Even if you didn't live through the latter stages of the Cold War, you've probably come across one of the eerie public service announcements crafted in the event of a nuclear strike.
Way back when, the British government decided to create a "four-minute warning" to advise people on what to do if the country was hit by a missile.
The name was about as straight-up as you could get. Four-minutes is the approximate amount of time you have to seek shelter following the deployment of nuclear warheads.
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How exactly would it pan out?
Image: PA
As seen in almost every film about nuclear war, or even just war, air raid sirens would bellow across the country, alongside TV and radio reports telling us that a missile was headed our way.
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The broadcast was crystal clear: "This is the Wartime Broadcasting Service. This country has been attacked with nuclear weapons.
"Communications have been severely disrupted, and the number of casualties and the extent of the damage are not yet known.
"We shall bring you further information as soon as possible. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this wavelength, stay calm and stay in your own house."
What would be the main advice?
'Protect and Survive' from the 1970s. Credit: BBC
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The announcement would advise citizens to never leave the house, so as to not expose themselves to harsher conditions.
"Remember there is nothing to be gained by trying to get away. By leaving your homes you could be exposing yourself to greater danger," the script read.
"If you leave, you may find yourself without food, without water, without accommodation and without protection.
"Radioactive fall-out, which follows a nuclear explosion, is many times more dangerous if you are directly exposed to it in the open.
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"Roofs and walls offer substantial protection. The safest place is indoors."
What about the household goods?
Of course, rationing absolutely everything was the be-all-and-end-all. Gas and other fuel supplies were ordered to be turned off as well as any traditional fires.
"You should also refill all your containers for drinking water after the fires have been put out, because the mains water supply may not be available for very long.
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"Water must not be used for flushing lavatories: until you are told that lavatories may be used again, other toilet arrangements must be made.
"Use your water only for essential drinking and cooking purposes. Water means life. Don't waste it.
"Make your food stocks last: ration your supply, because it may have to last for 14 days or more. If you have fresh food in the house, use this first to avoid wasting it: food in tins will keep.
Wait for the all clear
An allied correspondent walks around Hiroshima, 1945. Image: PA
Obviously, it goes without saying that going for a walk around a park or nipping for some bread round the corner shouldn't be indulged when a nuclear bomb is eviscerating your entire county. But how long would you have to wait? As long as it takes, really.
"If you live in an area where a fall-out warning has been given, stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out. When the immediate danger has passed the sirens will sound a steady note.
"The 'all clear' message will also be given on this wavelength. If you leave the fall-out room to go to the lavatory or replenish food or water supplies, do not remain outside the room for a minute longer than is necessary.
"Do not, in any circumstances, go outside the house. Radioactive fall-out can kill. You cannot see it or feel it, but it is there. If you go outside, you will bring danger to your family and you may die.
"Stay in your fall-out room until you are told it is safe to come out or you hear the 'all clear' on the sirens.
"We shall be on the air every hour, on the hour. Stay tuned to this wavelength, but switch your radios off now to save your batteries. That is the end of this broadcast."
What happened to this script? Does it still exist?
Image: PA
You don't have to be a genius to realise this broadcast was never released. Furthermore, it was scrapped in 1992.
In this age of terrible global affairs, though, it's a safe bet the government may be going back to the drawing board to conjure up a modern-day equivalent.
Apparently, here in 2017, we would receive a text warning us of an imminent missile. Judging by the irresponsibility of 3G and 'The Cloud', we probably won't even see the text, and maybe that's for the best.
Featured Image Credit: BBC/Threads