'So, There's Been A Nuclear Attack': NYC Releases Alarming PSA

NEW YORK CITY — New York City's latest public service announcement video starts with words no one wants to hear: "So, there's been a nuclear attack."

The 90-second video — released Monday by the city's Emergency Management department — drew near-immediate shock and, of course, mockery.

"While we are dodging a new intense surge of #COVID," tweeted artist and activist Barbara Malmet, "don’t forget to duck and cover in case of a nuclear attack on #NYC."

It has been watched more than 250,000 on YouTube and shared widely across Twitter.

A woman in the video walks New Yorkers through three steps to follow if a nuclear attack occurs — and all under the implicit assumption that whoever would be doing this hasn't been instantly vaporized.

"Don't ask me how or why, just know that the big one has hit," the video's presenter says, before launching into the steps.

The video is not related to a specific threat, officials said, although it should be noted that global tensions are high amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Officials reportedly stressed the video is just to help New Yorkers prepare amid changing times.

"While the likelihood of a nuclear weapon incident occurring in/near NYC is very low, it is important New Yorkers know the steps to stay safe," the city's Emergency Management department put in a note attached to the video.

The steps would arguably be familiar to New Yorkers who grew up during the Cold War, when school children were told by cartoon turtles to "duck and cover" in a case of nuclear attack.

"They never mentioned hiding under a desk," tweeted @OKodzeva. "I thought that was an important part of surviving a nuclear attack."

Instead, the video tells New Yorkers to:

1. Get inside. They should enter a building "fast" and move away from windows.
2. Stay inside. People should shut doors and windows and go to the middle of a building. In case of nuclear-contaminated dust, they should also get clean immediately by removing and bagging clothing before showering with soap or shampoo.
3. Stay tuned. People should follow media, sign up for Notify NYC and watch out for wireless emergency alerts. Officials will say when it's safe to leave buildings, the video states.

Author Margaret Kimberly took to Twitter to share her concerns that some of one steps — particularly the suggestion that New Yorkers follow media — would be less than helpful when facing nuclear annihilation.

"Um, there won't be electricity or media." tweeted Kimberley. "Then again, we'll all be vaporized so..."