New York Shares Steps On What to Do During Nuclear Warfare; Should People Worry Over PSA?

Would you know what to do if nuclear warfare occurred? There is a YouTube video about that if you live in New York City.

The city's Department of Emergency Management released a public service announcement film explaining the three actions citizens should follow in the event of an attack involving nuclear weapons.

According to The Independent, a woman appears in the video and says: "So there's been a nuclear attack. Don't ask me how or why, just know that the big one has hit."

The PSA didn't appear to be issued for any particular cause. After all, New York City isn't strictly under a nuclear threat at the moment, as the city apparently acknowledged.

Instead, it appears like the city merely wants residents to be ready.

Activists Rally Against Nukes During Nuclear Security Summit In Washington DC
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 01: An inflatable nuclear missile balloon stands at the ready before a protest held by the group Global Zero in McPherson Square April 1, 2016 in Washington, DC. The protest, designed to rally support for the elimination of nuclear weapons, was timed to occur at the same time as world leaders were meeting at the Nuclear Security Summit being held today in Washington. Win McNamee/Getty Images

New Yorkers Told To Be Ready For Nuclear Warfare

The PSA on nuclear readiness released on Monday listed three crucial steps.

First, enter a structure and make your way away from the windows.

Second, remain inside, lock all the doors and windows, go to the basement if you have one, or as far into the center of the building as you can if not. If coming from the outside, it suggests getting clean right away, taking off and bagging clothing, and taking a shower to keep radioactive dust or ash away from the body.

Third, pay attention, keep up with the news for further details, sign up for Notify NYC for official alerts and updates, and stay indoors until authorities declare it safe.

The New York Daily News added that everyone who was outside when the nuclear warfare occurred should take off and bag all of their clothing to protect themselves from the risk of nuclear contamination or radioactive dust and debris.

New York Emergency Department underscored in a statement that New Yorkers should know the steps to stay safe in a nuclear weapon incident despite clarifying that the likelihood of such an incident in/near New York City is very low.

"As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is important that New Yorkers know we are preparing for any imminent threats and are providing them with the resources they need to stay safe and informed," New York City Emergency Commissioner Zach Iscol added, UPI reported.

The Jerusalem Post mentioned that NYC Emergency Management had taken similar actions before. Watch the 30-second film here.

Effects of Nuclear Warfare On Humanity If Outbreaks Happen

The likelihood of a nuclear conflict is quite remote. However, Alexandra Bell, a nuclear expert at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, pointed out that might not be all that reassuring.

"The chance is not zero because nuclear weapons exist," she says. And the damage would be incalculable; all it takes is just one strike to conceivably kill hundreds of thousands of people within minutes and perhaps millions more in the following days, weeks, and years," Bell told Vox News in 2018.

Furthermore, that initial blow might set off a chain of events that results in a widespread hunger brought on by a fast cooling environment, possibly bringing an end to society as we know it.

Check out more news and information on Energy in Science Times.

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