What did the government tell Americans about the dangers of atomic weapons during the Cold War? What was the government's main goal?

The United States committed to an ever-escalating weaponry race with the Soviet. The government appealed the public to prepare to survive a nuclear bomb explosion. The government gave instructions for building bomb shelters. The "Duck and Cover" film was made and urged the children to protect themselves in the event of a nuclear attack. The goal for the rehearsals was to give the Americans the illusion of control.