Sarpy County Hazard Analysis

Nuclear Attack

A single nuclear weapon detonation would cause massive destruction and extensive casualties. An all-out nuclear attack would affect the entire population. Some areas would experience the direct weapons effects: blast, heat, and initial nuclear radiation. Most other areas would experience indirect weapons effects and primary radioactive fallout.

History - Rating: Low

There have been no nuclear attacks on Sarpy County.

Vulnerability - Rating: High

Sarpy County is located in a direct attack area, and is therefore identified as a risk county. Offutt AFB, which is located in Sarpy County, is a prime target for nuclear attack. Blast effects would eventually kill a large percentage of the population. Without adequate shelters, the survivors would die of lethal amounts of radiation in a few days.

Maximum Threat - Rating: High

A worst case scenario would increase the probabilities of the population being exposed to lethal doses of radioactive fallout.

Probability - Rating: Low

No occurrences have been recorded in Sarpy County. As long as world leaders maintain rational thinking, the probability remains low.

General Comments

The primary effect of a nuclear attack would be the large number of blast-induced deaths. Secondary effects include radiation-induced deaths, stress on health and medical facilities, power outages, contamination of food and water supplies, and disruption of communication systems.

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Created January 28, 1997

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