Lately, there seem to be more stories than ever before indicating we are heading for a Nuclear War.

Sow the Orange Whirlwind, be prepared to Order Up a Coke.

Essentials to Help you Survive the Coming Nuclear War:

• Flashlight
• Lanterns
• Cookbook
• Radio
• Geiger Counter
• Air Masks
• Potassium Iodide Pills
• Water Purification System
• Portable Shower
• Power Generator

The good news is that, after a Nuclear attack, you won’t be facing having to live underground for weeks or month. The bad news is, you will need to find a way to survive without some of the things you have come to depend on, such as electricity, won’t be available for some time after an attack.

The First 48 Hours

Survival will come in two stages. The first is the 48 hours you and your family will need to stay inside your safe Shelter before even attempting to venture outside. If you are close to an explosion site, you may find yourself needing to stay in your shelter for as long as three weeks. The second phase of your survival takes place in the weeks following your re-emerging into the world. In both phases of survival, you are going to increase your chances if you have a few things on hand. These may seem rather low-tech compared to what you are used to dealing with, but they will make the difference between surviving or struggling. Let’s take a look at the important early stage.

Crucial Days

The first 48 hours after a nuclear attack are the most dangerous, and often the hardest to get through emotionally. During that period, you and your family and pets will be locked up together in your shelter which will have no windows and will most likely be underground. There isn’t enough space here to go into details about all the necessities that you should have accumulated in advance, such as food, water, personal hygiene things and first aid supplies. A quick Google on how to stock your survival shelter will give you many good ideas. You can feel safe in the knowledge that any food or water that is stored in your shelter in a closed container will be perfectly safe to eat. There are some things that will help make this time a bit easier. Stocking up on batteries is a great idea but just in case the stay in your shelter is extended, you may be better off to look into items that won’t require either batteries or electricity.

Flashlight

A good flashlight will help you find your way until you get the shelter set up with lanterns. It can be used to move around at night and can also serve as a way to signal others should it be necessary. Investing in a flashlight that recharges by manually shaking it will help ensure you always have some working light source.

Lanterns

Lanterns allow for a reliable light source that leaves your hands free for other tasks. Using an odorless oil will allow for steady light without fumes that can make some people ill. Lanterns can be hung from a hook on the wall to prevent accidental fires and the flame can be adjusted for the amount of light you feel is necessary at any given time. There are safer lanterns, however that can last as long as six days on one charge and these should be the first choice as they don’t allow the risk of fire.

Cooktop

Many of the foods stored in an emergency shelter can be eaten as they are. Having a way to heat food, however, can help add variety to your diet. Kids especially will feel comforted more with a warm bowl of soup or warm cereal. A stove that is meant for camping and is fueled by wood or instant fire starters will offer a way to cook and a certain measure of warmth if it gets cold.

Radio 

Your family needs to know what is going on outside the safety of your shelter. Announcements regarding the safety of returning to the surface will be made through broadcasts, as will information on rescue teams and other matters that require immediate action. A hand-crank radio is your most reliable choice. You don’t have to worry about dead batteries and can keep it on at all times to keep some kind of contact with the outside world.

Leaving Your Shelter

When given the word through a broadcast, or after several days of no outside nuclear activity has passed, you will want to emerge from your shelter and try getting your life back to some semblance of normal. You may be able to return to your house or may have to spend time in some other living situation. Regardless, the possibility of electricity and heating being up and running is very low. You will need to find alternative ways to do many things until all is restored. The first hurtle is knowing if it is truly safe to emerge. Some things that you will need to get through this time follow.

Geiger Counter

You will need to know if radiation levels are within a safe zone and this can be done with the use of a Geiger counter. This will enable you to know whether or not it is safe to emerge from your shelter and whether or not your home or camp site is safe.

Air Masks

The greatest danger after a nuclear attack is breathing in fallout. Air masks will help keep you and your family safe until you are sure the air is okay to breathe.

Potassium Iodide Tablets

Your thyroid is in great danger from fallout. Potassium Iodide pills will eliminate up to 99 percent of the damage to your thyroid that can be done by radiation fallout.

Water Purification System

Local water plants may not be functioning and you will need to make sure there is pure water for drinking and cooking. Water purification tablets work well for this. Special water filtration units are also a good investment in case you must use water from a stream or other questionable source.

Portable Shower

The best way to stay free of fallout issues is to shower every time you are exposed to the outside air. A portable hot shower unit can make a big difference between staying healthy or getting ill.

Power Generator

Getting some form of electricity going will make life a lot easier. One that is able to be charged by solar energy is ideal because the Sun is one thing you can count on.

These things will help keep you and your family safe and at least marginally comfortable until things get back up and running. Your shelter cook top may be replaced by a solar powered oven and even lanterns and some small appliances can be found that run on solar power. Radiation won’t affect the safety of foods, even garden ones as long as they are thoroughly washed, so food shouldn’t be an issue.

Having a tent and camping gear might also be helpful if you can’t immediately return to your home but you can always use your emergency shelter for protection from the elements and for sleeping. With preparation, you and your family can survive a nuclear war. Preparing now will help you have some comfort if the world becomes a place of chaos and uncertainty.

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