How to Survive an Atomic Bomb.

Whatever your attitude towards the use of an atomic bomb, you must live with the fact that it exists. You must also know how to protect yourself as much as you can against it. As with flood, fire or other common catastrophes, certain common sense rules apply. The wise citizen of this atomic era will memorize them so thoroughly that their use would be almost instinctive.

Immediate Action, should be a surprise atomic attack occur, could mean the difference between life and death. First sign of an atomic explosion would be an intensely brigh tlight. You must resist the impulse to look toward the source of this burning brightness. Rather, use the next one or two seconds for quick protective action.

Drop to the ground instantly if you are in the open or less than a few steps from protection, such as a tree or the corner of a building. Your immediate reaction must be to shield yourself from the flash of brilliance. If indoors drop to the floor with your back to the window or crawl behind or beneath a protecting piece of furniture.

Curl Up in such a way as to shield your face neck, hands and arms. Unless you happen to be close to the immediate area of the bomb, your greatest danger would be from flash burns which could seriously damage exposed areas of the skin. Hold this curled up position for at least 10 seconds.

Thermal Radiation-The burning brightness-Can be dangerous as far as two miles from the point of origin but the rays travel in straight lines. So if you instantly shelter yourself from these rays, you may avoid serious burns. At least, protect yourself with your own body ...Let your back take the brunt of the rays. Clothing-Especially light clothing-can usually prevent rays from reaching your body.

Be alert for the blast wave which spreads outward for as much as a minute or more after the explosion. If on the street, press close to the building so that you are sheltered from breaking glass or falling debris. If indoors, keep away from windows...they may shatter. The safest place within a building is likely to be against an interior partition or in the basement.

Work in advance to avoid panic. This can best be done by working with your local civilian defense organization. Study the fund of information available on defensive measures. By careful planning, your community can be prepared to hold death and destruction to a minimum.