What to do in case of a nuclear attack on Belgium or Europe
What to do in case of a nuclear attack on Europe, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Which Belgian cities are likely to be destroyed. How to survive a nuclear attack or accident. Manual, emergency kits, and prepping?
Due to Russia's weekly threats to attack Belgium or Europe with nuclear weapons, the question of how prepared the Belgian and European populations are for a Russian nuclear attack is rightly being asked.
How realistic is a nuclear attack?
Mutual nuclear deterrence worked for years until recently, when we faced a Russian dictator willing to sacrifice many civilians to achieve his goals. The large number of war casualties in Ukraine is an example of this. For Western Europe, the use of nuclear weapons is a rather unthinkable scenario; however, for a Russian dictator, nuclear weapons are merely a larger bomb available in his military arsenal. Mutual deterrence has lost some of its effectiveness if the opposing party is willing to absorb nuclear retaliation.
Which nuclear bomb could hit us?
Academics frequently point out that modern nuclear bombs are extremely powerful and could wipe small European countries off the map, but there are several other nuclear weapons that could also be used.
A nuclear EMP weapon (Electromagnetic Pulse) is detonated at high altitude, also known as high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP), causing an electromagnetic disturbance that burns out all electrical components in the vicinity. The entire electrical grid is then completely destroyed in one fell swoop, causing various other systems to fail as well, such as hospitals, water purification, factories, all transport, agricultural machinery, and even nuclear power plants. Repairing all burned-out electric motors, transformers, and electrical controls can take months. Electricity, gas, and water could be out for months in such scenarios.
A nuclear torpedo (Poseidon) can be detonated underwater off the coast, causing a tsunami of radioactive water that can inundate the coast. The effect of such an underwater nuclear explosion depends on various factors, but given that the North Sea off the Belgian coast is quite shallow, the tidal wave would be rather limited but could ultimately engulf large parts of West Flanders and Antwerp.
A nuclear submarine with small tactical nuclear weapons (low yield tactical nuclear weapons) or tactical nuclear missiles is currently the most realistic threat to European countries bordering the North Sea.
The Russian first strike solution (preventive strike)
Strategic nuclear weapons in Europe are located quite close to each other, and if the Russians were to decide to incapacitate Europe's nuclear strike capability first, it is rather predictable that a Russian nuclear submarine would sail into the North Sea and fire its payload of tactical nuclear missiles at RAF Lakenheath in England, Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands, and Kleine-Brogel Air Base in Belgium, as well as at all major airports, capitals, and military installations in these three countries. The chances are very high that America will not retaliate with nuclear weapons as long as American territory is not attacked. This would force the majority of the European Union to surrender.
France is completely independent with a much larger nuclear arsenal than other European countries. France is considerably larger and more difficult to attack than the small European countries. France is the only European nuclear power that could launch a counter-attack without American approval. A nuclear attack on French territory would therefore result in a French nuclear counter-attack on Russian territory.
England has its own independent nuclear weapons, primarily based on American Trident ballistic nuclear missiles that can be fired by the British submarine fleet. England could in principle decide for itself but has a very close cooperation with the United States.
Germany and Belgium also possess nuclear weapons but cannot deploy them without American approval. Germany is quite large, and with a nuclear attack using tactical nuclear weapons from the sea, only a part of Germany can be reached. Germany is harder to hit from land. Belgium currently has no air defense and is an easy target. New acquisitions could strengthen Belgian air defense within two years.
America calls the NATO nuclear umbrella a "Cold War relic." The European illusion that America would start a nuclear war against the Russians to protect Europe is now also beginning to sink in within Europe. Europe is already working on its own European nuclear deterrent based on French and English nuclear weapons.
Limited destruction of European territory
Tactical nuclear weapons are considerably weaker than the old known heavy atomic bombs, and the destruction will be limited to a city or large infrastructure and an outer zone with nuclear fallout. Several areas in Europe will not be affected by the explosions of tactical nuclear weapons.
Predictable targets in Belgium
Several Belgian cities or military installations could be chosen as targets by the Russians. We only give you the most obvious ones...
The destroyed cities in Belgium
The location of the predictable military targets for a tactical nuclear attack by the Russians can be divided into three main axes.
- The strategic North Sea axis of ports and airfields along the coast, with the most important cities being Zeebrugge (seaports), Ostend (seaport and airfield) and Koksijde (military air base).
- The central Belgian axis with the main cities Antwerp (Seaport and Deurne airfield), Brussels (NATO headquarters and Zaventem airport), Mons (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), Charleroi (airport) and Florennes (Military air base)
- The military strategic axis with the main cities Peer (Kleine-Brogel military air base), Zutendaal (FN ammunition production), Liège (FN-Herstal weapon production and airport)
The nuclear fallout
Do not look at the flash of the nuclear explosion!
Despite the fact that smaller nuclear weapons will likely be used, there will still be serious nuclear fallout resulting from the explosions of tactical nuclear weapons, which will largely depend on wind direction and wind strength.
After the nuclear explosion, seek shelter as quickly as possible! It is generally assumed that 15 minutes after the nuclear explosion, the nuclear fallout will reach the ground! The risk of radiation exposure decreases by 55% one hour after the nuclear explosion, and after 24 hours, the risk of radiation exposure decreases by up to 80%. Only after 24 hours can one consider moving to another, safer shelter. If possible, remain in your shelter for up to 48 hours after the nuclear explosion.
The wind on the coast blows along the coastline, with the result that the entire coastal strip can become a victim of nuclear fallout.
For the military strategic targets inland, the wind direction is unpredictable, and the nuclear fallout can spread in all directions.
We also mention Lille because a hit from a nuclear missile there could also cause nuclear fallout in Belgium.
The best chance of a habitable zone after a nuclear attack
The destruction of several cities in Europe and Belgium will be rather limited with the use of tactical nuclear weapons, where several habitable zones will still remain. It is therefore of great importance for the affected cities to be prepared for nuclear fallout and to be well-informed about where or when transport will be organized to the habitable zones!
How to protect yourself in case of a nuclear attack on Belgium
1) Make a plan and the necessary prepping.
Several European countries already have plans ready for what should happen in the event of a nuclear attack. The countries bordering Russia are, of course, the furthest along in this. Germany has also drawn up a plan. The Netherlands already advises the population to have an emergency kit, while in Belgium, emergency plans are currently limited to an old Federal emergency plan from 1991 and the current provision of iodine tablets. Meanwhile, a page is already online at the National Crisis Center about emergency kits in Belgium.
If you want to survive a nuclear attack as an individual, you will have to create your own survival plan, depending on where you spend a lot of time, where you live, and how safe your home is!
- If you work or stay a lot in one of the nuclear fallout zones, it is best to have at least a 24-hour survival kit on hand (or in your car).
- If you live in a nuclear fallout zone, it is best to have a three-day or 72-hour portable survival kit ready.
- If you live in a habitable zone after a nuclear attack, it is best to have enough water and food available to survive for at least 10 days without internet, electricity, gas, and tap water.
2) Communication and situational awareness.
- Be aware if you are staying or living in a strategically military zone that could be the target of a tactical nuclear attack.
- In the event of a real threat of nuclear weapons, make sure you have a smartphone or emergency radio with you so that you can follow the latest news and advice from the authorities. As long as no nuclear explosion has occurred, there is a good chance that telephone and internet will still work. Make sure you know what an EMP and a Faraday cage are; it will help you understand the situation, prevent panic, and have solutions ready.
- If there is a real threat of nuclear weapons, the government will most likely draw up a shelter plan per municipality, city, or province.
- Make sure you have such a shelter plan with your 72-hour survival kit / emergency kit. It is vital to shelter indoors for the first 24 hours after a nuclear explosion. The rule is, the more protected by concrete or underground, the better! (atomic shelter, metro, underground parking, basement). Be aware that all windows in buildings will break up to 20 kilometers from the nuclear explosion, and glass shards can cause serious injuries. An apartment building with windows offers very little protection if it is in the vicinity of the nuclear explosion. Make sure you have a first aid kit specifically designed to treat cuts.
- Make sure you have your emergency kit or survival kit within reach and that you can quickly take it with you if you have to run to a shelter. After the nuclear explosion, you only have 15 minutes before the nuclear fallout hits the ground. Make sure you have everything you need to survive for the first 24 hours or more after the nuclear explosion or accident in an enclosed space.
72-hour personal survival belt
3) What should you put in your 24-hour survival kit?
Link to Emergency Kits Belgium
Your 24-hour survival kit can be put in a backpack, sports bag, survival belt or insulated thermal bag. The purpose of a 24-hour survival kit is to be able to survive for 24 hours, either in a shelter or on the way to reach your home or a safe place (this could be a large traffic jam or on foot if all transport breaks down). In a medium-sized backpack, you can easily put items that will allow you to survive for 72 hours.
- Make sure you can store some personal items such as keys, some extra cash, bank cards, ID card, etc.
- Make sure you have securely sealed water bottles, a canteen, or emergency water rations with at least 2 liters. Pouches of emergency water rations are soft and more comfortable to carry in a backpack than hard water bottles. As an extra, you can take a compact water filter and water purification tablets.
- Make sure you have some canned food that you can eat immediately without cooking to survive the first 24 hours. Mixed food such as tuna mix with canned vegetables or anything else that you can eat cold and quickly. (Shelf life of at least 3 years). Only bring survival biscuits as an extra. Also useful are long-lasting emergency food that can keep you alive even if you haven't looked at your emergency kit for years. Make sure you have a can opener or a set with knife, spoon, and fork. Multitool or Swiss Army knife can also be useful.
- Ensure you have a decent first aid kit so you can treat life-threatening injuries for several days. (Pressure bandage, tourniquet, standard first aid kit,...
- Provide protection against the elements such as rain, cold or bright sun; Poncho, Poncho liner, emergency blanket, emergency poncho or emergency sleeping bag, UV protection,
- Make sure you can communicate and orient yourself. Whistle, lights to call for help or a map, compass and binoculars to find a safe direction.
4) What should you put in your 3-day or 72-hour survival kit?
A 3-day survival kit is a backpack, carrying bag, suitcase or trolley with a minimum capacity of 35L or more, in which one can store enough goods to survive for 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind that after a nuclear explosion, most vehicles or machines (radio) containing an electromagnetic coil will no longer work. This 3-day survival kit can be used in the nuclear fallout zone with the aim of reaching the survival zone on your own. Among the many emergency kit recommendations, you must remain objective so that you choose an emergency kit that you can still carry! Remember, 1 liter of water weighs 1 kg. 1 can of fruit weighing 1 liter weighs even more than 1 kg.
- A medium-sized tactical backpack with Molle webbing is very useful because additional pouches can be attached to the outside. These additional pouches can be used to store items by category and are accessible without having to open the entire backpack for every small item needed.
- Make sure you have a survival belt with pouches containing the most important items for survival in case you lose your emergency backpack. (Water, food, light, small emergency radio and a poncho for rain shelter, first aid kit, pocket knife or multitool and small survival set). Buy survival belt here. Ensure a cross-distribution of equipment in your survival belt and emergency backpack.
- Make sure you have several securely sealed water bottles, cans, or water pouches with a minimum of 6 to 8 liters. 6 liters of emergency ration water pouches are feasible in a backpack and offer a practical weight distribution with food and other survival items. You cannot yet use surface water, but a water filter and water purification tablets can be useful if you want to use water from sealed reservoirs.
- Make sure you have some cans or pouches of food to survive for 3 to 4 days. Canned meat, fish, vegetables, or fruit (shelf life of at least 3 years). Ensure you can eat a varied diet! A small folding cooking stove, gas burner, and a cooking set can help you warm up or cook rice, spaghetti, or canned food. Provide fire, fuel, or a reserve gas cartridge. (A glass jar with food can easily break). A hot cup of coffee or tea can boost your morale during an emergency!
- Survival biscuits or emergency ration food for 3 days have a long shelf life and take up little space in your backpack. They can be used as an extra supplement to your diet so you can eat a varied diet.
- Make sure you have a can opener, knife, spoon, and fork. A multitool or Swiss Army knife can be very handy in an emergency. Even better, prepare a small technical kit with scissors, needle and thread, a sturdy flat-nose pliers, some small screwdrivers, Allen keys, and a small adjustable wrench to perform minor repairs or technical interventions. A whistle, various light sources and a mirror to give an emergency signal, a compass and map of your area. A dust mask and safety glasses when you are outside. Protective NBC clothing and a gas mask with NBC filters can significantly increase your chances of survival.
- Make sure you have a decent first aid kit to treat glass cuts or fractures from falls and redress them for several days. Take a week's supply of your medications if you need to take them daily. Make sure you have iodine tablets. Possibly a (cheap) spare pair of glasses.
- Make sure you have an emergency radio with flashlight, XL solar panel, dynamo, power bank and batteries, so you can follow the news if your phone and internet go out. (Make sure you have a charging cable that fits your smartphone). Protect your electrical devices from electromagnetic pulse (EMP). Wrap your radio, phone or walkie-talkie in a plastic bag, wrap it in aluminum foil and make sure the antenna does not touch the aluminum foil (create a Faraday cage). There are also special anti-radiation blankets.
- If you have to flee on foot to a safe zone, you will need more than a government-recommended emergency kit. A large backpack or a wheeled duffel bag can better accommodate the necessary items for a long hike. Actually, you need a full trekking backpack.
- Provide spare clothing and store it in a dust and waterproof bag. Products for your personal hygiene, spare underwear, socks, T-shirt, sweater, hoodie, tracksuit, thick trousers, thick sweater, hat, handkerchief, rain jacket or poncho. Fire-resistant and cut-resistant clothing offer additional protection. A toiletry bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, razor, aftershave, toilet paper, etc. (small models don't take up much space)
- Ensure you have cash and copies of your ID card and driving license. A card with your allergies and blood type.
- Ensure you have an insulating mat to sleep on, an insulating blanket, poncho liner or an emergency sleeping bag to keep you warm. An inflatable pillow to avoid neck pain.
- You can equip a shopping trolley with a tent, a chair, some camping equipment, and some extra food or water, which you can then use in a tent camp or refugee shelter.
Provide an emergency backpack for each person in your family so that if you are separated, everyone still has their own basic survival equipment at hand. There are also small backpacks for children.
6) What to store as provisions to survive for 10 days?
If you live in one of the habitable zones after a nuclear attack, your immediate chances of survival are much greater, but you still need to consider the consequences of light nuclear fallout and the practical consequences of the destruction of large parts of the country, total chaos, refugee flows, rationing, aggression, and a shortage of everything!
- Make sure you have a 3-day or 72-hour emergency kit ready as described above for emergencies. Keep some extra of everything in reserve in your home.
- Make sure you have at least 20 liters of drinking water in securely sealed bottles in reserve, and possibly a 20L jerry can with tap water for washing or cooking. If possible, fill your bathtub with water if there is a real nuclear threat. Those with a hot water boiler have a large reserve of potable water even without electricity or tap water. Make sure you know how to drain your hot water boiler to access the drinking water. A water filter and water purification tablets can be useful for sealed water reserves.
- Ensure you have enough food to survive for at least 10 days, and make sure you don't have to eat the same thing every day! Build up your reserve cans sporadically by bringing extra cans every time you go grocery shopping. Store these cans in a safe place and replace them with fresh cans after a year.
Stock up on non-perishable food.
- watch your freezer if the power goes out and eat what can still be saved.
- instant rice, pasta, baking flour, powdered milk, salt, and various spices
- sugar, honey, chocolate
- dried vegetables and fruits
- canned food that you enjoy eating. Taste them beforehand and gradually build up a stock of products you buy regularly.
- Your favorite drink, candies, or liquor as a throat disinfectant or antidepressant to maintain good morale. Cigarettes and coffee can be used as bartering tools. A deck of cards or a chessboard to combat boredom.
- Make sure you have some sturdy plastic tarps and duct tape to seal gaps and any broken windows. Close all windows and doors and turn off the ventilation system. Ensure you have gas cooking equipment for indoors or a BBQ for outdoors.
An emergency war kit differs from the general emergency kit proposed by the government. The war emergency kit contains more items that are useful as personal protection against aggression or injury.
Anti-armed drone attack emergency kit with bulletproof vest and helmet
- Make sure your home is securely locked. Ensure you are equipped with safety gear, gloves, cut-resistant clothing, discreet stab and bulletproof vest, helmet, plate carrier class 4. There will be chaos and aggression, such as attempted burglaries and looting.
- Take care of your safety! Don't tell anyone what supplies you have at home! Be discreet and avoid fights or armed incidents. Even a small injury can be fatal if no medical help or medicines are available.
- We cannot talk about weapons. Weapon ownership is determined by Belgian arms law. The fact is that there is an increase in the number of legal gun owners who are members of a shooting club.
- Provide a Faraday cage to store all your electrical appliances. A steel cage, metal storage cabinet or casing that is grounded, where you can store your computer, emergency radio, walkie-talkies, generator and other electrical devices. Don't throw away your old freezer with a steel casing yet, and use it as a grounded Faraday cage and storage cabinet.
- Ensure you have a comprehensive and proper first aid kit, or that you have two, or at least one for each person in the house, to treat glass cuts, fall fractures, stab wounds, and gunshot wounds for at least 10 days. The contents depend on your knowledge of first aid. This could be a simple first aid pouch for those who know almost nothing, a larger first aid kit for someone who has attended Red Cross first aid lessons, or even a tactical IFAK first aid kit for battlefield use.
- Ensure you have a month's supply of your medication if you need to take it daily.
Such survival planning can significantly increase your chances of survival, but also painfully clarifies that a nuclear incident or attack is not entirely out of the question!
If the unthinkable does happen, it will be a doomsday prepping for the victims, with stays in overcrowded and enclosed cellars with little ventilation, no possibility to use candles, or make fire to cook food!
Also read Third World War coming nuclear attack war in Belgium