Communications

In the event of an air or high-altitude burst it is likely that the resulting electromagnetic pulse (EMP) will disable telecommunications and other electronic equipment (e.g. computers, television sets, power lines, vehicle electrical systems).

You may be without power and your communications equipment may not work, depending on the altitude and strength of the blast. Keep this in mind as you review the following instructions.

A Radio is Essential

When the Attack Warning sounds, you must take protective action. Take a battery-powered radio and extra batteries with you. Broadcast advice and instruction may help to save your life. Authorities will tell you when and how to take emergency protective action against possible attack and shelter against fallout if an attack occurs.

Before Attack

If warning systems signal impending attack, regardless of where you are or what you are doing, you must take the best available cover against the blast, heat and light effects of nuclear explosions.

Emergency broadcast instructions will include the following advice:

If you are at home go to the basement or strongest part of your house or building which offers the best protection. If material is handy, improvise blast protection.

• Take your battery radio with you.
• Stay away from windows.
• Lie down and protect yourself from flying glass and falling debris.
• Shield your eyes from the flash of an explosion.
• If you are away from home take protective cover immediately.
• If you are traveling, stop and take protective cover immediately, or if you are only a few minutes from a safe destination, proceed and take protective cover immediately.
• Stay tuned to your radio or television station for further instructions.

After an Attack

You will be advised over the radio or television, assuming communications capabilities have not been lost. If the advice concerns fallout, you must take cover against the fallout effects. Radio and television broadcasts will identify areas that will be affected by the fallout and give instructions and advice. These might include:

• Location of nuclear explosions causing local fallout.
• Information about the parts of the country to be affected by fallout.
• Length of time before fallout is likely to reach specific communities or areas.
• Ways to increase fallout protection.
• Supplies to take to your fallout shelter.
• Whether it is safer to stay in your community or area, or to go to other areas.
• Advice as to which areas are free of danger.
• Advice on when to leave shelters and for how long as danger from radioactive contamination diminishes.
• Requests for help in rescue operations, such as rescue, fire fighting and medical assistance.
• Advice on conservation of food, water and fuel.
• How to keep warm when power is off and the weather is cold.

Use The Telephone Only For Essential Calls

A nuclear attack may trigger an electromagnetic pulse and disable land line and wireless telephone networks.

If communications capabilities withstand the attack, networks will be severely congested as people try to contact family members and friends.

Keep the lines available for Emergency Services

• Try not to use the phone.
• Be brief when you do.
• Listen to the radio or television for information.