09/03/2026
For National Disaster Preparedness Month, let’s talk about something we hope will never happen. Nuclear disaster. Whether it be a terrorist attack, a power plant accident, or a transportation accident, it is important to prepare for your and your pet’s safety.
First and foremost, you must protect YOURSELF. Check out these informative tips on what to do before, during, and after a Nuclear catastrophe: https://www.ready.gov/nuclear-blast.
Second, being prepared is half the battle. Here are some must-haves for your emergency kit, but be sure to consult with your vet in advance:
Make sure your emergency kit includes human-grade calcium montmorillinite or similar smectite clay (such as betonite) for yourself and your pets. This natural healant absorbs - and helps the body eliminate - radiation. It can also help purify water for drinking, and can be used to treat minor wounds. Add this daily to food for livestock and community cats, to bolster their ability to fight off radiation poisoning.
Potassium iodide (KI) binds with radioactive iodine and helps expel it from the body. Check with your vet for proper dosage and recommendations. Some pets may have allergies to iodine, and KI does have some adverse effects.
Your kit should also include pet multivitamins and pet immune-system booster. Be sure to have multivitamins for yourself, too!
Afer disaster strikes, scrub your pets as thoroughly as possible as soon as you have scrubbed yourself down, and discarded your infected clothing. It would be best to bathe in calcium montmorillinite. Bathing is a priority, as failure to do so could endanger yourself and your pet. Get between toes, and safely use a cotton ball to clean the folds of your pet's ears. Wrinkly dogs such as sharpeis should have each skin fold cleaned thoroughly. For pets with double coats, be sure to scrub deep. If time permits, shave your pet completely, and safely remove all fur from your shelter.
Seaweed (unseasoned), kelp, krill oil, wheatgrass, and echinacea are considered pet-safe, and help detoxify radiation. Check with your vet now to make sure your pets do not have allergies to these.
Your emergency kit should include new leashes, collars, toys, and other essentials, as the ones your pet is wearing will most likely be contaminated. You should also have plenty of p**p bags for yourself and your pets, as going outside is most likely not an option. Once you get the "all clear" to leave your shelter, put booties on paws (these should be in your emergency kit!) to protect from any radiation that may be on the ground, as well as debris, broken glass, and rubble.
If you are caught outside during the blast, try to hide behind whatever shelter you can find: a wall, or even a park bench is better than nothing. Shield your eyes and your pet's eyes from the blinding flash (some animals may stare straight at the fireball). Continue hiding behind your shelter for several minutes, as it may take a while for radiation to reach you. Get to the nearest building as soon as possible (preferably underground, such as a basement or subway). Monitor the news, radio, and social media continuously, if possible.
Pay it forward! Before a disaster strikes, check to make sure your neighbors are tech-savvy enough to monitor online news sources for emergency warnings and FEMA relief efforts.
Please note, FAAR does not espouse political, religious, social, economic, cultural, or philosophical views, this is merely an acknowledgment of a holiday/day of note. Any mention of individuals, places, businesses, rescues, shelters, or any other entity is not necessarily an endorsement or recommendation. FAAR Fun Facts are just for fun, and are not political, religious, social, economic, cultural, or philosophical.
