information

Is there information and protection guidance in case of a nuclear detonation?

Why has the SSK addressed this topic?

The SSK has addressed this critical issue due to the heightened risk of nuclear weapon use in Europe stemming from the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) has requested the SSK to evaluate whether current radiological protection measures adequately safeguard the population and emergency services in the event of a nuclear strike, as well as to identify additional necessary measures.

What questions are addressed?

• What additional preparatory measures does the SSK recommend for ministries, authorities, hospitals, and the general public?
• What protective measures does the SSK recommend for the population during and after the use of nuclear weapons?

What are the key messages?

The General Federal Emergency Plan (ANoPl-Bund), issued in November 2023, aims to prepare for radiological emergencies. Additionally, the SSK recommends the following:

• Preparatory Measures:
  • Review and, if necessary, optimize communication and cooperation among all involved parties.
  • Develop a risk communication concept and create an information platform addressing all aspects of a nuclear attack.
  • Evaluate and, if necessary, enhance protective measures for the population, with special consideration given to creating “protective spaces” in public areas.
  • Develop protection concepts tailored for particularly vulnerable groups, such as those in hospitals, schools, and kindergartens.
• Protective Measures for the Population:
  • Seeking suitable cover can provide adequate protection from flying debris and heat radiation during an explosion. The most crucial initial protective measure is to take shelter immediately, such as hiding behind walls or earthen mounds as barriers, while covering any exposed parts of the body.
  • After the explosion, staying in protective rooms (e. g., basements or underground parking) offers the best protection during the first 24 to 48 hours. This is especially important for those near the explosion site and in potential fallout areas.

Abstract

Since the early 1990s, awareness of the nuclear threat in Western Europe, particularly in Germany, has been relatively low among politicians, the public, and scientific communities. Over the years, security measures have been significantly reduced, leading to a loss of knowledge about nuclear weapons and potential protection approaches among the population and public authorities.

However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the threat of nuclear weapon use has regained prominence in Germany. In March 2022, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) commissioned the SSK to reassess its risk evaluation and to determine whether existing protective measures for radiological emergencies would be effective and appropriate in the case of a nuclear attack. The current recommendations aim to enhance Germany’s. preparedness effectively while avoiding unrealistic maximum demands.

These recommended measures seek to provide optimal health protection for as many citizens as possible in the event of a nuclear explosion, including minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation. The principle of effective emergency management emphasizes that thorough planning and preparation can save lives and reduce health damage during an incident.

The SSK has previously addressed individual protection measures in two separate recommendations on “Protection Strategies in Case of a Nuclear Detonation,” in 2022 and 2023.