The Atomic Bomb
Lately, everyone's been concerned with terrorism. Terrorism used to be mainly hijacking planes and "if our demands aren't met" kinds of things. But today terrorists just want to destroy things for no reason in particular. And a great way to destroy things is with an atomic bomb. But there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself in case of a nuclear strike! Let's take a look at the New York State Civil Defense Commission Public Pamphlet #1. Remember, the terrorists only win if we let them win. And also if they have the bomb.
Foreward by General Lucius D. Clay.
General Clay starts off with some comforting words:
"As terrible as the bomb is, it will not spread as much death and
destruction as many people believe. Atomic attack will not, as some
people think, mean the end of our great cities, our State or our country.
Certainly, we must face the fact that at the immediate scene of an atomic
explosion there will be dreadful devastation and thousands of lives will
be lost in a heavily populated area. An entire city could be
crippled temporarily by one bomb. By careful planning, and by full
understanding on your part of what you can do now and what you
should do in time of disaster, the effects of the bomb can be greatly
minimized." Comforting and yet realistic as well.
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The blinding flash of the explosion
will be your first warning. Fair enough. Luckily the
second and third warnings don't require you to see to sense them.
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Take cover. But please, don't
panic. I like how they italicized Do not Panic. And
hey people, no pushing!
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Here's a handy tip from the
booklet. It says that if you are pushing a baby carriage "Pull
the blanket over yourself and the baby." Lady, unless that
blanket is made out of a 3 foot thick sheet of lead, I don't
think it's going to help.
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Okay okay. The plane has "made its
attack and the sirens blow an All Clear." Right. Now what?
Well before you leave your shelter watch for falling wreckage.
Once you get back home a "good scrubbing will remove radioactive
particles clinging to skin." II think that meant to read "a good
scrubbing will remove what's skin is left clinging." Check out
the pic next to it. Two men, hats still on their heads,
assisting the injured "away from the scene of fire." Since
the sample city used in the booklet is New York, I can only assume
they're moving the man to Detroit.
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| This has some of my favorite tips like don't eat or drink in a contaminated area. So no going to Taco Bell before or after a blast I guess. Don't try to drive your car. I think "try" is the operative word there. And don't get excited or excite others. If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. |