If an international crisis threatens to result in a nuclear attack, people living in high-risk areas-those areas more likely to be nuclear targets-may be asked to relocate temporarily to safer areas where nuclear weapons are not likely to be targeted. High-risk areas are generally metropolitan centers of 50,000 or more population and areas near major military installations. The safer low-risk areas are the surrounding small towns and countryside. These will become the host centers in the event of an emergency relocation from high-risk areas. The federal government and many state and local governments are currently planning for the orderly relocation of people in time of international crisis. These plans call for moving people from high-risk to appropriate low-risk host areas for reception and care and for developing and improvising fallout protection in the host areas.

WHY YOU SHOULD RELOCATE?
If you are located in a high-risk area-an urban center of 50,000 or more or near a military installation-you may be exposed to the direct blast, heat, and radiation effects of a nuclear explosion. By relocating to a safer area you risk exposure mainly to radioactive fallout. Providing or improvising fallout protection in various types of buildings is much simpler and easier than coping with the direct effects of nuclear weapons. The chances of combatting the dangers of radioactive fallout alone are much greater than the chances of surviving the direct effects of nuclear weapons.

If you live in a high-risk area and do not relocate when asked to do so, you may become subject to strictly enforced curfews. Movement within the area may be severely restricted to protect property, and it is possible that most facilities or services normally available will not be provided during the relocation period. Most food and retail outlets will probably be closed. Much of the available food and goods will be needed to supply relocated people in the hostreception areas. If an attack occurs the best existing public shelters will probably be reserved for key workers, who will remain to carry on essential industries, and for hospitalized or institutionalized people who cannot be relocated.

WHERE TO GO
As the crisis intensifies and relocation appears imminent, go to a vacation cabin or to friends or relatives outside the risk area, but within a reasonable distance. Go there as soon as possible, for as relocation gets underway, it may be difficult or impossible to get to the location of your choice.

If you have been designated by your employer as a key worker in an essential industry, you may be expected to go with your family to a reserved reception area nearby. You will probably not be expected to stay at your highrisk area, but you will most likely commute daily to work from your assigned reception area. Protection will be provided for you while in your high-risk location, and you will be able to join your family after work.

HOW TO GET THERE
If you have a car, truck, camper, or recreation vehicle, drive it to your designated reception area, using the route given by your local officials. Remember that several days should be available for relocating all those living in the high-risk areas. Take the time you need to prepare and pack. Relocation routes will be designated to assure that people are equally distributed among the reception counties so that there will be adequate food and lodging for all. If you do not use your assigned route you may find the reception area you have chosen filled and no accommodations available.

If you get caught in a traffic jam turn off your engine, remain in your car, listen for official instructions, and be patient. Do not get out of the line to find an alternate route. All routes will be crowded. Even if traffic is stopped for an hour or more, do not leave your car for any reason. Wherever possible police officers will be on duty to advise and direct you. Obey all instructions by law enforcement officers. Be sure you have adequate gasoline when you start out. Do not buy any more gas than you will need. Gasoline will be in short supply and will be needed to provide you with food and other essential supplies. If you run out of gas or have other mechanical difficulties, move your car to the side of the road out of traffic lanes to allow others to continue. Service to stalled vehicles will be available during the evacuation period. Leave your hood up as a sign that you are disabled, and you will be assisted as soon as possible.

If you have no private means of transportation public transportation may be provided to move you to your reception area. If you are physically unable to get to transportation, make arrangements to be taken to your reception area.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE
When you reach a major community or town in your assigned reception county, proceed immediately to your assigned reception area. At the center you will register yourself and your family. Reception county officials will make every effort to assign you a place to sleep. It may be in a larger building or possibly in a private home with a family that has volunteered to help. If you are assigned to a public building such as a school, church, or other temporary lodging center, do everything you can to help maintain order and sanitary living conditions. Elect a leader and form working groups to help local officials and volunteers with such tasks as-

  • Cooking and feeding services
  • Providing water supply
  • Cleaning up trash and garbage
  • Maintaining order
  • Assuring quiet during sleeping hours
  • Organizing recreation and religious activities
  • Arranging medical care for the sick and assisting the handicapped

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