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This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Sides 3 and 4 only.

This seems to be an introduction to an instructional course about Civil Defense. Listed in MUNI card catalog as "Air raid service swearing - in ceremonies."

Begins abruptly with speech about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The speaker notes that fire was a major cause of devastation following the bomb drops. Much of the equipment was destroyed and most of the firefighters were killed. Only 3 of the 47 hospitals could be used, and most doctors and nurses were killed. The principal characteristic of this type of attack is a break down of services. This is why civil defense preparation is so crucial.

The speaker describes the ways an atom bomb might be exploded: air, land, water, under ground (though this last option can be mostly discounted).

Explosion in the upper atmosphere is most feasible. This was the method of explosion in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They were both detonated at about 2,000 feet. The speaker goes into some detail about the more desirable effects of an upper atmosphere detonation because it would cause maximum destruction.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 71787
Municipal archives id: LT1870