Personal and Family Survival

How your family can survive a nuclear attack

This rare 1963 manual, from the height of the Cold War, explains the dangers of nuclear weapons and fallout effects in simple, easy to understand terms. It further explains the role of local community shelters for civil defense. And, gives clear examples of how home shelters can be improvised. While rather old all of this information is still correct and valid...important as a mad man in North Korea could now be targeting the American continent for missile attack, or in case of a nuclear accident that forces you to 'shelter in place'. Overall this course is a great introduction to the basics of nuclear survival.


“This manual is for your use in the Civil Defense Adult Education course. It can serve also as a basic home reference for personal preparedness.”…“it can be a key to your survival. Your knowledge, interest and actions can help your family and your community meet emergencies, whether they result from an enemy attack or natural disaster.” Chapters included are: 


The Civil Defense Program

Warnings and Communications

Modern Weapons and Radioactive Fallout

Community Shelters

Individual and Family Preparedness for Shelter Living

Home Shelters and Construction

Emergence from Shelters and Rehabilitation

Local Civil Defense

Survival on the Farm


The purpose of this course is to help save lives if a nuclear attack should ever come to America. In January 1962 the Department of Defense issued basic survival information under the title Fallout Protection: What To Know and Do About Nuclear Attack. This course elaborates upon and encourages discussion of the vital matters presented in the basic work. The outcome of the course will be more effective family planning to meet emergency situations and an understanding cooperation with community disaster plans.  SM 3-11, Revised April 1963