9 Ways to Prepare for a North Korean Nuclear Attack

Detonated at high altitude, a nuclear weapon will generate an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that can destroy electrical devices for hundreds of miles. Stocking up on flashlights and a radio is probably a good idea. Having months' supply of batteries, like

Duracell and

is crucial. Having a supply of non-perishable foods and water is also essential. Cereals and energy bars, like those manufactured by Kellogg

are perfect examples, as they're nutritious and possess a long shelf-life. A deck of cards to kill the time might not be a bad idea, either.

Evacuating from a risky area is your best chance to avoid almost certain death or potentially months in an extremely unpleasant state of darkness. This is especially true if you live near airfields, naval bases, commercial ports, centers of government and major population centers. If you're unable to evacuate, you should find the closest atomic shelter in your vicinity. It's essential that you protect yourself against radiation. A slightly inferior option is taking to your basement. As a last resort, dig a hole as fast as possible. The further down you are situated, the less of an impact the nuclear blast and its radiation fallout will have on you. Lay face down, exposing as little skin as possible.

Your shelter should not contain any windows, which provide a channel for radiation and can be blown out by a nuclear explosion from enormous distances. Make sure there's nothing flammable near you as well. Even oil- and nylon-based materials will ignite from the heat. Any electrical devices should be unplugged as the EMP from the nuclear weapon can cause explosions. Battery-powered devices like radio and flashlights should be be placed in a sealed metal box, or a worst, a cardboard box wrapped in aluminum foil. The container will act as a Faraday cage, shielding items from the EMP.

The best time to prepare for nuclear catastrophe is

the fact. Review your homeowner's and car insurance policies, making sure that your coverage extends to nuclear attacks -- in most cases, it doesn't. Checking life insurance policies and protecting any other assets you may have is also a good idea. Look to companies like Allstate

, Progressive

, Travelers

and American International Group

for guidance.

Cockroaches are

to radiation fallout and what's worse, mutations could increase the size and power of the ugly insects. Having an insecticide on hand and keeping it in your Faraday cage is important in order to fight off the pests, who could go after your food and spread disease.

Raid and

Ortho Hi-Power Ant, Roach & Spider Killer are examples of effective roach killers. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons).

Knowing much radiation your shelter can withstand can be a great survival tool. The largest threat is not the initial radiation from the attack, which spreads a short distance and would only affect areas where people will have already been killed by the blast or heat. Rather, the residual radiation or fallout is the most dangerous aspect of the explosion. Radiation fallout may rain down in the form of black suit, contaminating anything it touches. It is extremely fatal. Staying indoors, shielding oneself from gamma rays, which can travel miles at a time, is crucial.

Reinforcing one's shelter can stop fallout debris from piling on you and your family, reducing the amount of radiation you're exposed to. Stacking dirt, now, wood, rock or steel are all somewhat effective at reducing radiation penetration.

Establish a system of rationing food and water, preparing yourself and family for a worst case scenario. You should ration your food in a manner that it lasts at least a month.

Constantly monitor radio broadcasts for updates on the outside world. Be attentive to details by keeping track of where the center of the nuclear blast(s) are located, as well as if there is any threat of subsequent attacks. Pending extraneous circumstances, do not leave your shelter until authorities give the sign that things are safe.