The work of the Committee on Shelters

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Commissioner Arthur Wallander speaks with Bernard J. Gillroy, Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Building for the city of New York and Chairman of the Committee on Air Raid Shelters.
Gillroy notes that his committee obtained literature on the effects of a atomic bomb and they have made recommendations that any shelter is better than none at all in the event of a nuclear blast. Gillroy notes some of the experts who have been consulted, including an Admiral who was present at the Bikini Atoll.

He goes on to talk about the Committee on Shelters, which includes 33 men. Sub-committees have been created for various problems such as: making existing buildings more safe for occupants and designing public bomb shelters with consideration to location and construction.

The occupations of the committee members are noted - they include construction experts, HVAC specialists, as well as those with military backgrounds.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 71591
Municipal archives id: LT1868