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.
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