A Historical Look at Survival Under Atomic Attack

Gaye Levy, Contributing Writer
Activist Post

Back in the days of the Cold War, the US Government as well as its citizens were apprehensive of a potential nuclear bomb attack from Russia. To that end, the US Department of Civil Defense was active in issuing all kinds of educational material to the public with the twofold intent of informing citizens how to shelter in the event of a nuclear bomb attack while at the same time assuring them that the likelihood of danger was minimal. Seems contradictory to me, but over the years the government has not changed much and I am certain that then, as now, contradiction was considered “business as usual”. 

A Short History Lesson 

Interestingly enough, as I look back, right around 1970 and 1971 and at the beginning of my career, I actually worked at a decommissioned Nike missile base in Bothell, Washington (near Seattle). The underground building had been converted into a bunkered office for the then-called Office of Emergency Preparedness. It was one of six similar centers built during the late 1960s. The structure itself was totally subterranean and it was designed to be reasonably survivable in the event of natural or man-made disasters. (It now serves as the Region Eight headquarters for FEMA.)

The missiles housed in Bothell were the Nike Hercules. These nuclear-tipped anti-aircraft missiles were intended to protect Seattle and environs from Soviet bombers, should war break out. They were removed in 1974.

Today I am sharing with you some of the materials that were published by the Office of Civil Defense during the Cold War era. Depending on your perspective, you may consider the materials to be educational, humorous, silly or simply another instance of control seeking propaganda. Regardless of how you feel about it, I find the materials to be a fascinating glimpse in to our not so distant history.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 

Survival Under Atomic Attack: The Book

Survival Under Atomic Attack was the title of a booklet issued by the Civil Defense Office in 1950. It consisted of 32 pages including four pages in the center of the booklet that we designed to be removed and used as a quick reference. The exact words were: “Remove this sheet and keep it with you until you’ve memorized it.”

Kill The Myths

ATOMIC WEAPONS WILL NOT DESTROY THE EARTH
Atomic bombs hold more death and destruction than man ever before has wrapped up in a single package, but their overall power still has very definite limits. Not even hydrogen bombs will blow the earth apart or kill us all by radioactivity.

DOUBLING BOMB POWER DOES NOT DOUBLE DESTRUCTION
Modern A-bombs can cause heavy damage 2 miles away, but doubling their power would extend that range only to 2.5 miles. To stretch the damage range from 2 to 4 miles would require a weapon more than 8 times the rated power of present models.

RADIOACTIVITY IS NOT THE BOMB’S GREATEST THREAT
In most atom raids, blast and heat are by far the greatest dangers that people must face. Radioactivity alone would account for only a small percentage of all human deaths and injuries, except in underground or underwater explosions.

RADIATION SICKNESS IS NOT ALWAYS FATAL
In small amounts, radioactivity seldom is harmful. Even when serious radiation sickness follows a heavy dosage, there is still a good chance for recovery.

Six Survival Secrets For Atomic Attacks

1. Try To Get Shielded

If you have time, get down in a basement or subway. Should you unexpectedly be caught out-of-doors, seek shelter alongside a building, or jump in any handy ditch or gutter.

2. Drop Flat On Ground Or Floor

To keep from being tossed about and to lessen the chances of being struck by falling and flying objects, flatten out at the base of a wall, or at the bottom of a bank.

3. Bury Your Face In Your Arms

When you drop flat, hide your eyes in the crook of your elbow. That will protect your face from flash burns, prevent temporary blindness and keep flying objects out of your eyes.

4. Don’t Rush Outside Right After A Bombing

After an air burst, wait a few minutes then go help to fight fires. After other kinds of bursts wait at least 1 hour to give lingering radiation some chance to die down.

5. Don’t Take Chances With Food Or Water In Open Containers

To prevent radioactive poisoning or disease, select your food and water with care. When there is reason to believe they may be contaminated, stick to canned and bottled things if possible.

6. Don’t Start Rumors

In the confusion that follows a bombing, a single rumor might touch off a panic that could cost your life.

Five Keys To Household Safety

1. Strive For “Fireproof Housekeeping”

Don’t let trash pile up, and keep waste paper in covered containers. When an alert sounds, do all you can to eliminate sparks by shutting off the oil burner and covering all open flames.

2. Know Your Own Home

Know which is the safest part of your cellar, learn how to turn off your oil burner and what to do about utilities.

3. Have Emergency Equipment And Supplies Handy

Always have a good flashlight, a radio, first-aid equipment and a supply of canned goods in the house.

4. Close All Windows And Doors And Draw The Blinds

If you have time when an alert sounds, close the house up tight in order to keep out fire sparks and radioactive dusts and to lessen the chances of being cut by flying glass. Keep the house closed until all danger is past.

5. Use the Telephone Only For True Emergencies

Do not use the phone unless absolutely necessary. Leave the lines open for real emergency.

If you are interested in reading the full text or downloading the full booklet, you can find it here:

Full text available to read online (and a good read!): Survival Under Atomic Attack
Scanned copy of the original booklet in PDF format: Survival Under Atomic Attack

Survival Under Atomic Attack: The Movie

There is more. In 1950, The Office of Civil Defense also prepared a short movie in 1950 explaining the dangers of the atomic bomb, the effects of radiation and how to protect oneself if caught in the open or in the home. The movie is, of course, in the public domain so don’t get suckered into buying it when you can view it online or download it for free.

You can also download the movie Survival Under Attack Movie here (check out the download options the left part of the screen.)

The Final Word

As cynical as I tend to be these days, I find that some of the information – though dated – is still valid. Yes, some seems kind of silly and misinformed given what we know now. But still, the slice of history represented in the book and the movie are significant to understanding that back in the day, preparedness was alive and well, albeit misguided by today’s standards.

In closing, I have one more short clip to share. As you listen, keep in mind that his was produced in 1961. So perhaps we are not the first generation to prep . . . and also not the first to have a bit of fun!

Read other articles by Gaye Levy here.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye Levy, the SurvivalWoman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State. She lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable, self-reliant and stylish lifestyle through emergency preparation and disaster planning through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com. SurvivalWoman speaks her mind and delivers her message with optimism and grace, regardless of mayhem swirling around us.