As we teeter on the brink of war following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader by joint US-Israeli forces, officials across the world have begun issuing advice on how to stay safe if the third world war begins.
Iran has since launched drones and missiles at neighboring countries which have American bases or strong ties to Washington prompting people to begin preparing for the worst.
After Dubai International airport was reportedly hit by an Iranian airstrike injuring four people on Sunday foreign nationals in the UAE have been urged to shelter in place, register their presence with the government and follow local safety advice.
Further away from the current bomb dropping hotspots officials have issued advice on how to prepare for the outbreak of WW3.
The European Union has urged all its 27 member states to prepare for 72 hours of self sufficiency by collating essentials including food, water, torches, matches, energy bars and identity documents – kept protected in a waterproof pouch.
The advice or “preparedness strategy”, was officially unveiled by EU crisis management commissioner Hadja Lahbib last year.
US-based Doomsday preppers who have devoted their lives and often their garden to protection from war or zombies told Vice the 15 essential items you should keep in a bunker to keep you alive for a year.
Some of the recommended items are fire-starting equipment, a first-aid kit, warm clothing, insulation, a tent or tarp for emergency shelter, a multi-tool or survival knife, power sources and navigation tools such as a compass and paper maps.
The survival experts also recommended stashing at least a gallon of water per person per day.
A few Scandinavian countries began issuing official advice amid similar fears when tensions rose between Russia and NATO.
Sweden, Finland and Norway distributed conflict leaflets that urged citizens to stockpile food and water supplies and locate safe havens.
If Crisis or War Comes, the official 32-page guide by the Swedish government was distributed to over five million households last year.
In the case of a nuclear home attack people are advised to seal windows and doors with tape to prevent radioactive dust entering and fill bathtubs, sinks and saucepans with water.
Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek Group plc told the Mirror that instead of immediately fleeing after a nuclear attack, you should “remain indoors, preferably in the most central part of your shelter, away from exterior walls and windows.”
“Survival depends less on fleeing and more on shielding yourself from fallout, limiting exposure and relying on stored resources until immediate radiation levels begin to fall” he added.