It is also possible to avoid blast effects and exposure to much of the thermal radiation if evasive action, such as falling face down behind a substantial object and shielding the eyes, is taken immediately.

In certain circumstances, evasive actions may mean the difference between life and death. Weapons tests suggest that a typical residence will be collapsed by an overpressure of about 5 psi (0.35 kg/cm2). People standing in such a residence have a 50 percent chance of being killed by an overpressure of 3.5 psi (0.25 kg/cm2), but people who are lying down at the moment the blast wave hits have a 50 percent chance of surviving a 7 psi (0.5 kg/cm2) overpressure. This is because laying down allows an individual to potentially avoid penetrating injuries from flying debris.