For decades, the threat of nuclear war has been largely disregarded.

Now, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the mounting tensions emanating from that conflict, it makes sense to educate oneself on the proper response to a nuclear attack and to review preparation methods.

Guilford County government has plans for an attack and provides information on the county’s website as to proper preparation and response strategies for individuals and families in the county during a nuclear attack.

For decades, the rumor has been that Greensboro is high on the list of nuclear targets due to the fuel tank farm near Piedmont Triad International Airport.  Whether that’s true or not, now is a good time for county residents to plan ahead and review the advice on the county’s nuclear attack response webpage at https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/our-county/emergency-services/ready-guilford/hazards/terrorism/nuclear-blast.

The old duck-and cover-moves taught in 1950’s high school educational films might not do you much good, but Guilford County’s information page has a wealth of practical advice as to what to do before, during and after a nuclear attack.

In an attack, preparation and proper response may very well mean the difference between life and death.

The list of preparation and response strategies is long, but among the most important advice is to start thinking now about potential blast shelters and fallout shelters near places where you live and work – ideally, those are very close heavy brick or concrete structures that offer an enclosed central area away from windows or doors.

If you’re caught outdoors during an attack and cannot reach cover before the blast, don’t look for the blast or look at it because the light can blind you.

Once inside a sheltered area, take a shower as soon as possible using a great deal of soap and water in an attempt to remove radioactive contamination. However, be careful not to break or scratch your skin because the skin acts as a protective layer against the radiation.

Also, wash your hair with shampoo or soap and water, however, don’t use conditioner “because it will bind radioactive material to your hair, keeping it from rinsing out easily.”

Also, blow your nose and wipe your eyelids and eyelashes with a clean wet cloth – and wash your ears thoroughly as well.

For a complete list of emergency supplies that you should have on hand, and all of the protective maneuvers you should follow during a nuclear attack, study the information at the county’s website.