The 1952 Civil Defense and Fire Service training film The Atomic Bomb: Its Effects And How To Meet Them (Parts 1-3) aims help the public visualize “the effects of the Atomic Bomb in true perspective.” The film begins with “Part One: Introduction,” which uses the scenario of a nominal bomb blast detonated one-thousand feet above a small city. Graphics are used to show how energy is released from an atomic bomb. The film uses diagrams and a model to discuss the three primary effects of the blast: heat, radiation, and blast. Graphics show the blast effect of a traditional bomb on an average house (06:10), and that is then compared to the blast effects of an atomic bomb. The film talks about detonation on impact or below ground level, causing a crater but minimizing the blast radius. The film then charts the size of the affected areas in several British cities, including London, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Animation is used to show the detonation and spread of impact from ground zero over a city (09:30); the film uses a model to show the damage to the city within a quarter-mile from ground zero after the explosion. “Part Two: Heat” reviews the effects of heat flash and discusses the steps to take to minimize damage. One effect of heat is the igniting of small fires (17:45); a woman white-washes window panes as a precaution. A man puts wooden black-out screens over his home’s windows to prevent heat flash from entering (18:41). A woman turns off water and gas mains in the basement of a home (19:41). “Part Three: Radiation” explains the immediate and residual radiation effects of an atomic bomb detonation. Again, the film uses the scenario of a nominal bomb detonating one-thousand feet above a city to show the various effects and explain gamma rays, neutrons, and how to measure radiation. An illustration is used to show appropriate dimensions of bomb shelters that will help protect against radiation. A reconnaissance party examines the site of a destroyed facility that may have radioactivity (26:44); Civil Defense workers walk around the rubble measuring roentgens.

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