[judicial meanz]

To be honest:

I live in the suburbs of one of the high risk areas. I am far enough out a bomb wont kill us, but the fallout plume would possibly be a problem.


Early on I decided that the possibility of an attack with unconventional weapons was possible, and I designed a kit that the family could use as a resource if it was needed. I didnt waste my time on duct tape, but went to work on making sure my family had a real chance at survival in case of an unconventional attack. I decided it may never happen, but I wasnt going to get caught flatfooted if it did.

I found out that FEMA had sold a large cache of old Cold War era radiological survey meters at auction, and obtained two of them. One is a CDV-700 radiological survey meter (low range geiger counter) and the other is a CDV-715 ( high range ion chamber) . I also bought a few pocket dosimeters and a dosimeter charger. I sent each out to get them calibrated, and cached them. Total cost was about $120.00. Calibration cost 40 dollars a meter through resources I had learned about at my job. The dosimeters were calibrated by electrical leak tests.

Note that I was trained to use these items in the USN, and I use items like them every day at work. I have a basic level of familiarity with them, and know how to use them.

I also got a hold of a ten meter roll of US Army M-9 chemical detection paper , and a Bio Check field test package ( distributed by larus systems in Maryland). The Bio test package costs 22.00 per package and the M-9 cost 58.00. It gives you a very basic point detection capability. If I wanted to spend 1000 dollars more, I could have the capability of a HAZMAT team, but I dont need it for my family.

I also went to the site below and downloaded a copy of HOTSPOT modeling software. It runs various radiological disaster simulations and makes medical and radiation protection suggestions, as well as predicts fallout patterns from nuclear attacks. I loaded it on my laptop so if I needed to, I could use it to escape fallout areas and rad plumes from any attack scenario.


Http://www.philrutherford.com/radiation_software.html


I also downloaded Chemical software called CAMEO from the EPA site that does the same thing and installed it on my laptop. Then I finished out by investing in about 400 dollars of canned goods, basic first aid equipment, and water.

After I got what I wanted, I then placed it all in a trunk case ( plastic case capable of holding loose components in a car trunk) that cost about 30.00 from Wal Mart and placed them in my English basement in an accessible place.

I personally dont think it is crazy to realize we are at war and we need to take steps to protect our families.I want my children to live to a ripe old age, so I decided it is reasonable to take these steps, and my wife concurred. If I deserve a tinfoil hat for being so anal about survival, I guess I earned it..LOL

It does give you some peace of mind.

Hope that helps

[Letitring]

Thank you so very much. If you don't mind, may I print out your post? I want to follow it, to the letter.

[Domestic Church]

Wise Daddy!

If you ever have to use those supplies, know there will be plenty of prayers going up.

[Donna Lee Nardo]

bookmarking...

[Donna Lee Nardo]

I just had a thoroughly enjoyable time reading your "about page." That list had me in tears!

[TomInNJ]

"If I deserve a tinfoil hat for being so anal about survival, I guess I earned it..LOL"

No need for tinfoil hat. No need at all.

As they say: I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

[Unknowing]

How important is it to calibrate the radiological survey meter? I have a CDV-717 which is not recently calibrated; I'm assuming that if a harmful radiation exposure occurred nearby, the r/hr meter would register somewhere way above the "zeroed" mark, at any setting. That should be enough to allow someone to decide whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place, right?

[Unknowing]

There's a company in Texas that will calibrate the radiological survey meters for $78 each. http://www.radmeters4u.com/calibrate.htm

They have a neat website with good radioactive fallout survival information.