
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said in a forthcoming CBS interview that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will as well. Reuters reports:
Saudi Arabia does not want to acquire any nuclear bomb, but without a doubt if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible,” Prince Mohammed bin Salman told CBS in an interview that will air on Sunday.
You may not initially think this is your problem, but a nuclear war anywhere in the world would undoubtedly cause problems for everyone in the world.
According the CDC, fallout can travel on the wind and contaminate food and water where it lands. With the world’s markets more interdependent than they have ever been, a blast in one part of the world could have far reaching effects on the rest of the planet.
Imagine for a minute what irradiating a vast portion of the world’s oil reserves would do to markets. Total chaos is probably a good approximation of the outcome. But any nuclear war in the Middle East could do just that.
There are ways you can protect yourself from a nuclear blast in your area. The WHO recommends:
If you are near the blast when it occurs:
- Turn away and close and cover your eyes to prevent damage to your sight.
- Drop to the ground face down and place your hands under your body.
- Remain flat until the heat and two shock waves have passed.
If you are outside when the blast occurs:
- Find something to cover your mouth and nose, such as a scarf, handkerchief, or other cloth.
- Remove any dust from your clothes by brushing, shaking, and wiping in a ventilated area?however, cover your mouth and nose while you do this.
- Move to a shelter, basement, or other underground area, preferably located away from the direction that the wind is blowing.
- Remove clothing since it may be contaminated; if possible, take a shower, wash your hair, and change clothes before you enter the shelter.
If you are already in a shelter or basement:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask or other material (such as a scarf or handkerchief) until the fallout cloud has passed.
- Shut off ventilation systems and seal doors or windows until the fallout cloud has passed. However, after the fallout cloud has passed, unseal the doors and windows to allow some air circulation.
- Stay inside until authorities say it is safe to come out.
- Listen to the local radio or television for information and advice. Authorities may direct you to stay in your shelter or evacuate to a safer place away from the area.
- If you must go out, cover your mouth and nose with a damp towel.
- Use stored food and drinking water. Do not eat local fresh food or drink water from open water supplies.
- Clean and cover any open wounds on your body.
If you are advised to evacuate:
- Listen to the radio or television for information about evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures to follow.
- Before you leave, close and lock windows and doors and turn off air conditioning, vents, fans, and furnace. Close fireplace dampers.
- Take disaster supplies with you (such as a flashlight and extra batteries, battery-operated radio, first aid kit and manual, emergency food and water, nonelectric can opener, essential medicines, cash and credit cards, and sturdy shoes).
- Remember your neighbors may require special assistance, especially infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
But while you may be able to avoid the blast and the fallout yourself, have no doubt, a nuclear blast anywhere in the world will have far reaching economic effects. Preparing yourself physically as well as financially is recommended.