How to SURVIVE A NUCLEAR ATTACK IN THE 1960S

STAYING ALIVE IF THE COLD WAR HAD TURNED HOT BRITAIN, 1960S

The world came closest to nuclear Armageddon in the 1960s. Tensions between the superpowers of the United States and the Soviet Union reached crisis levels. As a key American ally, and a nuclear power itself, Britain faced being drawn into the conflict. The threat was real enough for the government to publish pamphlets and films on what the public should do in the event of an imminent attack. The material was in parts frank and honest about the threat, but in others optimistic about what people could use to protect themselves. Nevertheless, strategies for survival were available…

1. Heat

Thermal energy from a nuclear device is much greater than from conventional explosives. Exposure close to ground zero means incineration.

2. Blast

As with heat, the explosive power that is released by a nuclear detonation is far more damaging than nonnuclear bombs.

3. Deadly debris

Structural damage is extensive. Debris, particularly glass shards, becomes lethal projectiles travelling at speed across wide areas.

4. Radioactive fallout

Overexposure to particles from the device and small debris or soil made radioactive during the explosion is often fatal.

Avoid strategic target areas

Major cities and centres of government, such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, will be on the enemy’s hit list, so, if you can, live somewhere else. Rural areas are more advantageous, though not one that’s close to a military airfield. Setting up home next door to a Ministry Of Defence establishment is not recommended either.

Outside and unprotected

You know the political situation is bad. If you’re outside, away from buildings, and see the telltale bright flash, get low, in a ditch or hole if possible. Roll up, knees to chest, hands over the neck, staying put for several minutes. Although ridiculed, this ‘duck and cover’ approach is the best chance you have against the initial heat and blast.

Inside, and sort of protected

The United States has a programme for organising fallout shelters, but Britain doesn’t. For someone at home on doomsday, the advice is to select a ‘fallout room’, preferably a basement. Failing that, choose a room with only one outside wall, sandbagging it if there’s time, to minimise radiation contamination. Sandbagged doors can also increase protection.

Time on your hands

If you’ve read the runes and seen which way the nuclear wind is blowing, you’re better prepared. Your basement is well stocked with food and water supplies, plus you’ve got considerable battery power to hear the radio and run the airfiltration system you’ve rigged up. You’re there for the long haul – it’s going to be at least two weeks before you can venture outside.

Serious survivors

The group of people with the best chance of survival are those members of the government, the military and the civil service assigned to the Central Government War Headquarters in Corsham, Wiltshire. Accommodating 4,000 people and able to sustain them for three months, this vast bunker complex is the seat of power in post-nuclear war Britain.

Aftermath

You’ve survived the bombs of the nuclear conflict. Months later the radioactive contamination is subsiding due to half-life decay, though some ‘hot-spots’ will remain deadly for years. Short periods of time beyond your bunker can be risked. Venturing out, you see a landscape blasted and burned back to a primordial state. Was survival worth the effort after all?