Survival Under Atomic Attack (1951)

la [Music] [Music] let us face without Panic the reality of our times the fact that atom bombs May someday be dropped on our cities and let us prepare for survival by understanding the weapon that threatens us [Music] an atom bomb destroys or injures in three ways by blast heat and radioactivity the blast of an atom bomb is its most important destructive agent in Japan whole buildings were flattened by its Force however many buildings of sturdy construction even though close to the explosion remain standing the principal dangers of blast are flying glass and debris the fires it may start and the danger of being crushed in collapsing [Music] buildings the atom bomb destroys by heat people caught in the open as far as 2 mil away suffered flash Burns yet protection could have been easily achieved here a bridge post and rail shielded the surface behind it any solid material afforded similar protection the third weapon of the bomb is radioactivity thrown off at the instant of explosion however the majority of people exposed to radiation recovered completely including a large percentage of those who suffered serious radiation sickness today they lead normal lives they bear children their children are normal these then are the weapons of the atom bomb that we must protect against blast heat and radioactivity our cities are prime targets for Atomic attack but Mass evacuation would be disastrous an enemy would like nothing better than to have us leave our cities empty and unproductive if an emergency should come our factories will be Battle Stations production must go on if we are to win our offices and homes will also be posts of Duty not to be deserted with the knowledge of the first atomic explosions to guide us our chances for survival will be far better than those of the people of Hiroshima and nasaki if we act on our knowledge and are prepared the first job is to look over your own home for shelter possibilities if you live in a private home that is wellb built the Sellar is the safest place to be the lower you get the more barriers there are likely to be against blast heat and radioactivity select the basement wall nearest the probable Target area of your city if the house is blown over it will most likely Fall away from this wall if you have a workbench or strong table big enough to get under move it into your shelter area near a wall or strong supporting column if the time comes when you actually have to take shelter lie under the table if you live in a home that has no basement choose a shelter area without windows on the ground floor an interior hallway is probably best in time of Emergency the shelter area should be cleared of mirrors and other objects that might cause injury if you live in an apartment house rules for taking shelter will be posted in your building learn them also learn the location of public shelters in areas where you work or frequently visit there are many things you can begin doing right now fireproof housekeeping is one so clean up that attic keep waste in covered containers don't let crash pile up in the yard set aside a small supply of canned goods they're safe from radioactivity have a good flashlight on hand electric lights may go out keep a first aid kit and learn how to stop bleeding make a habit of keeping a bottle of fresh water handy a radio will be important for receiving vital instructions finally prepare the shelter area and collect all necessary shelter equipment in case of an actual raid or test drill the alert will be a warbling siren blast lasting 3 [Applause] minutes once you hear this act fast pull down the shades or blinds and close the drapes against flying glass turn off the the burners of your gas or electric stove disconnect any heating elements such as electric iron hot plates or bathroom [Music] heaters close all outside doors but leave them unlocked turn off the gas St oil burners taking shelter may be a Race Against Time even when you have some advanced warning but possibly there may be no time an attack could come without warning the sky would suddenly light up if a doorway is right at hand use it if the nearest shelter is more than a couple of steps away fall to the ground immediately flying glass and debris are immediate dangers so stay where you are until you're sure it's safe to [Music] move if you are at home when a surprise attack occurs haul beneath a table if it is very near or drop to the floor with your back to the [Music] window the immediate danger is over in about a minute unless the explosion occurred near the ground or [Music] water in this this case radioactive materials are trapped in the particles of dirt or water thrown up by the explosion when these particles fall back to Earth they may be dangerous so get indoors immediately after a ground level explosion cover broken windows against radioactive dust with blankets or cardboard civil defense radiological teams equipped with radiation survey meters will check on contamination in any bombed area stay under cover until you hear officially that it is safe outside if you have been exposed to Radioactive dust wash the exposed areas pay particular attention to your hair get all the dirt from under your fingernails if the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had known what we know about civil defense thousands of lives would have been saved yes the knowledge is ours and preparation can mean survival for you so act now someday your life may depend on [Music] it