If you are an avid prepper, disaster preparedness will definitely include readiness for a nuclear and chemical attack. These events are rare, but you cannot overlook their possibility, specifically in the prevailing volatile circumstances. Even newbie preppers are more conscious about prepping for a nuclear disaster because the threat is more real than ever. The magnitude of the risks that follow these events can be far more daunting than you imagine.

The survival scenario during such disasters is far more complex than in other events such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, wars, and terrorist attacks. Surviving a blast and the fallout that follows is no mean feat because the safety and well-being of your loved ones are under threat. But the apt preparation and know-how can come to your rescue. Everything boils down to having the essentials in your prep kit. Here is a list you should not miss out on.

Water

Before anything else, you will require the basics to get through a nuclear disaster. Water is on top of the checklist because you need it for drinking and sanitation. You must have enough to cook and drink and rinse off radioactive fallout from your body. It is important to clean the exposed skin because it minimizes the risk of radiation exposure. Experts recommend having at least one gallon of water per person per day in reserve for the survival situation. Bottled water is safe because it is packaged before the disaster, so you need not worry about the radioactive material.

Food

Your nuclear disaster kit must also have adequate decontamination supplies. Surprisingly, cleaning up can lower the risk of nuclear exposure to a significant extent. You must do it first thing after the blast, so it is vital to have enough supplies to clean yourself properly. You do not require a long list, as only soap, water, and moist towelettes suffice. You may even find products for radioactive decontamination, but procuring them is not easy. They are not available to consumers but are sold to first responders. However, you may look around for options if you foresee an impending nuclear disaster in your area.

Plastic bags, gloves, and accessories

It is easy to overlook smaller stuff when you think about the essentials for nuclear preparation. But these items can be lifesavers in the long run. You must have enough plastic bags at home as you will require them for disposing of contaminated clothing, wipes, and gloves. Look for ones you can mark and seal so that it is easy to identify nuclear waste for you and the others. But trash bags are also good to manage if you do not have sealable ones. You only need to be careful while disposing of the contaminated stuff because it can be harmful. Also, have disposable vinyl gloves to handle and wash things after the fallout.

Plastic sheeting and duct tape

Although your home is the safest place to be after the disaster, you cannot rely only on the concrete walls to offer protection from the atmospheric radius. Choose a room without windows and ventilators to keep the harmful radiation out. Even better, take shelter in the basement because the risk is minimal underground. But you must go the extra mile to seal the area. So you must have plastic sheeting and duct tape in your emergency kit to cover the openings and keep the harmful particles out. The simple practice can be lifesaving, so do not skimp on the basics.

General emergency supplies

Do not forget the general emergency supplies, as you will require them inside the shelter and during the evacuation. You can check your regular emergency planning checklist to ensure everything is in place. The list is a long one and has simple stuff, so it is easy to miss out on these essentials. You must be extra careful about stocking up on these items. A flashlight, batteries, and matches are on the top of the checklist. You must also have a multi-tool device to handle tasks like opening cans and repairing small stuff at home. Have extra clothing and shoes, sleeping bags, cash, emergency contact information, and copies of personal documents, such as proof of address, birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies at hand when you need to evacuate. A whistle in your kit can help first responders locate you if you are stuck somewhere. Disaster preparedness is not a one-time thing, so you cannot leave it to chance. It becomes even more critical when planning for safety against a nuclear event. You must stay ahead of your supplies and take stock often to ensure you have everything. Preparing in advance always gives you an advantage because you cannot expect to gather stuff after a disaster hits. If you have a kit ready, you will not need to step out and expose yourself to the dangerous radiation. The good thing is that you do not have to spend a fortune on these essentials, so you need not worry about the expense. But having these items can save you and your loved ones even during the most critical situations.