When the blast hits and sirens wail, you don’t have time to Google your next move. This is what prepping is all about—nuclear readiness. Here’s your no-BS guide to surviving radiation exposure and using iodine the right way.
1. Shield, Distance, and Time: Your Radiation Survival Trinity
When exposed, every second counts. Your first priority is to put as much dense material between you and the fallout as possible. Think concrete walls, underground basements, thick bookshelves, sandbags, or even water tanks. Time spent outside is your enemy. Get inside, stay low, and block every opening—windows, vents, cracks.
Tip: A solid DIY bunker can cut radiation exposure by up to 90%.
2. Decontaminate Fast — Don’t Let Fallout Stick
Shed your outer clothing immediately—that alone can reduce exposure by 90%. Double-bag those clothes in plastic and keep them far from your shelter zone.
Then:
-
Shower with lukewarm water and soap
-
No scrubbing – you’ll drive radiation into your skin
-
No conditioner – it locks radioactive particles in your hair
-
Clean under nails, ears, and scalp thoroughly
Don’t have a shower? Use wet wipes or clean cloths as an emergency backup.
3. Iodine Tablets: What They Are & How Much to Take
Potassium Iodide (KI) saturates your thyroid with stable iodine, blocking radioactive iodine from being absorbed. It’s not a cure—but it could save your life in a nuclear scenario.
Iodide Tablets: Radioactive iodine in fallout can wreck your thyroid, especially for kids and adults under 40. Take potassium iodide (KI)—adults need one 130-mg tablet daily, kids under 12 take 65 mg (CDC, 2025). ThyroSafe Potassium Iodide Tablets, 20-pack, 65 mg each
Buy Here Potassium 65mg Iodide : https://amzn.to/3FZlpqD
Buy Here IOSAT 130mg Iodide: https://amzn.to/42bNWSH
Only take KI when there’s verified radioactive iodine exposure. This usually means after a reactor incident or confirmed fallout alert.
Dosage Chart:
| Group | Dose |
|---|---|
| Adults | 130 mg |
| Children 3–18 | 65 mg |
| Toddlers 1 mo–3 y | 32 mg |
| Infants <1 mo | 16 mg |
-
Take once per 24 hours, no longer than 10 days unless advised
-
Don’t take “just in case”—side effects can occur
-
Store in a dry, cool place away from sunlight
4. Mental Prep: Stay Calm, Think Tactical
Panic kills. Practice breathing drills (4 seconds inhale, 7 hold, 8 exhale) to stay calm. Identify exits in advance if you’re in a restaurant, office, or mall. Always keep a mini Bug Out Kit in your bag with iodine, an N95 mask, gloves, and a small flashlight.
Final Word: Stay Informed, Stay Sharp
Knowledge is your first line of defense. Don’t wait for authorities to tell you what to do—preppers move first. Get your KI tablets now. Stock up on water, MREs, and learn to seal your space.
When it hits the fan, you don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your preparation.
Check Out our other post: First Aid in a Nuclear Attack
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links lead to Amazon, where we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases—no extra cost to you. It helps keep LastStandHQ running.
