Be ready: this is everything you need to survive a nuclear blast

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.

Since sheltering is in place as long as possible, keeping an emergency kit is essential. Not only is it useful for survival after a nuclear event, but it is also handy if a natural disaster ever comes your way. However, in the case of a nuclear bomb, a little bit of preparedness could mean the difference between life and death. Click on to see a checklist based on the American Government's 'Ready' website to see everything you need to have to survive a nuclear disaster.

Following a nuclear disaster, tap water will be undrinkable. 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. The US government doesn't specify an exact amount of food, but some emergency preppers suggest keeping around 1,500 calories of food per day per adult on hand.

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, so try to stock up on lower salt options.

If you've stocked up on canned food, you'd better slip a can opener into your emergency kit, or you might find yourself in a very frustrating situation. In addition, some reusable plates and cutlery would be a good idea too.

Photo: Anthony Walker on Unsplash

If you were outdoors when a nuclear explosion occurred, you must change your clothes and shoes as soon as you are inside. Otherwise, you will be contaminating yourself and others with radiation. So keeps a spare set of clothes in your emergency kit.

Since water will be a precious resource, it is a good idea to stock up on baby wipes or moist towelettes for hygiene purposes. In addition, some garbage bags will come in very handy, particularly for stowing away any radiation-contaminated clothes.

Photo: by Natracare on Unsplash

According to the Mayo Clinic, Potassium iodide can protect the thyroid gland against radiation exposure. Keep a stock of 1 tablet per person per day. Experts recommend keeping a 90+ day supply on hand in case of a nuclear explosion.

An essential part of your emergency supplies is a dynamo or battery-powered radio. Following the detonation of a nuclear bomb, all electronic devices within several hundred miles/kilometers will have their electronic circuits blown out.

Having a small radio will allow you to head broadcasts from authorities with instructions for citizens. Even better if you can get your hands on a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. These radios can receive a special warning alert sent at a level of 1050 Hz, which warns listeners about impending hazards.

Photo: By National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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. If the worst were to happen, you could even end up having to amputate a radiation-poisoned limb, so make sure to include sedatives, strong painkillers, and alcohol for disinfecting. Also, make sure to stock up on any medications that you or your family regularly take.

Another important item, which might seem silly to some, is a whistle. Keep a whistle in your emergency kit in case you need to signal for help. If your shelter ends up being buried in rubble, it may be the only way others can hear you.

The US government also recommends keeping dust masks in your emergency kit. Stock up on N95 masks for everyone who could be sheltering with you, which will help filter contaminated air.

The American government also recommends keeping some plastic sheeting and some good old duct tape in your emergency kit. These two versatile items could be used in a variety of ways, such as blocking off a blown-out window in your home, or the 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, but any tools you can sneak into your emergency kit could potentially come in handy. A multi-tool knife, like a Leatherman, is ideal for stowing away in an emergency kit, and you will have a little bit of everything.

The internet will be down if a nuclear bomb goes off, so keeping a set of local maps in your kit will come in handy. You may have to move location, or authorities may tell you where to go, and if you aren't familiar with the area, a paper map may be the only way you can find your way there.

If a nuclear explosion happens in the winter, you may find yourself sheltering in place in your home without heat. 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.

If it won't be safe for you or Fido to go outside following a nuclear disaster (so those garbage bags will definitely be used!) 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 is also a useful item 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. Need we say more? 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.