Story: Civil defence

Response to nuclear warfare

During the 1950s civil defence focused on the threat of nuclear warfare. This remained a concern in 1963, when this handbook of advice to householders was published. As these extracts show, people were advised to shelter from nuclear radiation in their basements, and to wash thoroughly to remove traces of radioactive dust.

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Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Civil defence - Evolution of organised civil defence', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/34496/response-to-nuclear-warfare (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 20 Jun 2012, updated 1 May 2020