Survival kits have been around for a while and can be tweaked to fit your needs for a specific emergency or crisis. In this case, we wanted to look a little further into a nuclear attack survival kit and discuss what should be in one in case SHTF.
1. 20 EPA Certified Water Purification Tablets
Water purification tablets are a good bet, as they are inexpensive and easy to carry. They can make sure that all of your drinking water is safe within just a half hour. These tablets have chlorine or iodine in them to kill bacteria or viruses, so all you have to do is drop it in your water and then let it sit for 30 minutes. These work by putting free chlorine into the water to kill pathogens quickly. Top brands are Mighty and Katadyn tablets. They have a 5 year shelf life. They also claim to make water safe from typhoid, cholera, and other water illnesses. They also work quickly in twenty to thirty minutes
2. 400 Calorie Food Bars (12 Count)
Humans need around 1200 calories per day, so higher calorie meal replacement bars are good to carry. Mayday Food Bars are a good example. You can get them on Amazon and they are 400 calories each with a 5 year shelf life. Meal bars are easy picks because they don’t require any water or preparation to consume. You just take them right from the package and eat them then. They also claim that eating them won’t make you thirsty, so you don’t have to worry about using excess water during meal times. They can also last in a wide range of temperatures, from -40F to 300F. They also don’t have cholesterol or oils, so they are fairly healthy options given the circumstances. Their packaging is mylar vacuum to prevent moisture and oxygen and it is also BPA free.
3. 4 oz Water Pouches (6 Count)
These 4 ounce emergency water packets are essential, as humans can only last three days without water. These also guarantee that the water is clean and safe so you won’t be exposing yourself to harmful bacteria or water borne illnesses. These often come in a box of 64 pouches, which are designed to be a 3 ay supply. They recommend that you should drink 2 pouches per day as a bare minimum. They should have a shelf life of about 5 years and are small and compact, making them easy to squeeze into your backpack or emergency bag.
4. Waterproof Matches
Waterproof matches are essential for making sure you will be able to make a fire no matter what the elements are. While you also want to make sure you have a lighter, waterproof matches are a good second option or backup method if your lighter fails. They are very inexpensive and small, and just about anybody can figure out how to use them. When you keep them in a safe place, they can last forever and you won’t have to worry about replacing them. Opting for waterproof matches over regular will make sure that you can survive in rainy weather or hurricane conditions.
5. Survival Blanket
A survival blanket is an essential addition to a nuclear attack survival kit. It will make sure that you are able to stay warm and protected from elements as much as possible. These blankets are used by runners and astronauts alike, as they can be life-saving. When temperatures drop quickly, you’ll need one of these to make sure your body is able to sleep, especially if you are outdoors or in your car. These blankets will reflect your own body heat back to you, so you aren’t losing any body heat. These are also a popular item because they are very light; you can travel with them in your backpack quite easily.
6. Poncho
Ponchos are used by the military and are regarded as a mandatory piece of gear for preppers. Ponches can shield you from wet weather as well as act as a tent or tarp when needed to protect you. They are also quite compact and often roll up into mall pouches so you can easily fit them in the corner of your bag until you need them.
7. Radio with Batteries
It’s important for your emergency plan to include a plan for communicating with the outside world. A hand crank and battery powered radio with a power charger is a great option. This radio has 2 light sources as well as a hand crank radio. It can also generate powder and re charge itself with one of its four power source options. All you’ll need are AAA batteries. It will help you communicate and get AM/Fm weather transmissions.
8. Whistle
Whistles are an often overlooked part of a survival bundle; they are incredibly small and inexpensive, but they pack a punch. These whistles are very loud, ear piercing to be exact. You can be heard for over a mile. It also works in every weather condition. It could be life saving! They only weigh about .2 ounces and anybody can use them; all you have to do is blow firmly against the mouthpiece and you’ll be able to scare off an attacker or animal or catch the attention of a rescue squad. These require no experience and are a great addition.
9. Rechargeable Flashlight
Rechargeable flashlights are a good option to have on hand in your nuclear attack survival kit, as technology has advanced and many rechargeable flashlights will be able to light up an entire room. A rechargeable option is preferable in case you run out of batteries in your stockpile.
10. Burn Cream
You could find yourself in a situation where you need burn treatment but medical care is not available. In this situation, you’ll have to take matters into your own hands. If you are newly using flames for cooking, heating, and cleaning due to an emergency situation, you could burn yourself. Minor burns are easy to treat at home. If this does happen, do not use ice or ice water on the burns. It’s much better to have a burn cream on hand. However, if you are unable to purchase this, honey and aloe vera are helpful, and aloe vera is in many of the ointments you’d want to purchase anyways.
11. Potassium Iodide
Potassium Iodide is helpful in addressing concerns following a nuclear accident. Taking potassium iodide helps your thyroid and prepares it to not absorb additional iodine if you are exposed to radioactive iodine.
12. Moleskin
Moleskin has many medical uses as it is very adhesive. It’s the best dressing for blisters and other small injuries and will help them heal as quickly as possible by protecting the area from the outside world.
13. Bandages
This may seem obvious, but you can never have too many; they’re compact and easy to store.
14. Afterbite Wipes
Insect bites can be irritating and dangerous. These wipes can help ease the stinging or burning that often accompanies a bite.
15. Alcohol Swabs
Alcohol swabs are also inexpensive and easy to buy in large quantities. They are important for when you need to disinfect an area or you are working with blood. You’ll also want to be able to sterilize your tools and medical equipment.
16. Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are essentials for hygiene and showering purposes. Taking care of your hygiene even when in survival mode has both health and mental health benefits. There is a large psychological impact and benefit to being able to keep taking care of yourself.
17. Hygiene Kit
In your hygiene kit, you’ll want to include the essentials to help you “feel human”, probably including a toothbrush, toothpaste, a razor, a comb, deodorant, and wipes.
18. Tissues & TP
Having a big stock of tissues on hand can be very helpful. Most preppers do stockpile toilet paper as it’ll help you remain hygienic throughout the crisis.
19. N95 Respirator mask
These masks have gotten a lot of press due to their role in the COVID-19 crisis, but they are still an essential part of a survival kit. These masks cover the nose and mouth and are able to filter out even the smallest of particles so you don’t breathe them in.
20. Swiss Army Knife
A swiss army knife has many purposes; hunting for food, safety, and performing miscellaneous tasks. These knives also have openers and screw drivers on the ends, among other tools. This makes them the perfect multipurpose tool to have in your bag.
21. Infectious Waste bags
Biohazard infectious waste bags are essential for maintaining sanitation in emergency situations. Sanitation is essential, as when done improperly it can lead to illnesses and even death. Making sure that you have a safe place to store human waste and other materials is essential.
