NYC puts out new television PSA telling residents what to do in case of a nuclear attack

The New York City Emergency Management Department released a new public service announcement this week instructing city residents on what to do in the event of a nuclear attack.

The PSA features a woman walking down an empty city street with sirens wailing in the background in what appears to be the immediate aftermath of a nuclear event. “So there’s been a nuclear attack. Don’t ask me how or why,” she says. “Just know that the big one has hit, OK? So what do we do?”

The commercial then proceeds to guide viewers through three steps they should take immediately if a nuclear attack should occur in the city. The first step, according to the commercial, is to get indoors as quickly as possible. The PSA specifically mentions that being inside a car or other vehicle is not enough, and that it is important to get into a building, away from the outside elements, and stay away from doors and windows if possible. 

The second step encourages New Yorkers, once indoors, to close all doors and windows, and to remove all clothing worn outside that may contain radioactive dust or particles and dispose of them, and wash bodies and hair with soap and shampoo. 

“Have a basement? Head there,” she says. “If you don’t have one, get as far into the middle of the building as possible. Remove and bag all outer clothing to keep radioactive dust or ash away from your body,” the PSA says. Once the first two steps are complete, the third step is to follow the guidance of local officials for what to do next and when it is safe to return outdoors. The woman in the PSA tells residents “You got this,” at the end of the spot.