Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation

The National Security Staff Interagency Policy Coordination Subcommittee for Preparedness and Response to Radiological and Nuclear Threats developed this guidance to provide emergency planners with nuclear detonation specific response recommendations to maximize the preservation of life in the event of an urban nuclear detonation. This guidance addresses the unique effects and impacts of a  nuclear detonation such as scale of destruction, shelter and evacuation strategies,  unparalleled medical demands, management of nuclear casualties, and radiation dose management concepts. The guidance is aimed at response activities in an environment with a  severely compromised infrastructure for the first few days(i.e., 24 – 72 hours) when it is likely that many Federal resources will still be en route to the incident.