14 crucial items every family must keep at home in case of nuclear attack

With the globe experiencing roughly 110 armed conflicts, according to the Geneva Academy – spanning regions including the Middle East, North Africa, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America – administrations worldwide are establishing guidance on what citizens may wish to have readily available to safeguard families and communities.

During emergencies, people may need to fend for themselves at home, making it vital to maintain adequate provisions to last multiple days.

The United States government operates a dedicated portal advising its citizens on emergency preparedness for any eventuality, including natural disasters, warfare, utility disruptions, and even nuclear attacks. Below, based on the Ready.gov guidance portal, are 14 items every household should contemplate storing in an emergency kit.

Firstly, access to clean drinking water proves most critical. During natural disasters, regular supplies can quickly become contaminated or unavailable.

For this reason, the portal suggests stockpiling one gallon – 3.8 litres – of water per individual, per day, to adequately meet everyone’s hydration and hygiene requirements, reports the Daily Star.

Next, another fundamental necessity is, naturally, non-perishable provisions, or items requiring no refrigeration, should power failures or severe weather strike. Prioritise tinned goods, grains, and powdered milk, for instance.

A hand-operated tin opener is likewise recommended to keep accessible. No emergency kit would be complete without first aid essentials.

By maintaining a basic medical kit, households can deal with minor injuries should access to healthcare become disrupted. Every kit ought to contain dressings and plasters, vital painkillers, spare prescription glasses and contact lenses.

Those who depend on regular medication are particularly vulnerable during disruptions, so families are urged to plan in advance to avoid running short in an emergency situation.

Certain types of emergencies call for specialist equipment – and in some circumstances, a dust mask may prove useful as it can help limit exposure to airborne dust and various particles.

Home repairs may also become necessary in extreme situations – and in such cases, the website recommends storing plastic sheeting and duct tape for specific emergency sheltering requirements. To remain safe during nuclear emergencies, however, these measures alone are insufficient.

In such an event, families are advised to seek shelter inside a sturdy building and keep away from exterior walls.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of families always keeping basic hygiene supplies to hand – such as soaps and sanitisers, along with garbage bags and plastic ties for waste management. Maintaining communication during emergencies is equally vital, which is why the guidelines recommend a hand-crank radio as a practical means for households to receive emergency announcements should internet access and mobile networks go down.

The guidance also advises families to keep a dependable torch readily available to provide illumination during power cuts, along with a supply of spare batteries.

Should all other means of communication fail, a whistle is a handy item that could help draw attention if someone becomes trapped or requires assistance.

Finally, every household has its own unique requirements, which may include infant formula, nappies, personal hygiene products, additional medication, pet food, and extra water for animals.

To store all these supplies safely, Ready.gov recommends using airtight bags placed inside easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or duffel bags.

Families are also reminded to check expiry dates about once a year to ensure all items remain usable when needed.

Full list of items to keep at hand:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery