Dmitry Dub/Associated Press
A family watches explosions at a military ammunition depot near Achinsk, Russia, on August 5. Russian officials say powerful explosions at the depot left 12 people injured and one missing and forced over 16,500 people to leave their homes.
- In early August, a mysterious nuclear explosion killed at least seven people at a Russian military site.
- Less than two weeks later, the US began testing a cruise missile, stoking fears that the two nations could be headed toward another nuclear arms race.
- In the event of a nuclear explosion on American soil, the US government offers some guidelines for how to seek shelter.
- US government agencies have also warned against certain practices, like eating food that's been left outside or using conditioner in your hair.
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A mysterious explosion that killed at least seven people at a Russian military site has reignited concerns about the threat of nuclear warfare.
US officials believe the explosion could be the result of a failed test of a nuclear missile Russia is developing called "Skyfall."
Shortly after the explosion, authorities in the city of Severodvinsk reported a brief spike in the area's radiation levels. Residents of a nearby town were also told to evacuate, but the orders were soon cancelled.
Less than two weeks later, the US performed its own test launch of a cruise missile off the coast of California. Russia and the US recently dissolved their Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which prohibited both nations from possessing, producing, or testing thousands of land-based missiles.
In the unlikely event of a nuclear explosion in the US, the government has some guidelines for how to respond - including a few warnings about things you should never do. Here's what to know.