Nuclear Radiation Emergency Manual: How to Prepare and What to Pack

When facing a nuclear emergency, thorough preparation and calm decision-making are your best defenses. While nuclear disasters are rare, having a well-thought-out plan can be crucial to the safety of you and your family. We hope this information will never be needed—but we believe it is our responsibility to raise awareness of potential threats and offer practical guidance.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to prepare for a nuclear radiation emergency and what supplies to gather. Each section explains what to do, why it matters, and what you’ll need—based on sound science, not fear. Let's begin.

Step 1: Stay Informed and Make an Emergency Plan

 What to Do:

• Subscribe to local alert systems or emergency apps.

• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates.

• Set up a family emergency plan with meeting points and backup contacts.

• Prepare for both shelter-in-place and evacuation scenarios.

 Why It Matters:

In a nuclear emergency, seconds count. The government’s guidance is often: “Get inside. Stay inside. Stay tuned.” Early alerts and a clear plan help reduce panic and guide safe, quick action—even if communications go down.

What You’ll Need:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio

• Emergency contact list (include out-of-town contacts)

• Local alert apps (FEMA, Red Cross, etc.)

• Printed family emergency plan

Step 2: Choose a Safe Indoor Shelter

 What to Do:

• Choose a windowless interior room, preferably a basement.

• Put as many barriers (walls, floors) between you and outside as possible.

• Prepare duct tape and heavy plastic sheeting to seal doors/windows/vents.

• Bring pets inside with you.

 Why It Matters:

Post-detonation, the biggest threat is radioactive fallout—tiny particles that emit radiation and drift with the wind. Staying indoors, especially in a sealed room, reduces radiation exposure by up to 90%.

 What You’ll Need:

• Heavy plastic sheeting & duct tape

• Towels/rags to seal cracks

• Battery-powered fan or HEPA air purifier (optional)

• Comfort items (blankets, pet supplies, sleeping bags)

Step 3: Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit

What to Do:

• Prepare for at least 3 days, ideally 2 weeks.

• Store sealed drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day.

• Include non-perishable food, manual can opener, flashlight, batteries.

• Most importantly: add high-filtration reusable dust masks, such as the BASE CAMP® Dust Mask.

 Why It Matters:

Utilities and stores may be shut down. Having your nuclear radiation protection kit ready lets you stay indoors and avoid exposure.

 What You’ll Need:

• Water (3+ days’ supply)

• Non-perishable food (cans, bars) + manual opener

• High-filtration dust mask (e.g., BASE CAMP® for protection from nuclear radiation)

• Flashlight & batteries

• Hand-crank or battery radio

• First aid kit & medications

• Hygiene items (sanitizer, wet wipes)

• Change of clothes, sturdy shoes

• Trash bags (for contaminated clothing)

• Copies of ID, cash, power banks

Step 4: Prepare Protective Gear

 What to Do:

• Stock protective gear for every family member:

  • Reusable dust masks (N95 equivalent or better)

  • Safety goggles

  • Disposable gloves

  • Full-body coveralls or long-sleeved clothing

• Store potassium iodide (KI) tablets to protect your thyroid.

• If possible, purchase a Geiger counter (for radiation protection technician-grade measurements).

Why It Matters:

Radioactive fallout can burn skin, damage eyes, and harm internal organs. Inhalation is the most dangerous. A nuclear protection suit (or improvised coverage) plus a BASE CAMP® Dust Mask can protect against fallout.

Potassium iodide helps block the absorption of radioactive iodine by the thyroid, especially important for children.

✅ How much potassium iodide to take for radiation protection?
Follow official health authority instructions. Adults: 130mg; Children: lower doses by weight/age.

 What You’ll Need:

• High-filtration BASE CAMP® Dust Masks

• Safety goggles

• Gloves + long sleeves / coveralls (radiation protection suit)

• Potassium iodide tablets (KI)

• Portable Geiger counter (optional but useful)

Step 5: During Fallout – Shelter in Place

 What to Do:

• Go to your designated shelter immediately.

• Seal windows, doors, vents.

• Turn off HVAC/air systems.

• Stay inside at least 24 hours.

• Monitor updates using your emergency radio.

If you must go out: wear your dust mask, goggles, and fully cover your body.

 Why It Matters:

The first few hours after a detonation are the most dangerous. Fallout is heaviest immediately, but radiation intensity halves every 7 hours. Staying sheltered reduces your exposure to potentially lethal doses.

 What You’ll Need:

• Emergency radio

• Sealing materials (plastic & duct tape)

• BASE CAMP® Dust Masks for all household members

• Lanterns / flashlights

• Emergency food & water (48+ hrs.)

• Emergency toilet / bucket with liners

Step 6: After Fallout – Decontamination and Recovery

 What to Do:

• When officials say it's safe—or after 24+ hrs—leave the shelter carefully.

• Still wear mask + protective gear.

• Remove outer clothing—this removes 90% of fallout dust.

• Place it in sealed plastic bags, far from your living area.

• Wash exposed skin & hair with soap and warm water.

• Disinfect any outdoor items or containers.

• Continue to follow official food, water, and health guidelines.

 Why It Matters:

Even after initial fallout, dust can linger. Proper decontamination prevents internal exposure and protects others. Removing outer layers and washing is simple, but life-saving.

 What You’ll Need:

• Soap, shampoo, water

• Towels / moist wipes (if no shower)

• Clean clothing

• Plastic bags for disposal

• Gloves, masks

• Waste bin stored far from living area

✅ Conclusion: Be Prepared, Not Afraid

Preparing for a nuclear emergency doesn’t mean living in fear—it means taking control. Just like keeping a fire extinguisher or seatbelt, it’s about readiness.

By understanding how radiation protection suits, dust masks, potassium iodide, and emergency planning work together, you give yourself and your family the best chance at staying safe.

 Stay informed.
 Keep your BASE CAMP® Dust Mask ready.
 Stock a smart emergency kit.
 Know what to do and why.

Preparedness isn’t panic—it’s peace of mind.
Stay ready. Stay safe. Breathe safe—every day.