Nuclear disaster: How prepared are we?

columbia.edu ^ | 11/02/2018 | Katherine Malus

[Lean-Right]

When the sirens go off, I’ll
just do what we were taught to
do in grade school...
Crawl under a desk or table and
keep your eyes closed, and your
hands clasped behind your head.
(In 1962, this made perfect sense
to a seven year old.)

[The Duke]

Actually, getting under a desk may not have been such a horrible idea. For one thing, that's about the only thing they would have time to do. Also, while a desk probably offers no significant protection from radiation, it may offer protection from a collapsing building.

And, finally, the activity may provide a humane distraction in the moments before oblivion.

[greeneyes]

Thanks for the Ping. Hubby was a civil defense teacher back in the 60s. Important to note that if you are at least 25 miles away from the epicenter, you can survive if prepared.

Even makeshift shelter can help. Corner of a basement put chests and dressers full of stuff(even dirt) to wall off the area. Slap some plywood on top (reinforce as necessary). Use pavers from patios, books, etc whatever you have to put on top.

Doesn’t have to be huge —think sitting room only, bathroom bucket & supplies, 2 weeks food and water(at least), Germx Bath wipes. Battery operated fans, radio, flashlights etc. etc.

The projections showed that with prevailing wind patterns the entire USA would be covered with radiation within 24 hrs. The amount would vary, and also of course, the closer you are to the blast, the less time to take shelter.

Everyone should have iodine tablets in their bugout bags. Get them and a radiation detector now—When you’ve prepared-then relax and don’t sweat it. Life’s short enjoy it.