The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is giving a talk next week on just that topic. On Thursday (Jan. 16), the agencys monthly public health-focused webcast, called Public Health Grand Rounds, is slated to focus on "Public Health Response to a Nuclear Detonation,".

"For instance, most people dont realize that sheltering in place for at least 24 hours is crucial to saving lives and reducing exposure to radiation," the CDC says.