L.A. Preparing for Nuclear Attack Exercise in June

April 14, 2010 by national

As world leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., to discuss the threat of nuclear terrorism, local officials said they are gearing up for an exercise in June that simulates the detonation of a 10-kiloton nuclear device in Los Angeles.

Mike Contreras, director of emergency operations for the county Department of Public Health, said the county and city are preparing for “Golden Phoenix” to test the ability of police, fire and other agencies to respond to a catastrophic incident.

“We in Los Angeles County are working hard to try to prepare for such an event and have a response in place,” Contreras said. “This exercise, Golden Phoenix, is really our first step in taking a look at this problem and seeing what kinds of things we need to do to be ready for this.”

The exercise, involving emergency operations officials from cities countywide, will give local agencies a chance to learn when it's necessary to evacuate areas of the Los Angeles basin that are not affected by initial radioactive fallout.

After the detonation of a nuclear bomb, the wind would carry the plume in a certain direction. Through the exercise, officials hope to learn how to best notify the public of whether to evacuate or to shelter in place.

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/updates/2010/04/14/l-a-preparing-for-nuclear-attack-exercise-in-june/