are none, identify such places that can serve as potential shelters during a blast, such as basements, tunnels, subways, or rooms inside buildings without windows.  

It will be notified by the authorities if there is any nuclear or radiation emergency. Therefore, stay connected and updated to whatever the Government and authorities issue in their advisories. 

During the explosion The authorities and the emergency response personnel release official information providing all the necessary instructions whenever the situation of a nuclear explosion is uncertain. Firstly, it is important to listen to it and follow accordingly. Rest are your actions thereupon[6]: 

As soon as the authorities issue an attack warning, take your cover. Get down below the ground, and stay there unless directed further. 

If not, then get inside the nearest building. A structure with bricks or hard concrete can protect you from any radioactive material. During this time, it is best to go deep below the ground or remain at the center of the building to stay safe from the highest radiation levels. 

Whether it is your home or building, make sure you turn off the fans, air-conditioners, and any forced-air heating units that let outside air in. Also, close the fireplace dampers. 

As mentioned above, radiation levels are the most dangerous after the nuclear detonation, but there is a rapid reduction soon after. But, still, it is necessary to stay inside until instructed. It might be as long as a day, but in some circumstances, it might extend for a month. 

Evacuation will be instructed accordingly when it is in your best interest. News and instructions will be provided through the best possible means of communication. 

If outside: In any case, if you are left outside, seek shelter from anything that can protect you. Do not look at the flash or fireball during the nuclear fallout at all, as it can blind you. Lie down flat on the ground with your head covered. If you are at a distance from the explosion, it will take 30 seconds or more for the blast wave to reach. Your mouth and nose should also be covered, so that you do not inhale any harmful particles. 

But seek your shelter as soon as you can, even if you are miles away from the fallout. The particles are carried by winds for long distances and can prove fatal. 

After the explosion  

The most dangerous fallout is limited to the area at or on the leeward side of the explosion. Those in the affected areas are evacuated and moved to safer zones. It is radiation recovery that follows after the explosion: 

Sheltering in place: It is when you are inside a building during an explosion and have to stay there after. It is 'sheltering in place'. Now, it depends upon your distance, source of the radiation, and various other factors, as to how much time you might have to stay inside. Staying inside will keep you protected until it is safer to evacuate. The emergency officials will tell you everything regarding your health and security[6]. Coping during this period requires immense strength, when you have to take care of your emotional well-being along with pysical health. Stay updated with the reports of authorities and media. Give it your time and patience[6].   

Decontamination: Decontaminating yourself after an attack is the next vital step. Especially, if you were outside during or after a blast. Remove your clothing and clean yourself thoroughly in order to remove the radioactive material that might have settled on your body all this time. By mere removal of the outer layer of your clothing, 90% of radioactive material can be stopped from spreading[6].  Take a shower or bath with soap and water to remove all the dirt. But, do not scrub or scratch. Also, do not use hair conditioner as it will bind all the radioactive material to your hair, not allowing it to rinse easily. Wipe your eyes, nose, eyelids, and ears gently and properly.  Place all of your clothing material inside a sealed bag or container and keep it away from living beings to avoid any contamination[6]. 

We never know about war and the miseries it brings with it. While the soldiers are fighting on the borders, civilians still have to ensure their safety against a 'what if' situation that might arise. Being aware, informed, and updated can help you and others around you stay safe. Take these safety measures and do the needful that can save lives!