Created by the U.S. Government, “Survival Under Atomic Attack” explains the dangers of the atomic bomb, the effects of radiation and how to protect oneself if caught in the open or in the home. The film was made in the era before the hydrogen bomb made nuclear survival impossible. Survival Under Atomic Attack was also the title of an official United States government booklet released by the Civil Defense Office. Released at the onset of the Cold War era, the book and pamphlet were in line with rising fears that the Soviet Union would launch a nuclear attack against the United States, and outlined what to do in the event of an atomic attack.

Four of the “myths” examined in the film are:

Atomic Weapons Will Not Destroy The Earth

Atomic bombs hold more death and destruction than man ever before has wrapped up in a single package, but their over-all power still has very definite limits. Not even hydrogen bombs will blow the earth apart or kill us all by radioactivity.

Doubling Bomb Power Does Not Double Destruction

Modern A-bombs can cause heavy damage 2 miles away, but doubling their power would extend that range only to 2.5 miles. To stretch the damage range from 2 to 4 miles would require a weapon more than 8 times the rated power of present models.

Radioactivity Is Not The Bomb’s Greatest Threat

In most atom raids, blast and heat are by far the greatest dangers that people must face. Radioactivity alone would account for only a small percentage of all human deaths and injuries, except in underground or underwater explosions.

Radiation Sickness Is Not Always Fatal

In small amounts, radioactivity seldom is harmful. Even when serious radiation sickness follows a heavy dosage, there is still a good chance for recovery.