New York City Releases PSA on What to Do in Nuclear Attack

A picture taken in 1971 shows a nuclear explosion in Mururoa atoll. /AFP/Getty Images

New York City launched a public service announcement (PSA) Monday on what residents should do in the event of a nuclear attack.

“While the likelihood of a nuclear weapon incident occurring in/near New York City is very low, it is important New Yorkers know the steps to stay safe,” the New York City Emergency Management Department said in a news release. “The new PSA encourages New Yorkers to take key, simple steps in the event of such an incident.”

The likelihood of a nuclear attack in or around the Five Boroughs is considered “very low,” according to the Emergency Management Department. Nonetheless, the agency released a short video online on Monday.

The PSA calls on people to get inside buildings and stay away from windows. If possible, those people should move to the basement and close all doors.

The video also advises people to not try to ride out a nuclear attack inside a car.

“If you were outside after the blast, get clean immediately. Remove and bag all outer clothing, to keep radioactive dust or ash away from your body,” the PSA said.

The video’s narrator then tells people to follow local media for more information or sign up for the city’s emergency alert system until officials give the all-clear.

“All right? You’ve got this,” the narrator says, signing off on a chipper note.

The video does not address what to do if one requires medical attention or food.

“As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is important that New Yorkers know we are preparing for any imminent threats and are providing them with the resources they need to stay safe and informed,” Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said in the news release.

The Russia–Ukraine war has brought renewed attention to nuclear weapons as the Kremlin in February placed its nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. In March, the White House announced that it had a team of experts providing briefings to NATO on what to do if such weapons are utilized.

Also in March, the Biden administration transmitted to Congress its classified Nuclear Posture Review and Missile Defense Review for 2022, which calls for a “safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent, and strong and credible extended deterrence commitments,” according to the Department of Defense.

“As long as nuclear weapons exist, the fundamental role of U.S. nuclear weapons is to deter nuclear attack on the United States, our allies, and partners. The United States would only consider the use of nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances to defend the vital interests of the United States or its allies and partners,” the agency said (pdf).