Politics of Fear

[Niall]

... or Responsible Vigilance?

The Irish Govt has delivered a handbook to every home in the country entitled Preparing for Major Emergencies

By sending this handbook to every home in the country, the Govt seeks to provide reassurance that there are well thought out plans in place to be used in the event of a major emergency. There is no reason to think that a major emergency is likely in the immediate future. However no matter how unlikely some of the scenarios outlined in this handbook may be, knowing that they have been planned for will make it easier to remain calm and confident if one does happen.

What follows is a list of possible scenarios to watch out for, with a page or two dedicated to each:

Flooding, Chemical Spills, Accidents at Sea, Explosions and Suspicious Packages, Nuclear Incidents, Pandemic Influenza, Animal Diseases, Fire [in that order]

Most of the handbook's pages are filled with placid "Keep calm, think before you act" sound-bytes. I mean, of course one should seek shelter from falling debris, for Pete's sake!

Here are a couple of passages of note:

Under Explosions and Suspicious Packages, we are offered...

Some reasons that may cause, or combine to cause suspicion in relation to a package:

Discolouration, crytals, strange colours or oily stains
Envelope has signs of powder or powder-like residue
Unusual size, weight or shape
Visible wiring or batteries

V - a - g - u - e. But then, it's probably meant to be. It need only suggest stereotypical notions of what a bomb looks like; people's imaginations fill in the rest.

What to do in the event of a Nuclear Incident:

Go in, stay in, tune in. In other words, stay indoors and listen to the national radio and television for information and instructions. Follow the advice given by the authorities. Once information is available on the accident and its consequences, specific advice will be given. This will include advice on whether it is necessary to stay indoors, to avoid consumption of locally grown foods or to take any other steps.

Big Brother knows what is best.

*shudders*

 

[PepperFritz]

In Canada we've been bombarded by an intensive television ad campaign over the past year or so. It's tagline is "72 Hours: Is Your Family Prepared?" and it urges people to go to a government website (www.GetPrepared.ca) for information on preparing emergency plans and kits, and to download the government's "Emergency Preparedness Guide".

Like you suggest, this could just be responsible government, ensuring that citizens are well informed about and prepared for various disaster scenarios, perhaps prompted by PR the disasters surrounding certain badly-managed events in the U.S., like Katrina/New Orleans. On the other hand... what do they know that we don't...?

I always feel a little unnerved when I watch those ads....

 

[GRiM]

Im some of you have seen them, however they seem very relevant now :)
Parody on ready.gov

http://home.carolina.rr.com/zerb/beready/
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blductandcover.htm

Always wash your hands before using old phones.

If you see a terrorist arrow, pin it against a wall with your shoulder.

If you are sprayed with an unknown substance, stand and think about it instead of seeing a doctor.

Use your flashlight to lift the walls right off of you! // If you notice that Stonehenge has been blown up, stop and lie in it to absord escaping Druid energies.

After exposure to radiation it is important to consider that you may have mutated to gigantic dimensions: watch your head.