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A Guide for Surviving Nuclear War was published and distribu…

A Guide for Surviving Nuclear War was published and distributed by the U.S. government to prepare citizens for the possibility of nuclear war in 1950: “Just like fire bombs and ordinary high explosives, atomic weapons cause most of their death and damage by blast and heat. So first let’s look at a few things you can do to escape these two dangers. Even if you have only a second’s warning, there is one important thing you can do to lessen your chances of injury by blast: Fall flat on your face. More than half of all wounds are the result of being bodily tossed about or being struck by falling and flying objects. If you lie down flat, you are least likely to be thrown about. If you have time to pick a good spot, there is less chance of your being struck by flying glass and other things. If you are inside a building, the best place to flatten out. is close against the cellar wall. If you haven’t time to get down there, lie down along an inside wall, or duck under a bed or table. But don’t pick a spot right opposite the windows or you are almost sure to be pelted with shattered glass. If caught out-of-doors, either drop down alongside the base of a good substantial building-avoid flimsy, wooden ones likely to be blown over on top of you-or else jump in any handy ditch or gutter. When you fall flat to protect yourself from a bombing, don’t look up to see what is coming. Even during the daylight hours, the flash from a bursting A-bomb can cause several moments of blindness, if you’re facing that way. To prevent it, bury your face in your arms and hold it there for 10 or 12 seconds after the explosion. That will also help to keep flying glass and other things out of your eyes…. If you work in the open, always wear full-length, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes in time of emergency. Never go around with your sleeves rolled up. Always wear a hat-the brim may save you a serious face burn.” Beyond physical safety, what was the primary psychological goal of the U.S. government in distributing advice like “falling flat on your face” and “ducking under a table” during the early 1950s?