I think that the big, big problem is that people would have absolutely no idea what level of radiation exists outside. and how big is the fallout area?

I doubt that the Gov't is set up to easily "map out" this type of information and distribute it to the public quickly. I'm not saying that FEMA and the military don't care. But I think there would be tremendous confusion on the ground if this type of event really occurred.

The expectation seems to be that people would have electronic communications .e.g. radio or television. and that they would have electrical power. If these things were out, I think that confusion would "reign supreme".

Put yourself in the place of the local sheriff or fire brigade. If you were ordered to drive around neighborhoods that had fallout contamination, and broadcast msgs for people to stay inside, would you actually do that? I really don't think that local authorities would accept that kind of risk, and I don't blame them.

Pete