11.6.20 Stay Alert, Protect and Survive

Good morning one and all. Today in the School of Daddy we are diving in to some living History as part of our mini-topic on successful Government responses to national emergencies. In the spotlight is the superbly reassuring "Protect and Survive" booklet (published in 1976) that was issued to all households in response to the growing danger and likelihood of an all out nuclear attack from our old Cold War enemies. The children have recreated the suggested inner refuge that was designed to protect you and your family from nuclear fallout in the first few days after an attack - should you have lived through the initial blast of course. As recommended by the booklet, we have used a variety of dense materials that are well known for their shielding effects against radiation - suitcases packed with earth and sand, books and even clothes, among various other things. Toilet facilities have been organised, along with all the other necessities in the guidance and for extra realism, Harry has been bandaged to simulate the critical damage his retinas would have suffered whilst he looked up at the searing detonation as a one megaton weapon airburst at about 3000ft. The children will be staying in role until the water supply in the bath has run out or they succumb to the psychological effects of being the only humans to have potentially but temporarily survived a nuclear holocaust - whichever comes first. For some light relief this afternoon, we will be watching the educational film, Threads. The original booklet can be found here for any of you wishing to join in!