There is a new nuclear preparedness guide from the FedGov and sponsored by a group called the National Association of Government Communicators.
Check it out here. It's in PDF format which means you will need Adobe reader which is free.
In case you don't have the time, here's a synopsis of the report.
- A nuclear detonation occuring in the USA is possible due to proliferation and terrorists.
- Such an event would be horrific and communication with the populace by the government at all levels would be important.
- Several suggestions about what to do, i.e. where to shelter, in the event of a nuclear detonation.
- How to deal with decontamination, radiation illness, food and water concerns.
- What to expect from the government at all levels.
- Sample statements for local, state and federal government spokespersons (which was interesting - I hope I never hear them).
There were some very frustrating statements in the report.
- Constant reminders for government leaders to reassure people that all would be well.
- Suggestions that the populace consider volunteering their time or donating to the Red Cross in the event of a nuclear detonation or war complete with URL of related websites.
- The most annoying line "Will shelters be available for people instructed to evacuate?"
"Yes, there will be public shelters with food, medicine, etc".
Reminder - there are no stocked public shelters in the event of a nuclear detonation. They were dismantled years ago and never replaced.
What was missing? The real responses by the government to a disaster of this magnitude...
- There will be martial law in effected areas if not completely nationwide.
- Despite the fact that the attack came from an enemy, the American people will be the ones penalized. Consider all the actions taken against Americans since 9/11 for our "safety". Been on an airplane lately?
- Civil rights will be curtailed in a post-nuclear America and probably will be off the table for awhile.
- Civilains will be on their own for most of their needs. The government has shelters however.
An interesting report none the less and worthy of review. I can only wonder why this document and related news reports have been so widely noted lately and can only believe they are due to the federal government's push for the new START treaty with Russia.
Showing posts with label protection from fallout. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protection from fallout. Show all posts
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, July 30, 2009
SHTF: BBC Threads Nuclear War
Originally called a "docudrama" the UK movie "Threads" was released in 1984, a few months after the U.S. ABC Made for TV movie "The Day After". Both movies featured a fictional nuclear war event.
The story takes place in Sheffield, England in summer 1984. A short war between NATO and the Soviet Union breaks out over Iran. As it heats up, a few nuclear devices are used which quickly escalates into total nuclear war.
There are three sub plots in Threads;
A young woman who is expecting a baby and who lives with her parents.
Her boyfriend, who also lives with his family in another location of the city.
The town mayor and his staff who try to prepare the city for the possibility of a nuclear attack.
All of this takes place against the backdrop of Sheffield as the tension builds.
Stores run short on food as shoppers flock at the last minute to stock up. Some residents try to leave town for other parts of the country but find the roads closed off to "official business" only. Meanwhile, other residents spend their time protesting with the nuclear freeze movement hoping to avert a war.
When the attack comes, the young man's family tries to improvise a fallout shelter in the kitchen out of doors and mattresses. The young woman's family on the other hand, appears to have planned ahead and has a basement with some supplies prepositioned.
The mayor and staff have burrowed themselves in the basement of city hall in an emergency planning shelter with generator and supplies, hoping to coordinate efforts from this location.
The attack itself is ugly, probably the most graphic of all the nuclear movies of the time period. Two bombs are dropped on and near Sheffield. Thousands of citizens die horrifically while burning alive or from the blasts and the city is also heavily damaged. Several key characters die or disappear at this point leaving us with a core group of survivors for the remainder of the film.
The mayor and staff are trapped in the basement and while trying to get out, manage the efforts of their teams above. The job is daunting as there are thousands of dead, dying and injured above with little hope of help. This executive leadership team has little preparation or training and quickly find themselves and their efforts overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, after the death of a family member, the young woman leaves the basement shelter in search of her boyfriend and we get a view of the world outside. The destruction is everywhere and overwhelming. The scene at the hospital is particularly disturbing as the medical resources of the city are strained and no where near the level needed to cope with the injured.
The young man's family meanwhile, is left with only two members remaining and both have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation from the blast and fallout. They lay in their partially demolished home awaiting death which is slow and agonizing.
Dialog nearly stops at this point as the actors speak less and less as the situation envelopes them. The cold, the lack of water and food, the constant wandering search for shelter and the next meal. One by one, the characters die off from the effects of the war and the dark future ahead.
The movie ends thirteen years after it started with the daughter of the young woman now a teenager. She lives in a bleak, cold world. Ignorant and furtive, homeless and forever living from one hardship to the next.
Throughout the film, there are narratives describing scenes which can not be explained by the participants. There are also ongoing radio announcements from the government attempting to prepare the city for war ("The best place to be, is at home. Stay there.").
There are defining moments, such as when the family moves the dead grandmother outside of the shelter and covers the body with a blanket. They follow the rules given by the government for the disposal of the body but do so with guilty embarrassment as if they are worried the neighbors may see them. Afterwards, the scurry back down to the basement to hide once again, with no plan whatsoever as to what they will do when their food runs out.
There was much criticism when Threads was released and which is still relevant today.
The movie was largely the work of writers sympathetic to the anti-nuclear movement. Many are of the opinion that the film maker made Threads as graphic as possible to drum up support for the nuclear freeze movement in the UK and Europe during the early 80's.
Also, some of the possibilities described have been questions, such as nuclear winter resulting from the attack and the effect of fallout on the population. These matters can be argued by others elsewhere, here is what I learned.
- Being in the city is the worse place to be in a nuclear attack. Too many people, not enough food, not enough room between you and someone who wants your stuff.
- You can never stock up too soon and too much. Within a week of the nuclear attack, people are starving. Food became the new money. People fight over crusts of bread, a handful of grain and even rats.
- Having a basement or fallout shelter beforehand is a good thing. Trying to make a shelter at the last minute is dumb.
- Guns keep bad guys away. In the UK, most people do not own guns. Result - bad guys get to take what they want from you. Including your food.
- Have somewhere to go. One character spends the rest of her life living in abandoned sheds and barns. Not fun.
- The country is great to escape to if you have a farm and home. If you are wandering from place to place, the country is just a big, empty place to die.
- The government, for lack of resources and due to the sheer magnitude of their job, will not help you in this scenario. Don't plan on it.
- Did I mention food? Get lots now. Don't wait until it is too late.
Check Threads out for a sobering view of nuclear war and what can happen. It can be viewed on YouTube in its entirety.
Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak
The story takes place in Sheffield, England in summer 1984. A short war between NATO and the Soviet Union breaks out over Iran. As it heats up, a few nuclear devices are used which quickly escalates into total nuclear war.
There are three sub plots in Threads;
A young woman who is expecting a baby and who lives with her parents.
Her boyfriend, who also lives with his family in another location of the city.
The town mayor and his staff who try to prepare the city for the possibility of a nuclear attack.
All of this takes place against the backdrop of Sheffield as the tension builds.
Stores run short on food as shoppers flock at the last minute to stock up. Some residents try to leave town for other parts of the country but find the roads closed off to "official business" only. Meanwhile, other residents spend their time protesting with the nuclear freeze movement hoping to avert a war.
When the attack comes, the young man's family tries to improvise a fallout shelter in the kitchen out of doors and mattresses. The young woman's family on the other hand, appears to have planned ahead and has a basement with some supplies prepositioned.
The mayor and staff have burrowed themselves in the basement of city hall in an emergency planning shelter with generator and supplies, hoping to coordinate efforts from this location.
The attack itself is ugly, probably the most graphic of all the nuclear movies of the time period. Two bombs are dropped on and near Sheffield. Thousands of citizens die horrifically while burning alive or from the blasts and the city is also heavily damaged. Several key characters die or disappear at this point leaving us with a core group of survivors for the remainder of the film.
The mayor and staff are trapped in the basement and while trying to get out, manage the efforts of their teams above. The job is daunting as there are thousands of dead, dying and injured above with little hope of help. This executive leadership team has little preparation or training and quickly find themselves and their efforts overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, after the death of a family member, the young woman leaves the basement shelter in search of her boyfriend and we get a view of the world outside. The destruction is everywhere and overwhelming. The scene at the hospital is particularly disturbing as the medical resources of the city are strained and no where near the level needed to cope with the injured.
The young man's family meanwhile, is left with only two members remaining and both have been exposed to significant amounts of radiation from the blast and fallout. They lay in their partially demolished home awaiting death which is slow and agonizing.
Dialog nearly stops at this point as the actors speak less and less as the situation envelopes them. The cold, the lack of water and food, the constant wandering search for shelter and the next meal. One by one, the characters die off from the effects of the war and the dark future ahead.
The movie ends thirteen years after it started with the daughter of the young woman now a teenager. She lives in a bleak, cold world. Ignorant and furtive, homeless and forever living from one hardship to the next.
Throughout the film, there are narratives describing scenes which can not be explained by the participants. There are also ongoing radio announcements from the government attempting to prepare the city for war ("The best place to be, is at home. Stay there.").
There are defining moments, such as when the family moves the dead grandmother outside of the shelter and covers the body with a blanket. They follow the rules given by the government for the disposal of the body but do so with guilty embarrassment as if they are worried the neighbors may see them. Afterwards, the scurry back down to the basement to hide once again, with no plan whatsoever as to what they will do when their food runs out.
There was much criticism when Threads was released and which is still relevant today.
The movie was largely the work of writers sympathetic to the anti-nuclear movement. Many are of the opinion that the film maker made Threads as graphic as possible to drum up support for the nuclear freeze movement in the UK and Europe during the early 80's.
Also, some of the possibilities described have been questions, such as nuclear winter resulting from the attack and the effect of fallout on the population. These matters can be argued by others elsewhere, here is what I learned.
- Being in the city is the worse place to be in a nuclear attack. Too many people, not enough food, not enough room between you and someone who wants your stuff.
- You can never stock up too soon and too much. Within a week of the nuclear attack, people are starving. Food became the new money. People fight over crusts of bread, a handful of grain and even rats.
- Having a basement or fallout shelter beforehand is a good thing. Trying to make a shelter at the last minute is dumb.
- Guns keep bad guys away. In the UK, most people do not own guns. Result - bad guys get to take what they want from you. Including your food.
- Have somewhere to go. One character spends the rest of her life living in abandoned sheds and barns. Not fun.
- The country is great to escape to if you have a farm and home. If you are wandering from place to place, the country is just a big, empty place to die.
- The government, for lack of resources and due to the sheer magnitude of their job, will not help you in this scenario. Don't plan on it.
- Did I mention food? Get lots now. Don't wait until it is too late.
Check Threads out for a sobering view of nuclear war and what can happen. It can be viewed on YouTube in its entirety.
Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak
Monday, May 25, 2009
Prepare: Nuclear War Preparedness
North Korea has allegedly detonated a nuclear device. While the U.S. news media is still pondering the question and intelligence agencies question the claim, those nearest to the location, namely Russia, say a nuclear device has been set off.
That aside, while North Korea does not have the ability to rain atomic warheads across American cities, it highlights the dangers of nuclear war in the world we live in. While some readers may think "cooler heads and diplomacy will prevail", what happens in the scenario South Korea decides to take out the North with conventional means drawing China and Russia into the scrape and thus the U.S. and bingo! Global Thermonuclear War'.
What would happen if a nuclear bomb or device was detonated nearby?
First there is the blast. Depending upon the size of the device, the area of immediate blast destruction may only be a mile to several square miles. The thermal effects would be far reaching, perhaps up to several miles as well as structures and flammables (like clothing and air) ignite.
After the blast, debris, in a ground detonation, is thrown upwards and out into the atmosphere. What comes up, must come down and it does. This radioactive charged material is called fallout and it is where the most injuries and deaths in a wide area will occur. Fallout is disbursed by the prevailing winds thus, a city or home downwind from a detonation will receive some fallout from the explosion.
How can anyone get prepared for a fallout?
First, dispel the notions that the world will immediately come to an end. Google "Creason Kearney's Nuclear War Survival Skills" (the link is to the PDF of the book). This book was written by a researcher at the Oak Ridge Nuclear Facility in Knoxville, TN. Kearney spent years researching the outcome of nuclear conflict during the Cold War and the affects on society. Based upon his research Kearney made several proposals, many of them small protection steps normal Americans could do which he tested, for preparing and surviving a nuclear attack on the United States.
When this report was released in the 1980's, it was promptly attacked and debunked by the media and others with little if any knowledge of nuclear technology or the effects of radiation. Rather, suggestions for civil defense were tossed out in favor of the supporting the nuclear freeze movement of the time. Too bad. The information, while dated, is still relevant.
Don't forget, when it was written, the U.S. was staring down the barrel of the Soviet Union which was targeting thousands of multi-megaton weapons at nearly all of our cities and military installations. The situation today, while dangerous, does not have as grave of outcome as then.
Now, take a visit to KI4U. Read every link on the first page. Believe me, it will open your eyes and leave you in a better prepared state of mind.
If you can afford it, pick up the Package from KI4U. You will know it when you see it.
Next, consider going to Amazon and picking up some extra KI tablets. I purchased two bottles there and they last for years. Read about KI and you will learn that it may protect the thyroid from absorbing radiation which may prevent cancer later on.
Prepare a shelter at home.
If you have a basement, you are in better shape than those without. The secret to a fallout shelter is mass between you and the radiation outside. The more mass, the better off you are. KI4U has expedient shelter designs anyone can do. Don't forget to plan on air circulation!
Next, get supplies.
Food -
Long term storage foods like flour, rice, dried beans, cooking oil, sugar.
Canned foods.
Easy to prepare and eat foods like canned ravioli, chili, canned beans, canned fruits and vegetables. Protein bars and snack foods are good as well.
(Don't run out and buy 10 cases of MRE (meals ready to eat). If you have not lived off them before, your body will need time to adjust). Don't forget the beverages like coffee and tea if you drink them regularly.
Water -
Lots of water. Get bottled of course because it is easy to purchase and store, but also store your own in buckets, old soda bottles or water storage containers. Also fill the tubs at home as well when an attack comes. Stock plenty of bleach and water filter systems.
Medicine, health -
This means over the counter (OTC) drugs like aspirin and cold remedies. Hand sanitizer. Bandages. Vitamins. Prescriptions.
Tools, lights, cooking -
Hand tools, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, (candles are a no-no in a home shelter if possible - they eat precious oxygen). A Coleman two burner stove for cooking or a hot plate and batteries.
Protection equipment -
Don't go looking for a radiation suit, they do not exist. Rather, after and only after the REM level has dropped off, a Tyvek suit, with respirator, gloves and boots may be worn outside to check the shelter. This suit is only worn to protect the wearer from beta particles (gritty ash and dirt fallout) which may have accumulated outside. This must be washed off before reentering the shelter. For that matter, a rain suit or poncho may work as well, but keep exposed parts of the body covered.
Aftewards -
After a nuclear weapon is detonated, whether it is one, a dozen or several hundred nationwide, there will be a severe disruption in activities and response from the authorities. You will be on your own.
Plan on providing your own food, care and protection. If you have the means to evacuate to an are free from damage and radiation, and you have somewhere specific to go, then leave.
With so many countries now possessing nuclear weapons and more struggling to join the club, sadly, it is a matter of when and not if a weapon is used. Please get ready and prepare for the worse.
Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak
That aside, while North Korea does not have the ability to rain atomic warheads across American cities, it highlights the dangers of nuclear war in the world we live in. While some readers may think "cooler heads and diplomacy will prevail", what happens in the scenario South Korea decides to take out the North with conventional means drawing China and Russia into the scrape and thus the U.S. and bingo! Global Thermonuclear War'.
What would happen if a nuclear bomb or device was detonated nearby?
First there is the blast. Depending upon the size of the device, the area of immediate blast destruction may only be a mile to several square miles. The thermal effects would be far reaching, perhaps up to several miles as well as structures and flammables (like clothing and air) ignite.
After the blast, debris, in a ground detonation, is thrown upwards and out into the atmosphere. What comes up, must come down and it does. This radioactive charged material is called fallout and it is where the most injuries and deaths in a wide area will occur. Fallout is disbursed by the prevailing winds thus, a city or home downwind from a detonation will receive some fallout from the explosion.
How can anyone get prepared for a fallout?
First, dispel the notions that the world will immediately come to an end. Google "Creason Kearney's Nuclear War Survival Skills" (the link is to the PDF of the book). This book was written by a researcher at the Oak Ridge Nuclear Facility in Knoxville, TN. Kearney spent years researching the outcome of nuclear conflict during the Cold War and the affects on society. Based upon his research Kearney made several proposals, many of them small protection steps normal Americans could do which he tested, for preparing and surviving a nuclear attack on the United States.
When this report was released in the 1980's, it was promptly attacked and debunked by the media and others with little if any knowledge of nuclear technology or the effects of radiation. Rather, suggestions for civil defense were tossed out in favor of the supporting the nuclear freeze movement of the time. Too bad. The information, while dated, is still relevant.
Don't forget, when it was written, the U.S. was staring down the barrel of the Soviet Union which was targeting thousands of multi-megaton weapons at nearly all of our cities and military installations. The situation today, while dangerous, does not have as grave of outcome as then.
Now, take a visit to KI4U. Read every link on the first page. Believe me, it will open your eyes and leave you in a better prepared state of mind.
If you can afford it, pick up the Package from KI4U. You will know it when you see it.
Next, consider going to Amazon and picking up some extra KI tablets. I purchased two bottles there and they last for years. Read about KI and you will learn that it may protect the thyroid from absorbing radiation which may prevent cancer later on.
Prepare a shelter at home.
If you have a basement, you are in better shape than those without. The secret to a fallout shelter is mass between you and the radiation outside. The more mass, the better off you are. KI4U has expedient shelter designs anyone can do. Don't forget to plan on air circulation!
Next, get supplies.
Food -
Long term storage foods like flour, rice, dried beans, cooking oil, sugar.
Canned foods.
Easy to prepare and eat foods like canned ravioli, chili, canned beans, canned fruits and vegetables. Protein bars and snack foods are good as well.
(Don't run out and buy 10 cases of MRE (meals ready to eat). If you have not lived off them before, your body will need time to adjust). Don't forget the beverages like coffee and tea if you drink them regularly.
Water -
Lots of water. Get bottled of course because it is easy to purchase and store, but also store your own in buckets, old soda bottles or water storage containers. Also fill the tubs at home as well when an attack comes. Stock plenty of bleach and water filter systems.
Medicine, health -
This means over the counter (OTC) drugs like aspirin and cold remedies. Hand sanitizer. Bandages. Vitamins. Prescriptions.
Tools, lights, cooking -
Hand tools, flashlights, lanterns, batteries, (candles are a no-no in a home shelter if possible - they eat precious oxygen). A Coleman two burner stove for cooking or a hot plate and batteries.
Protection equipment -
Don't go looking for a radiation suit, they do not exist. Rather, after and only after the REM level has dropped off, a Tyvek suit, with respirator, gloves and boots may be worn outside to check the shelter. This suit is only worn to protect the wearer from beta particles (gritty ash and dirt fallout) which may have accumulated outside. This must be washed off before reentering the shelter. For that matter, a rain suit or poncho may work as well, but keep exposed parts of the body covered.
Aftewards -
After a nuclear weapon is detonated, whether it is one, a dozen or several hundred nationwide, there will be a severe disruption in activities and response from the authorities. You will be on your own.
Plan on providing your own food, care and protection. If you have the means to evacuate to an are free from damage and radiation, and you have somewhere specific to go, then leave.
With so many countries now possessing nuclear weapons and more struggling to join the club, sadly, it is a matter of when and not if a weapon is used. Please get ready and prepare for the worse.
Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak
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