nuclear-news

By Reader Correspondent

Published: Tue, 22 January 2013 10:44 PM

Srinagar: The state police Monday issued a detailed public awareness notice through a local English language daily about what the people should and should not do in the event of a nuclear attack or use of chemical and biological weapons.
The awareness notice comes at a time when a flare up along the Line of Control in Poonch sector appeared to threaten escalation of violence between India and Pakistan.
The notice issued by the Inspector General of Police, Home Guard, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Jammu Kashmir sets out in detail instructions to the people about what to do before, during and after a nuclear war.
One of the principle instructions asks the people in the state to construct basements “where the whole family can stay for a fortnight”.
“In case no basement is available then in an open space in front of your house, construct bunkers as in conventional war, as some protection is better than no protection,” reads the notice.
The information though certainly very useful for those living in a region often described as the most dangerous flashpoint in the world and bitterly contested by nuclear-armed India and Pakistan could refresh memories of the two wars the two countries have fought over it.
The awareness notice asks residents that they should stock up emergency shelters with “non-perishable foods and water to be replaced regularly before getting unhygienic.”
“Construct toilet facilities at the basement, store ample candles and battery lights, remove stock of flammables, if any.”
Residents have also been asked to keep battery operated miniature transistor TV sets in the basement shelters for listening in to instructions that may be announced by civil defence authorities during such a disaster.
The instructions are wide ranging.

According to the information contained in the notice, a person under open sky during a nuclear attack should “immediately drop to ground and remain in lying position.”

Eyes and face should be covered by hands and ears protected with fingers to prevent eardrum raptures.
“Stay down after the initial shock wave, wait for the winds to die down and debris to stop falling.”
The vivid instructions actually force visualisation of an actual nuclear blast.
“If blast wave does not arrive within five seconds of the flash you were far enough from the ground zero and initial radiation exposure will not exceed 150 rads,” the notice reads.
It also lays down instructions for people who may be moving in vehicles at the time of a nuclear attack.
Survivors according to the notice should “stay down under cover until debris stop falling.”
The state police’s Disaster Response Force advises people to stay calm during a nuclear event.
“Blast wind will generally end in one or two minutes after burst and burns, cuts and bruises are no different than conventional injuries. Dazzle is temporary and vision should return in few seconds.”
The possible scenarios described by the police may frighten readers of the awareness notice.
“Expect some initial disorientation as the blast wave may blow down and carry away many prominent and familiar features. Beware of weakened structures and trees from collapsing.”

http://kashmirreader.com/01222013-ND-police-sound-nuclear-war-bugle-10485.aspx