Update: we had so many asking about good iodine supplements to have in stock (just in case) Click here to see our favorite.
Given that tensions are high right now between the U.S. and North Korea I thought perhaps we could all use a bit of information on how to best be prepared should the unthinkable happen.
If you aren’t one of the billionaires who has already purchased a bunker or a large land mass in the middle of the country or at the bottom of the world, these tips will come in handy. I hope. Although, let’s hope cooler heads prevail and none of us has to reference this material. EVER.
If a nuclear bomb has gone off you will know by the sudden flash of bright, white light. And if you are within 50 miles, give or take, of the location where it went off, you might even suffer from flash blindness. Other sure signs of a nuclear blast include “near instant first-degree to third-degree burns if you’re within 10 miles or so, and of course, the trademark mushroom cloud looming over the skyline.”1
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As soon as you can see again and if you haven’t been burned, you need to calmly but quickly find shelter in the densest building material possible. Think thick. Think windowless. Basement, cellar, sub-basement- hiding in places like that will expose you to just 1/200th of the fallout radiation you would be exposed to were you outside. An ideal spot would, of course, be a bomb shelter. If you’ve got one, GO. This FEMA graphic, recently shared by Business Insider, gives you an idea of good places to go:
Recently, Business Insider shared the FEMA graphic below:
Most homes in the U.S. are made of wood and won’t do much to protect you against fallout radiation, but if you can’t get to a better location within 5 minutes, stay there and wait for an hour. After that, a large portion of the fallout radiation will dissipate and reduce your exposure.
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While you are waiting for someone to come or waiting for instructions, the EPA suggests you stay away from doors and windows, take a shower or wipe down exposed parts of your body with a wet cloth, and ditch your now-contaminated clothing in a plastic bag. Seal it and make sure to get it as far away as possible from you and others. Also, while you are showering, make sure to use shampoo and soap but DO NOT scrub or scratch your skin or use conditioner because it will bind radioactive material to your hair. After you are done, blow your nose and wipe your eyelids, eyelashes, and ears to remove any leftover material.
The last thing you need to do until a plan is in place is only drink bottled water and eat food from sealed containers.
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None of this information is meant to scare us but perhaps give us a bit more peace of mind. Having a plan in case the worst happens is always a smart idea.
