I live in Ohio so a blast in NY is vastly better than one in LA or Chicago, from my point of view. For some reason, the morons have a thing about NY though.
If you are REAL close, your worries are over. A little further out, you suffer a while THEN die. Way out but down wind is survivable but you need to do your homework. Travel is likely going to be impossible. Trying to move can cost you your life as a car provides near zero fallout protection. Time vs dose rate.
If you are truly concerned, and we all should be, look here:
[url]http://www.ki4u.com/free_book/s60p792.htm[/url]
this is a vast collection of very good info concerning radiation issues, not just the detector kit. Click on the links. MAy save your life or that of someone close to you, IF SHTF someday.
We would all wish to be together with our loved ones should the SHTF. However, that is not always possible. Have you taught them to survive alone? Failure to take responsibility for INDIVIDUAL survival is likely to end in disaster. Women are just as capable of taking care of themselves as men. All they need is the proper mindset.
Children are more susceptable to radiation injury. Additional shielding from fallout is required and / or less time of exposure. If your family stays put in a high radiation area waiting for you, the kids will pay a high price. It is all about time vs dose rate.
You can be sure that any information that the GOVERNMENT puts out (or the media) in such an event is likely to be wrong, inadequate or intentional misinformation to accomplish a goal OTHER than YOUR best interest!! After the event it is too late to decide what to do or how to protect you and yours.
Good luck!