FEMA Nuclear Survival.pdf

The Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 aims to provide a system of civil defense for protecting life and property in the US. The term "civil defense" refers to activities designed to minimize the effects of an attack on the civilian population. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works with state and local governments to deliver effective emergency management services. This publication provides basic preparedness guidance and specific measures for national security emergencies, focusing on the ultimate disaster - nuclear attack. It discusses the physical effects of a nuclear detonation, attack warning signals, and what to do before, during, and after an attack. Understanding the major effects of a nuclear detonation, including intense light, heat, blast, and radiation, can help people prepare themselves. The strength of these effects depends on the size and type of the weapon, weather conditions, terrain, and height of the explosion. Radioactive fallout particles are also created, with most falling to earth during the first 24 hours. In a nuclear attack, most people within a few miles of the explosion would be killed or seriously injured, while those farther away would be endangered by blast and heat effects, and millions of people would be at risk from radioactive fallout. An additional effect of a nuclear detonation is electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which can damage electrical and electronic equipment for thousands of miles.