New York City government officials have released a video telling citizens how to survive a nuclear attack . The new public service announcement (PSA) warns New Yorkers - in the event of a blast - to get indoors, stay there, go to a basement or move into the middle of the building and wash off any radioactive dust or ash.
The 90-second video, released this week by the US city’s emergency management agency, opens with shots of a computer-generated New York street that is deserted - with sirens wailing in the distance. Damaged buildings and skyscrapers are shown in the background.
The presenter of the video then says: “So there’s been a nuclear attack. Don’t ask me how or why. Just know that the big one has hit.”
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It then goes on to list the advice. But the video has left many New Yorkers wondering why it has been released now.
Why has New York issued a nuclear attack PSA now?
Zach Iscol, New York City emergency management commissioner, said in a statement on the video’s release: “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.”
The release of the video comes in the same week as Russia warned that tests of its nuclear missile - known as Satan-2 - are imminent. The 200-ton rocket is said to be capable of delivering up to 15 warheads to any target on the planet at almost 16,000mph.
Is New York under nuclear threat?
But, in response to New Yorkers’ confusion and concern, Christina Farrell, the city’s emergency management deputy commissioner, said the video was not related to any specific threat. She said it was about raising awareness.
Ms Farrell told The Associated Press: “There’s no overarching reason why this is the time we sent this out. It’s just one tool in the toolbox to be prepared in the 21st century.”
She added the agency’s aim was to empower people - saying there was not a perfect moment to discuss "nuclear preparedness". Ms Farrell said, despite mixed reaction to the video, people had thanked the agency for approaching the topic.
New York PSA on how to survive a nuclear attack
The PSA gives three main pieces of advice to follow in the event of a nuclear attack. They are:
Get inside - fast, into a building, move away from windows
Stay inside - shut windows and doors, go to the middle of the building, get clean and remove clothing if you were outside at the time of the blast
Stay tuned - follow media and stay inside until officials say it’s safe
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