Lessons from Disaster Drill

What would happen if a nuclear bomb went off in an American city?  How prepared are our first responders, national guard, and army for such a dire large-scale emergency scenario?

Last week in Indianapolis, we got a look see.

Many Lessons in Disaster Drill

The Army National Guard has only half the equipment it needs, there were communications gaps, and response times were slow.

Remember, these people knew about the drill ahead of time.

You won't.

It is impossible to imagine the shock, confusion and chaos that would follow such a terrible event.  What you don't know is that you will probably survive a nuclear bomb in a major city if you are several miles away from impact.  What you have to worry about is the cloud of radioactive dust floating in the air for several days.  That  you can survive if you stay inside and seal off windows with plastic sheeting and duct tape.  Both should part of your emergency supplies kit along with food, water, flashlights, radio and emergency first aid.

First responders will be dealing with the severely injured.  You and your family will be on your own.  Prepare for it.  Put a kit together and then stop worrying about it.

UPDATE.  While most school districts have plans to deal with emergencies like terrorist attacks or pandemics, most plans fall short.  The WSJ reports how schools fall short.

About half of school districts don't have plans for continuing to educate students in the event of a long closure and school districts generally aren't working with first responders or other community officials on how to implement emergency plans.

What's more, 28% of school districts with emergency plans lack specific provisions for evacuating students with disabilities. And two-thirds of districts reported a lack of expertise and equipment, such as two-way radios and adequate locks for school buildings.

UPDATE 2  Amazon has a whole page on how to survive a nuclear war and thrive in the ruins.