The Nuclear Threat: Yesterday and Today and Tomorrow I can remember as a child in the 1950’s and early sixties, the air-raid sirens, and everyone getting under their desk, or going to the ground floor of the school building and curling up with our faces against the wall. It was a game. It was like a fire drill, a chance to get out for a few minutes, out of our studies, out of our classrooms. Outside, for a short break, like a mini recess, to run, chat and giggle with our friends. I recall pictures and televisions programs showing bomb shelters, fully stocked with supplies such as bottled water, canned goods, blankets and first-aid kits. I can