New Yorkers are used to warnings about all kinds of potential threats — severe weather, public health, mass shootings. But a new PSA about surviving a nuclear attack has rattled some cages. Published this week by the city’s emergency management agency, it advises citizens to stay indoors and wash off any radioactive dust or ash. It opens on a computer generated road, devoid of life. Destroyed skyscrapers can be seen in the background. Looking into the camera, a spokesperson says: “So there’s been a nuclear attack. Don’t ask me how and why. Just know the big one has hit.” Many New Yorkers were left asking, “Why now?” Christina Farrell, the city’s deputy emergency management commissioner, said the video is not linked to specific threats. He said it’s about raising awareness about something most people haven’t given much thought to. “There’s no overarching reason why this is the time we sent it,” Farrell told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “It’s just one tool in the toolbox to prepare for the 21st century.” He said the agency’s goal is to empower people about a scary topic, and despite mixed reactions to the video, “people have thanked us for approaching this issue.” “I don’t know if there’s ever an ideal time to talk about nuclear preparedness,” he added, saying city officials have discussed implementing nuclear guidelines for some time. New York City’s emergency response program, Ready New York, has been in existence since 2003. Mayor Eric Adams said he didn’t think the video was troubling, telling reporters Tuesday, “I’m a big believer in better safe than sorry.”
