" TIME OF DISASTER " 1954 CIVIL DEFENSE / ATOMIC ATTACK PREPAREDNESS FILM 28042

About

Released in 1954 and later recalled by the U.S. Government, "Time of Disaster" is a classic Cold War film that was intended to awaken the American public to their responsibilities in a moment of disaster -- be it from a tornado, hurricane, earthquake -- or an atomic bomb. According to an excerpt from a civil defense newsletter, film explains “the responsibilities of the Federal Civil Defense Administration and other groups in wrestling from natural disasters part of the toll it would normally take.” The film's undercurrent is that while weather catastrophes and everyday emergencies may occur, what is really scary and what we really need to prepare for -- is a surprise attack by a foreign power may be just as likely to occur.

The film describes the sudden and devastating impact of disasters, which can occur at any time and in various forms, such as fires, dust storms, and city demolitions. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and preparedness in disaster response to minimize loss and suffering. The narrative highlights a community with a robust civil defense plan, detailing the roles of local civil defense directors, volunteers, and trained rescue workers in managing and mitigating the effects of disasters. The text underscores the critical role of federal resources, communication facilities, and organizations like the American Red Cross in providing essential services during emergencies. Ultimately, it stresses the necessity of civil defense training and preparation to ensure survival and reduce the impact of potential disasters.

00:00 - 0:30: Introduction to the moment disaster struck, stopping time for the community.

0:40 - 0:58: Explanation that disaster can strike at any time, day or night, and in any season.

1:13 - 1:28: Description of various forms of disaster, such as fire, dust storms, and city demolitions.

1:37 - 1:54: Emphasis on the sudden and impactful nature of disasters, causing destruction and misery.

1:58 - 2:12: Examples of recent disasters in various cities and their overwhelming impact on municipal services.

2:16 - 2:36: Importance of community involvement in disaster response to reduce death and loss.

2:36 - 2:57: Lesson learned: communities unprepared for disasters suffer the greatest loss.

3:02 - 3:32: Introduction to a community with a civil defense plan, ready to respond to major disasters.

3:37 - 3:58: The local civil defense director's role and resources in disaster preparedness.

4:52 - 5:04: The local civil defense headquarters becomes the focal point during a disaster.

Human-made No record of this work says a model made it. What this means.

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