Civil Defence Information Bulletin
Civil Defence Information Bulletin were a series of seven public information films dealing with civil defence measures individuals and families could take in the event of a nuclear attack on Great Britain. They were produced for the Home Office and the Scottish Home and Health Department by RHR Productions United Kingdom in 1964. The writer was Nicolas Alwyn and the producer Ronald H. Riley. The films are in black and white.
In the event of an international crisis, these films were to be broadcast by all television networks in the U.K., in much the same manner as the Protect and Survive films were to be broadcast in the 1980s. It refers to Civil Defence Handbook No. 10, entitled Advising the Householder on Protection against Nuclear Attack.
The films
Topics included in the films include:
- The effects of nuclear weapons: heat, shock wave, and fallout
- Measures to mitigate the effects of the initial heat and blast
- Preparing a fallout room
- Supplies to stock and how to arrange them
- Attack warning signals: Red, attack imminent; Grey, fallout expected within the hour; Black, fallout expected immediately; all-clear
- Immediate steps to protect oneself during the initial heat and blast, with actions similar to the U.S. Civil Defence film Duck and Cover
- Steps to take immediately after a blast but before fallout arrives
- Steps to take after fallout clears
- How to prepare for evacuation
Note: the grey warning was discontinued after 1968.
Each film was a few minutes long and would feature the ominous jingle with the civil defence logo. Then there was a blank title card on the subject matter and then a mix of live-action clips, animation and still images. Majority of the advice is similar to Protect and Survive such as the idea of building a core (referred to as an inner refuge in Protect and Survive) and the idea of white washing the windows to prevent fires. However, there are several things that is featured that is different from other films. The warning system features 4 coloured warning systems (red meaning imminent attack, grey meaning fallout in 1 hour, black meaning imminent fallout & the all clear ) whereas in later films there is simply attack, fallout, all clear. No colours. Also, there is advice on evacuating afterwards whereas in Protect & Survive the key emphasis is Stay at Home.
- Film One: The Hazards. Explains the three main hazards associating with nuclear attack. It explains that great heat can kill personnel for many miles and cause a great deal of fires. It explains how the blast wave can destroy buildings and kill people. It also explains the dangers of fallout, highlighting the radioactivity of said dust..
- Film Two: Protective Measures. Explains how one can safeguard ones property in the event of nuclear blast. It tells you to select a room in your home that is best protected against radiation. That being a ground floor room/cellar. Also gives similar advice on sheltering in flats, prefabs, bungalows and similar such accommodation. It gives further advice on protection of walls, doors and windows
- Film Three: Details are given on building a core. Equipping ones fallout room. Food and Water supplies
- Film Four: Preparing The House. Fire precautions. White washing the windows. Removal of inflammable materials. Immediate Fire Fighting Procedures. Minimalising the risk of flying glass. Gives advice on packing an emergency grab bag for use of evacuation. Specific Advice for car owners.
- Film Five: What to do if it happens. Explains the four warnings. RED (Attack warning). GREY (fallout expected in 1 hour). BLACK (imminent fallout). ALL CLEAR (no danger of attack or fallout. Says what to do on each warning. Also gives the advice that on the event of no warning and an attack and the one should fling oneself on the ground much like the U.S film, Duck and Cover.
- Film Six: What to do after an attack. Immediate post-attack drill. Advice on checking for damage. Fire fighting advice. Checking the exterior of your house and other neighbours. Emphasis on danger of fallout.
- Film 7: Life under Fallout Conditions. Importance of radio. Gives a guide on levels on radio. Notes that eventually you be allowed to go outside for a few minutes and then longer spells. Also states that personnel may be evacuated to safer areas. Gives food and water rationing advise and emphasises that it may be a fortnight before any food and water can get to you. Gives strict, timed advice.
The series is currently viewable on YouTube. The films themselves are as follows: