Government Wants You to Know It's Ready for Nuclear Blast

CDC holding briefing on nuclear blast preparedness

By Michael Harthorne, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 5, 2018 5:35 PM CST

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CDC to Hold Briefing on Nuclear Blast Preparedness — This image made from a video provided by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory shows a mushroom cloud on one of the films that recorded nuclear weapons tests that was conducted from 1940s until the early 1960s. (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory via AP)

In what Gizmodo calls "a very sad commentary on the current state of geopolitical affairs," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will later this month hold a briefing on the government's preparedness for a nuclear attack on US soil. The presentation, called "Public Health Response to a Nuclear Detonation," will be held Jan. 16 and feature officials from all levels of government discussing US preparations for a nuclear blast, USA Today reports. It will also feature information from experts in radiation studies.

"While a nuclear detonation is unlikely, it would have devastating results and there would be limited time to take critical protection steps," Politico quotes the CDC as stating on a website for the briefing. “Despite the fear surrounding such an event, planning and preparation can lessen deaths and illness.” Topics for a teaching session being held along with the briefing include "Preparing for the Unthinkable" and "Roadmap to Radiation Preparedness." The briefing comes amid escalating tensions with North Korea. Last weekend, a former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff said nuclear war with North Korea is closer "than we have ever been." The CDC held a similar event in 2010.

(More nuclear war stories.)

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