The history of nuclear weapons starts in the 1940s and continues through today. From the 1940s through early 1960s, the threat of nuclear war focused on countries threatening other countries with large nuclear weapons. Today’s nuclear threat also includes the possibility of a terrorist using an improvised nuclear device.

Nuclear weapons harness the power of neutrons to create a massive explosion. To understand how this works, it is helpful to understand atomic theory, and have a basic knowledge of radiation and the dangers of radiation.

In the 1950s, civil defense videos focused on teaching the public about nuclear fallout and how to protect yourself. They even taught the public to “duck and cover” using the cartoon character Bert the Turtle.

The Get Inside, Stay Inside, Stay Tuned guidance is very similar to the guidance given during the Cold War. Luckily, our scientific understanding of nuclear weapons has expanded. Experts know that hundreds of thousands of lives can be saved by simply getting people inside.

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