Final answer:
Critical resources are protected from contamination by implementing strict handling protocols and maintaining stockpiles of essential materials through entities like the U.S. Defense National Stockpile Center. In accidents, evacuation zones are set up, and contaminants are carefully removed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Critical resources such as aircraft, vehicles, and equipment are protected from contamination through various security measures and strategies. This includes maintaining and enforcing strict protocols for handling, cleaning, and storing these assets, to ensure that they remain safe from potential contaminants. Additionally, countries like the United States have measures in place such as the U.S. Defense National Stockpile Center, which keeps reserves of essential materials to ensure that these critical resources can continue to function and be produced during times of crisis, such as in wartime scenarios.
In cases of accidents involving contamination like radioactive fallout, an evacuation zone is typically established, and contaminated waste is carefully removed to prevent further spread of contamination. This can be seen in historical events such as nuclear plant accidents where immediate and long-term measures are taken to protect both people and critical resources from the harmful effects of contaminants.