CDC To Host Event About Preparing For A Nuclear Strike

WASHINGTON, DC — Do you know what to do in the case of a nuclear attack? It may seem like an overdramatic or potentially pointless question to ask, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are taking it quite seriously. Later this month, the government's public health arm will hold an event to discuss the appropriate response to nuclear detonations.

In its announcement for the event — which was posted on Dec. 27, before President Trump started a Twitter feud with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un about whose nuclear "button" was bigger — the agency says "a nuclear detonation is unlikely." Nevertheless, it urges, "it would have devastating results and there would be limited time to take critical protection steps."

Some people might think that there's little reason to have a "public health response" to a nuclear bomb. Nuclear weapons are so powerful, one might assume, there's not much that can be done to limit its impact.

Not so, according to the CDC. People and governments can take steps to limit the damage.

"For instance, most people don’t realize that sheltering in place for at least 24 hours is crucial to saving lives and reducing exposure to radiation," the CDC said.

People in the blast zone would almost certainly be immediately killed, of course. But those outside of the most affected area could take steps to limit the subsequent damage. Putting distance between you and the source of radiation, as well as physical barriers, can reduce your risk of experiencing negative health effects.

If you live in any area possibly subject to radiation exposure from a blast, the CDC recommends following these steps until local authorities say otherwise:

• Remain inside and avoid opening doors and windows.
• Keep children indoors.
• Turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced air heating units that bring in fresh air from the outside. Use them only to recirculate air already in the building.
• Go to the nearest building if you are outside. If you must go outside for critical or lifesaving activities, cover your nose and mouth and avoid stirring up and breathing any dust. Remember that your going outside could increase your exposure and possibly spread contamination to others.
• Be aware that trained monitoring teams will be moving through the area wearing special protective clothing and equipment to determine the extent of possible contamination. These teams will wear protective gear as a precaution and not as an indication of the risks to those indoors.
• Avoid eating fruits and vegetables grown in the area until their safety is determined.

Federal, state, and local agencies will take charge of the response efforts, according to the CDC. Government agencies have long had plans in place for responding to potential disasters at nuclear power plants as well.

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