Duck and Cover

Bert the Turtle

During the Cold War era, air raid drills were a common practice in public schools across the United States, including in Wichita, Kansas. Started in 1951 or 1952 in Wichita, these drills were a response to the heightened fears of a nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. Here’s a detailed description of what these drills entailed in Wichita public schools:

Purpose and Context

1. Civil Defense: The primary purpose of air raid drills was to prepare students and teachers for the possibility of a nuclear attack. The drills were part of the broader civil defense efforts promoted by the federal government.
2. Fear of Nuclear War: The drills were conducted in the context of the intense geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, which led to widespread fear of nuclear conflict.

Drill Procedures

1. Duck and Cover: One of the most common practices was the “duck and cover” drill. Students were taught to drop to the ground, take cover under their desks, and protect their heads with their arms. This method was believed to provide some protection against the effects of a nuclear explosion, such as flying debris and intense heat.  In many Wichita schools, students were told to go to the hallway to protect against flying glass.
2. Air Raid Sirens: Schools were equipped with air raid sirens that would sound to signal the start of a drill. The sound of the siren indicated that students and staff needed to take immediate action.  At most Wichita schools, this was simply the normal fire alarm with a verbal notice it was an air raid drill.
3. Evacuation Routes: In some cases, students were instructed to evacuate their classrooms and move to designated shelters within the school building, such as basements or specially constructed fallout shelters. These areas were considered to offer better protection against radiation and blast effects.  In many Wichita schools, this was a move to the hallway, as previously mentioned.
4. Teacher Instructions: Teachers played a crucial role in guiding students through the drills. They provided instructions, maintained order, and ensured that students followed the prescribed procedures.
5. Frequency: Drills were conducted regularly to ensure that students and staff were familiar with the procedures and could respond quickly and efficiently in the event of an actual emergency.

Educational Materials

1. Films and Posters: Schools used educational films, such as the famous “Duck and Cover” film featuring Bert the Turtle, to teach students about the importance of taking cover during an attack. Posters and other visual aids were also common in classrooms and hallways.
2. Pamphlets and Guides: Civil defense agencies distributed pamphlets and guides to schools, providing detailed instructions on how to conduct drills and prepare for an emergency.

Psychological Impact

1. Fear and Anxiety: While the drills were intended to promote preparedness, they also contributed to a sense of fear and anxiety among students. The constant reminders of the threat of nuclear war had a significant psychological impact on young minds.
2. Community Involvement: Parents and the broader community were often involved in civil defense efforts, and schools sometimes coordinated with local civil defense authorities to ensure comprehensive preparedness.

Legacy

1. Historical Perspective: Today, the air raid drills of the Cold War era are often viewed as a symbol of the intense fear and uncertainty that characterized the period. They are a reminder of the lengths to which society went to prepare for a potential nuclear conflict.
2. Civil Defense Evolution: The practices and procedures developed during this time laid the groundwork for modern emergency preparedness and response strategies, though the focus has shifted to different types of threats.

These drills in Wichita public schools, like elsewhere in the country, were a poignant aspect of daily life during the Cold War, reflecting both the era’s pervasive anxiety and the collective efforts to ensure safety and preparedness.  Where did you go to duck and cover at your school?  Did you ever wonder what you were to do if the nuclear attack occurred outside of school hours?