The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has scheduled a briefing for later this month on how to plan and prepare for a nuclear detonation.
The briefing, for CDC employees, is part of a monthly series at the agency meant to "further strengthen CDC's common scientific culture and foster discussion and debate on major public health issues."
"While a nuclear detonation is unlikely, it would have devastating results and there would be limited time to take critical protection steps," the CDC said in a notice for the briefing, which came the same week President Trump
Donald John TrumpCNN's Camerota clashes with Trump's immigration head over president's tweet LA Times editorial board labels Trump 'Bigot-in-Chief' Trump complains of 'fake polls' after surveys show him trailing multiple Democratic candidates MORE bragged on Twitter about U.S. nuclear capabilities.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
"Despite the fear surrounding such an event, planning and preparation can lessen deaths and illness," the CDC says.
Several CDC employees, including those specializing in radiation, will present at the event Jan. 16.
It's unclear how long the briefing has been scheduled.
Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un have exchanged repeated insults about nuclear weapons, with the president taking to calling Kim "rocket man" over his obsession with his ballistic missile program.
Democrats and foreign policy experts have been critical of Trump's comments on North Korea.
“These childish attacks raise the risk of stumbling into an avoidable war,” Sen. Tim Kaine
Timothy (Tim) Michael KaineAcosta defends Epstein deal, bucking calls for resignation Republican lawmakers on why they haven't read Mueller report: 'Tedious' and 'what's the point?' Schumer calls on Acosta to step down over Epstein MORE (D-Va.) tweeted Wednesday.
