Question:
I carry a wrecking bar made of titanium in my bugout bag. Can be used to pry all sorts of things, digging, and a formidable weapon. Another thing overlooked in bugout bags is a gas shutoff wrench. I prefer to go light on ammo and magazines and load more practical items, since getting involved in a firefight is low on the list of possibilities I prepare for.IDEAS?

Answer: Iodine crystals, potassium iodide, plus measuring gear to make up Lugols Iodine solution for water purification. Much more stable than chlorine, especially in hot climates. Also provides the trace of iodine needed for proper thyroid function. Before iodine was added to salt, many people in inland areas of Australia and USA were grossly iodine deficient, which can cause mental retardation, goiter, etc.

Following a nuclear attack or reactor leak vaporised radioactive iodine is released, often in fairly large quantities. If your thyroid needs iodine it will absorb this, which is why doses of potassium iodide are often recommended. If you use the Lugols solution routinely for water purification, shouldn't need any supplementary iodine. In any case, have the potassium iodide available if needed.

It takes such a small quantity of pure iodine and pure potassium iodide that could carry enough to make all the Lugols Iodine concentrate you would ever need. [Caution: Pure iodine crystals are a corrosive poison, keep away from children.]

Then too, it will serve as an antiseptic, and if have any alcohol of any sort can make up tincture of iodine.