In the event of a nuclear disaster or the detonation of a nuclear bomb, knowledge and preparedness are the key to survival. Of course, if you have any chance of survival, you must stay indoors for at least 72 hours, ideally in a brick or concrete building or, even better, in a lead shelter. However, the longer you can stay indoors and avoid exposure to the radioactive material outside, the better.
Following is a list of everything you’ll need to survive a nuclear emergency:
It will be contaminated with radiation. That is why keeping an emergency stock of drinking water on hand is vital.
The US government recommends keeping one gallon (3.78 liters) of bottled drinking water on hand per person. This also includes the water you will need to stay clean, as tap water should not be used for washing.
Unless sealed in the refrigerator, fresh food will be radioactive, and you can forget about any food growing outside.
All food should be packaged or canned non-perishables. According to ‘Surviving Tomorrow,’ foods high in salt will cause the body to absorb higher levels of radioactivity.
If you’ve stocked up on canned food, you’d better slip a can opener into your emergency kit.
You must change your clothes and shoes as soon as you are inside. Otherwise, you will be contaminating yourself and others with radiation.
It is a good idea to stock up on baby wipes or moist towels for hygiene purposes. In addition, some garbage bags will come in very handy, particularly for stowing away any radiation-contaminated clothes.
Experts recommend keeping a 90+ day supply on hand of Potassium iodide as it can protect the thyroid gland against radiation exposure. Keep a stock of 1 tablet per person per day.
Having a small radio will allow you to head broadcasts from authorities with instructions for citizens.
Since there won’t be any electricity after a nuclear bomb goes off, flashlights and/or headlamps should be included in your emergency kit. Some extra batteries and some candles with matches will be useful also.
A well-stocked first aid kit may be essential to your survival following a nuclear blast. Make sure to include sedatives, strong painkillers, and alcohol for disinfecting.
If your shelter ends up being buried in rubble, it may be the only way others can hear you.
Stock up on N95 masks for everyone who could be sheltering with you, which will help filter contaminated air.
They can be used for blocking off a blown-out window in your home, or duct tape alone could also be used in place of bandages if need be.
A wrench or pliers could come in handy if you need to turn off utilities. A multi-tool knife is ideal for stowing away in an emergency kit, and you will have a little bit of everything.
You may have to move location, or authorities may tell you where to go, and a paper map may be the only way you can find your way there.
Keeping a stash of warm blankets or sleeping bags in the area, you plan on sheltering could mean the difference between life and death if it gets cold enough.
Keeping a stash of pet food on hand is a good idea so that the furry family members also have something safe to eat.
A pad of paper and a pencil are also useful items to keep in your emergency kit. From entertainment to sending out an S.O.S. note, it could come in very handy
If you have babies in your household, a supply of diapers is a must. In addition, a supply of feminine hygiene products for the women of the household is also a good idea.
A good book could help you keep your sanity particularly if you are sheltering in place alone. Likewise, something to entertain the kids may also help parents keep cool while dealing with this nightmarish scenario.
Keeping all these things with you can help increase your chances of survival for a longer period of time while staying indoors to prevent being exposed to radioactive radiation. Hence, it is always better to be prepared than regret not being prepared at all.
