Nuclear Emergency Kit: Complete 14-Day Survival Checklist
Top Priority Items
- Store Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for 14 days.
- Stock Non-Perishable Food: 14-day supply requiring no refrigeration or cooking.
- Include a Hand-Crank Radio: Your only reliable source of emergency broadcasts when networks fail.
- Prepare Medical Supplies: First aid kit and a 30-day supply of prescription medications.
Why You Need a 14-Day Nuclear Emergency Kit
After a nuclear detonation, you will need to remain inside your fallout shelter for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours, and potentially for up to two weeks. During this time, you cannot rely on tap water, grocery stores, emergency services, or cellular networks. Your survival depends entirely on what you have prepared in advance.
The FEMA Emergency Supply Kit guidelines recommend a minimum 14-day supply for nuclear emergencies, which is significantly more than the 72-hour kit recommended for most other disasters.
Official Source: "Have enough supplies for at least several days to two weeks." — FEMA Ready.gov, Nuclear Explosion Preparedness
Water and Food Supplies
You will need enough food and water to stay inside your fallout shelter for at least two weeks. Do not rely on tap water after an attack, as it may become contaminated with radioactive particles.
Water Requirements
- Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (half for drinking, half for sanitation).
- For a family of 4 for 14 days: 56 gallons minimum.
- Use commercially sealed bottled water or food-grade water storage containers.
- Fill bathtubs and all available containers immediately if you have advance warning.
- Include water purification tablets as a backup.
Food Requirements
- Choose foods that require no refrigeration, cooking, or extra water to prepare.
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, fish)
- Protein bars and energy bars
- Dried fruit, nuts, and trail mix
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Include a manual can opener and basic eating utensils.
Communication and Power
Information is your lifeline. Cell phone networks and the internet will likely fail after a nuclear event due to EMP effects and infrastructure damage. You must have alternative means of receiving emergency broadcasts.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio — the most critical communication tool
- Extra batteries in a waterproof container (store separately from devices)
- Flashlights (LED, long-lasting) — avoid candles to prevent fires
- Portable power bank (pre-charged) for mobile devices
- Whistle to signal for help if trapped
Medical and Hygiene Supplies
Medical help will not be immediately available after an attack. You must be prepared to treat minor injuries and manage basic health needs.
- Comprehensive first aid kit (bandages, antiseptics, thermometer, pain relievers)
- 30-day supply of all prescription medications for every family member
- Potassium iodide (KI) tablets — protects the thyroid from radioactive iodine (consult a doctor for dosage)
- Heavy-duty plastic bags and ties for waste management
- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, and personal hygiene items
- Dust masks or N95 respirators
Shelter and Protection Materials
- Heavy plastic sheeting (4-6 mil thickness) and duct tape for sealing the shelter
- Scissors for cutting plastic sheeting
- Work gloves
- Change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
Documents and Financial Preparedness
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof container: ID, passports, insurance policies, bank account information, medical records
- Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers will not work)
- List of emergency contacts written on paper (do not rely on your phone)