1960 Your Preparedness Atomic Bomb Civil Defense Sign Conelrad Radio

Date: 1960
Artist: Unknown         
Size (in): 21” x 11” 
Size (cm): 53.5 x 28
Condition: A-
Linen backed: No 

This is a vintage original 1960 United States Office of Civil Defense Mobilization (OCMD) Cold War era advertising sign. This sign is printed one side only on lightweight cardboard in the format that was most commonly used for overhead advertising on streetcars, subways and commuter trains.

This sign was used to promote awareness among the American civilian population of preparations that should be made in the event of a nuclear attack.   The sign features a large Civil Defense insignia under the title YOUR PREPAREDNESS with bullet points for Shelter, First Aid, Warning Signals and 640-1240 Radio.   The 640-1240 Radio bullet point is a reference to the so called Conelrad system.  Conelrad, an acronym for CONtrol of ELectromagentic RADiation, was a system implemented by President Harry Truman in 1951 to provide continuous emergency broadcasting to the American civilian population in the event of a Soviet nuclear attack.    

The lower right corner indicates a 1960 GPO publication date.  This vintage original Atomic Age sign looks pretty well unused with only light handling wear and slight toning from age on the edges.  Overall condition is excellent good.