In Time of Emergency | Page 5

systems might be affected somewhat by radioactive fallout, but
the risk would be small, especially if a few simple precautions were
taken. Water stored in covered containers and water in covered wells
would not be contaminated after an attack, because the fallout particles
could not get into the water. Even if the containers were not covered
(such as buckets or bathtubs filled with emergency supplies of water),
as long as they were indoors it is highly unlikely that fallout particles
would get into them.
Practically all of the particles that dropped into open reservoirs, lakes,
and streams (or into open containers or wells) would settle to the
bottom. Any that didn't would be removed when the water was filtered
before being pumped to consumers. A small amount of radioactive
material might dissolve in the water, but at most this would be of
concern for only a few weeks.
Milk contamination from fallout is not expected to be a serious
problem after an attack. If cows graze on contaminated pasture and
swallow fallout particles that contain some radioactive elements, their
milk might be harmful to the thyroid glands of infants and small
children. Therefore, if possible, they should be given canned or
powdered milk for a few weeks if authorities say the regular milk
supply is contaminated by radioactive elements.
In summary, the danger of people receiving harmful doses of fallout
radiation through food, water or milk is very small. People suffering
from extreme hunger or thirst should not be denied these necessities
after an attack, even if the only available supplies might contain fallout
particles or other radioactive substances.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 3

KNOW ABOUT WARNING
SUMMARY
BEFORE AN EMERGENCY
1. Learn what outdoor warning signals are used in your community,
what they sound like, what they mean, and what actions you should
take when you hear them.
2. Make sure you know the difference between the Attack Warning
Signal and the Attention or Alert Signal (if both are used in your
community).
DURING AN EMERGENCY
1. When you hear the warning signals, or warning information is
broadcast, take prompt action.
2. If the Attack Warning Signal sounds, go to a fallout shelter
immediately (unless your local government has told you to do
something else). After you are in shelter, listen to a radio for more
information and instructions.
3. If there is no public or private shelter you can go to, try to improvise
some fallout protection. As a last resort, take cover in the best available
place.
4. If there should be a nuclear flash--especially if you feel the warmth
from it--take cover instantly, and then move to a fallout shelter later.
KNOW ABOUT WARNING
An enemy attack on the United States probably would be preceded by a
period of international tension or crisis. This crisis period would help
alert all citizens to the possibility of attack.
If an attack actually occurs, it is almost certain that incoming enemy
planes and missiles would be detected by our networks of warning

stations in time for citizens to get into shelters or at least take cover.
This warning time might be as little as 5-15 minutes in some locations,
or as much as an hour or more in others.
How you received warning of an attack would depend on where you
happened to be at that time. You might hear the warning given on radio
or television, or even by word-of-mouth. Or your first notice of attack
might come from the outdoor warning system in your own city, town or
village.
Many U.S. cities and towns have outdoor warning systems, using sirens,
whistles, horns or bells. Although they have been installed mainly to
warn citizens of enemy attack, some local governments also use them
in connection with natural disasters and other peacetime catastrophes.
Different cities and towns are using their outdoor warning systems in
different ways. Most local governments, however, have decided to use
a certain signal to warn people of an enemy attack, and a different
signal to notify them of a peacetime disaster.
THE STANDARD WARNING SIGNALS
The two "standard" signals that have been adopted in most
communities are these:
THE ATTACK WARNING SIGNAL. This will be sounded only in
case of enemy attack. The signal itself is a 3- to 5-minute wavering
sound on the sirens, or a series of short blasts on whistles, horns or
other devices, repeated as deemed necessary. The Attack Warning
Signal means that an actual enemy attack against the United States has
been detected, and that protective action should be taken immediately.
This signal has no other meaning, and will be used for no other
purpose.
THE ATTENTION OR ALERT SIGNAL. This is used by some local
governments to get the attention of citizens in a time of threatened or
impending