Go Kit Checklist

Go Kit Checklist

For information about the nuclear disaster in Japan, click here.

The Go Kit Checklist for a nuclear power plant accident, a nuclear bomb, or both, is modified from the “Disaster Supplies Kit” developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

While a Go Kit is a smart precautionary measure, staying inside during a nuclear disaster may be the best option. In all scenarios, having the materials listed in the Go Kit is worth considering.

Unfortunately, the EMP or electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear explosion may damage your computer and other electronic equipment. This checklist will help you assist your family and others following a nuclear attack or any other disaster. Have needed materials ready to go by establishing a family disaster plan to make an absolutely chaotic situation more manageable. The key items that you should have in your disaster kit are: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items.

Print this information and keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container.

Checklist

Water

Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.

First Aid Supplies

Assemble a first aid kit with the following non-prescription drugs: aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid (for stomach upset), syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center), laxative, activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) and potassium iodide tablets also known as thyroid blocking agents.
Include prescription drugs as applicable.

Clothing and Bedding

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear Blankets or sleeping bags
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses

Tools and Emergency Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Battery or hand crank powered radio with cell phone charger and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Cash or traveler's checks
Non-electric can opener, utility knife
Fire extinguisher
Tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area and route to alternate location

Special Items

Discuss a common meeting location and what your family would do if you needed to leave your home with only a few minutes’ notice. Using a small adhesive label, put the phone number of a contact in another state on the back of the identification card for each member of your family.
A breathing mask to protect against particles from radioactive fallout.
A disaster preparation manual.
Fill the gas tank in your vehicle when the U.S. government raises the terror alert above the yellow “elevated condition.” If this does not help you in a disaster, you may thank yourself the first time you are stuck in a traffic jam.
Have your important family documents organized and available should you need to travel or obtain medical assistance after you have left the area where you live.
Bring needed sanitation items.
If you have a baby, bring formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, and medications

Additional resources to learn more about surviving a nuclear disaster can be found in Cresson H. Kearny, Nuclear War Survival Skills (Aurora, Illinois: Caroline House Publishers, Inc., 1982 and updated in 1987).