Improvised Nuclear Device Response and Recovery: Communicating in the Immediate Aftermath

by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency

A nuclear detonation in the United States is one of the most catastrophic incidents imaginable. While the United States Government is working domestically and with international partners to ensure this scenario never occurs, failing to plan for managing the consequences of such an event would be irresponsible. Should a nuclear detonation occur, a crucial task for Federal, State, local, tribal and territorial authorities and private-sector organizations will be communicating clear and consistent messages to the public. All levels of government have responsibility for coordinating and communicating information regarding the incident to the public immediately after a nuclear detonation. State, local and tribal authorities retain the primary responsibility for responding to large-scale incidents, such as a nuclear detonation. Effectively communicating health and safety instructions to the population will be a critical factor in building trust, comforting the nation, saving lives and minimizing injury. This document was developed as a resource for emergency responders and federal, state, and local officials communicating with the public and the media during the immediate aftermath of a nuclear detonation in the United States. An interagency group of communications and radiation technical experts developed the messages in this document, which include key messages for the impacted community and the nation, and anticipated questions and answers for distribution to the public in the immediate aftermath of a nuclear detonation.

58 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet department of the U.S. federal government with responsibilities in public security, particularly anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management. Major subordinate agencies include Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Secret Service, Coast Guard, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), among others.

Reviews

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as research for a story. It outlines the practical advice that will be offered by officials in the event of an explosion due to an improvised nuclear device. In practical terms, this is would be good to know so a civilian might not be led astray by false information or advice. From my perspective, it gives me decent and realistic information to work with for dialogue etc. Useful to government officials and the general population in the US.