Why It's Not Crazy to Prepare for a Radioactive Disaster (And How)

In a nuclear apocalypse, there's no prepping that matters. But that's not the only scenario where radiation is the danger. And we can prep for it.

A few days ago, a co-worker spotted something unusual in my desk drawer. She had gone to grab a pen, and there it was: a small pill bottle with a radioactive symbol on the label. “What’s that?” she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and then…more curiosity (I think she thought the pills themselves were radioactive). I chuckled and said, “Potassium iodide. You know, in case we get nuked.” Her eyes widened, and she gave me that look like I’d just told her I was prepping for an alien invasion. But I wasn’t joking. That little bottle of potassium iodide (KI) is part of my common-sense preparations for a radioactive emergency. I keep one in my office, another in each of my vehicles, and a larger stash at my homestead. She might think I’m crazy, but I’d rather be prepared for the unexpected than caught off-guard.

While an all-out nuclear war might be unsurvivable—and honestly, who’d want to survive the aftermath?—there are other radioactive emergencies worth preparing for. Dirty bombs, sabotage at nuclear reactors, or even accidental radiation leaks can pose real threats. These scenarios might not end the world, but they can cause serious harm if you’re not ready. As a homesteader, I’ve learned to take self-reliance seriously, and that includes being prepared for radiological events. Here’s a look at the common-sense preps I’ve put in place, from potassium iodide to radiation detectors, Geiger counters, and basic sheltering techniques.

If you appreciate my work, please consider an $8 a month or $80 $40 a year subscription to access exclusive content (like the rest of this article). Act now, only good through Friday.