The Department of Homeland Security

shuamort · May 3, 2005

U.S. Called Unprepared For Nuclear Terrorism
Experts Critical of Evacuation Plans
"the information given to the public is flawed and incomplete"

Apparently, the Department of Homeland Security believe that if there is a Nuclear Blast a block away, you can just get away from it.

http://www.ready.gov/nuclear_visual.html

2. Consider if you can get out of the area;

"Nuclear specialists say that advice is unhelpful because such a blast can destroy everything within a radius of as much as three-quarters of a mile." I would hope that they were kidding, but this is the same department that suggested stocking up on plastic sheeting and duct tape after 9/11. This was their way of preparing for a possible second attack.

Heavyweight plastic garbage bags or plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors

AND at the same time recommend HEPA filters:

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration) Filter Fans
Consider a portable air purifier, with a HEPA filter, to help remove contaminants from the room where you are sheltering. These highly efficient filters have small sieves that can capture very tiny particles, including some biological agents. Once trapped within a HEPA filter contaminants cannot get into your body and make you sick. While these filters are excellent at filtering dander, dust, molds, smoke, biological agents and other contaminants, they will not stop chemical gases.

Some people, particularly those with severe allergies and asthma, use HEPA filters in masks, portable air purifiers as well as in larger home or industrial models to continuously filter the air.

Nice, thanks Government, except for the fact that HEPA filters don't do jack but take your money:

HEPA filters are often recommended to screen allergens out of the air and alleviate asthma, but Antonicelli et al (1991) concluded the filters didn't do squat. Reisman et al (1990) say "the overall impression" is that HEPA filters reduce asthma, but once you look closely at the study, your overall impression is that Reisman and company are kidding themselves. One possible explanation, which may also account for the ineffectiveness of ionizers, is that asthma is caused less by airborne particles than by contact with objects, e.g., your allergen-infested mattress.

Nobody knows what the "HEPA" in "HEPA filter" stands for. Writers in the scientific journals almost universally believe HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air," whatever that is. Consumer Reports, however, says HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate absorbing." I vote for CR.

They're pushing a lot of ignorance. That you can outrun a nuclear blast or that HEPA filters actually do something. :roll:

The question is, Is this organization running up to its goals?

Squawker · May 3, 2005

Just about as useful as any Government run program or agency. I haven't seen anything they didn't screw up. :bs

Arch Enemy · May 3, 2005

Knowledge is the only was to defend against a nuclear terrorist attack.

The Department of Homeland Security

shuamort

Pundit-licious

Squawker

Professor

Arch Enemy

Familiaist

The Department of Homeland Security

shuamort

Pundit-licious

Squawker

Professor

Arch Enemy

Familiaist

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