Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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Relocation

If you don't feel your current living situation is ideal for scenarios you may be facing, relocation may be the safest option. It's not easy, and there are many factors to consider, but it is possible with taking the aspects below into consideration.

  • List what matters most: affordability, climate, job opportunities, healthcare, schools, access to nature, community values, etc.
  • Consider your family’s unique needs (e.g., medical, educational, cultural, or accessibility requirements).
  • Investigate cost of living, housing prices, taxes, and employment options.
  • Research climate risks (wildfire, flooding, hurricanes, drought), water availability, and air quality.
  • Assess access to healthcare, schools, and essential services.
  • Explore local laws and regulations that may affect self-sufficiency (e.g., homesteading, livestock, rainwater collection).
  • Spend time in your top-choice areas to get a feel for the community, amenities, and lifestyle.
  • Talk to locals about pros and cons, and ask about the area’s resilience to disruptions.
  • Look for active community groups, local food systems, and mutual aid networks.
  • Consider diversity, inclusivity, and opportunities to build strong social connections.
  • Calculate moving costs, including transportation, deposits, and emergency funds.
  • Research job markets or remote work options if needed.
  • Plan for a buffer in case of unexpected expenses or delays.
  • If self-reliance is a goal, look for properties with space for gardening, water sources, and renewable energy options.
  • Assess access to hunting, fishing, or foraging if those are important to you.

Relocation Within the USA

If you’re looking for an area in the U.S. that offers affordability, self-sufficiency, and independence, along with a moderate climate, good hunting opportunities, and a supportive community for home relocation – here are a few suggestions that meet many of your criteria:
Why?
  •   Affordable land with fertile soil for gardening and livestock.
  • Minimal government interference; rural communities are very self-reliant.
  • Great hunting (deer, turkey, etc.) and fishing opportunities.
  • Moderate climate with four distinct seasons.
  • Active timber and sawmill industry.
Standout Areas:
  • Southern Missouri, such as near West Plains or around the Mark Twain National Forest.
Why?
  •  No state income tax and low property taxes.
  •  Land is relatively affordable, especially in rural counties.
  •  Great for hunting and self-sufficient farming.
  •  Mild winters and longer growing seasons.
  •  Communities in this region value independence and are generally friendly.
Standout Areas:
  • The Cumberland Plateau or regions near the Great Smoky Mountains.
Why?
  •  Low cost of living and affordable, usable land.
  •  Excellent hunting (deer, bear, small game) and access to outdoor activities.
  •  Strong timber industry presence.
  •  Minimal zoning and regulation in rural areas.
  •  Friendly communities.
Standout Areas:
  • The Ozark Mountains or areas near Harrison or Mountain View.
Why?
  •  Low property taxes and affordable land for farming and livestock.
  •  Great for hunting (deer, elk, turkey).
  •  Communities value independence and privacy.
  •  Timber and sawmill opportunities exist in rural areas.
  •  Mild climate with ample rainfall for gardens.
Standout Areas:
  • Areas near Somerset, Corbin, or along the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Why?
  •  Incredibly affordable land in rural areas with few restrictions.
  •  Some of the best hunting in the U.S. (deer, bear, moose).
  •  Strong timber and sawmill industries.
  •  Independent-minded people and minimal government oversight.
Standout Areas:
  • Northern or central Maine, though winters are harsher compared to the South.

Relocation Outside of the USA

  • Research countries that align with your goals-whether for work, retirement, family, safety, cost of living, climate, or lifestyle preferences.
  • Consider political stability, healthcare quality, language, and cultural fit.
  • Every country has its own visa rules. Common visa types include work, student, retirement, family reunification, and investment visas.
  • Check if your chosen country offers digital nomad or remote work visas if you plan to work online.
  • Decide if you want temporary residency, permanent residency, or citizenship. Some countries require you to give up US citizenship for full naturalization.
  • Gather essential documents: passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, financial records, and health records.
  • Open an international bank account or ensure your US bank supports international transactions.
  • Understand the local requirements for property rental or purchase.
  • US citizens must file US taxes on worldwide income, even when living abroad
  • Learn about the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, Foreign Tax Credit, and reporting requirements for foreign bank accounts (FBAR, FATCA)
  • Research tax treaties between the US and your new country to avoid double taxation
  • Research the healthcare system in your destination: Is it public, private, or a mix? Are you eligible for coverage as a resident or expat?
  • Consider international health insurance if local coverage isn’t available immediately.
  • Calculate the cost of living, including housing, utilities, food, transportation, and education
  • Plan for moving expenses and have an emergency fund.
If possible, spend several weeks or months in your target country to get a feel for daily life and assess if it meets your expectations
  • If relocating with family, research schools, childcare, and community resources.
  • Consider language barriers, local customs, and integration opportunities.
  • Downsize your belongings; decide what to ship, store, or sell.
  • Arrange for shipping, storage, and temporary housing if needed.
  • Update your address with banks, government agencies, and subscriptions
  • Register with the US embassy in your new country for safety updates and assistance.
  • Keep copies of important documents in both physical and digital formats.

First Actions to Take if Radiation Exposure is Imminent

Infographic titled “Sheltering in Place: Radiation Emergency” with four icons and steps: Get Inside, Seal the Room, Stay Indoors, and Listen for Updates.

If a nuclear bomb has been detonated or a reactor has exploded, you will not have time to escape the fallout zone. Fallout can begin settling within 10–20 minutes of the explosion and can travel for miles, carried by wind. In this critical window, your best chance of survival is to shelter in place immediately.

  • Do Not Try to Outrun It: Fallout travels faster than traffic and can reach areas before you’re out of danger.
  • Evacuating after the explosion can increase your exposure to radioactive dust and particles.
  • Immediate sheltering is the most effective way to reduce radiation exposure in the first hours.
  • Seal Your Shelter
    • Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
    • Shut all vents, chimneys, fireplace dampers, and exhaust fans.
    • Use plastic sheeting, tarps, or large garbage bags and duct tape to cover windows, doors, and vents.
    • Place wet towels or blankets at the base of doors and windows to block air leaks.
  • Choose One Room
    • Pick an interior room or basement, ideally a master bedroom with an attached bathroom to limit exposure to other areas.
    • The room should have as few windows and exterior walls as possible.
    • Avoid areas near garages or large open spaces with poor insulation.
  • Bring In Supplies Quickly
    • Water, non-perishable food, flashlights, radio, batteries, sanitation supplies, medications, first aid kit, and blankets.
    • Don’t forget potassium iodide (if available) and supplies for pets.
  • Turn Off All Air Circulation Systems
    • Shut down HVAC systems, air conditioning, and forced-air heating.
    • Close off internal vents between rooms.
  • Stay Encapsulated
    • Do not leave your shelter for at least 24–72 hours unless authorities say it’s safe.
    • Fallout radiation is most intense in the first few hours and drops significantly over time (about 90% reduction in 48 hours).
  • Ration water: Use only what’s necessary—aim for 1 quart per person per day for drinking.
  • Use moist towelettes or waterless soap to clean hands and surfaces instead of running water.
  • Limit food waste by opening only what you need at the time. Avoid consuming food or water that may be contaminated. Ideally, eat only sealed food and drink bottled water.
  • Minimize toilet use if plumbing is compromised; use emergency toilet bags or lined buckets.
  • Keep electronics off when not in use to preserve battery life (especially radios and flashlights).
  • Seal opened food packages tightly to avoid contamination and spoilage.
  • Remove outer clothing immediately if exposed: it can eliminate up to 90% of contamination.
  • Place contaminated clothing in a sealed plastic bag and move it as far from your shelter area as possible.
  • Shower with warm water and mild soap – no conditioner or lotions. Lotions, creams, and conditioners can trap radioactive particles, preventing from washing them off effectively.
  • NO SCRUBBING: Scrubbing or using abrasive soaps can cause tiny cuts or abrasions, allowing radioactive materials to enter the body more easily. The goal is to rinse particles off the surface, not grind them into the skin.
  • Rinse hair thoroughly with water. Wash gently—like you’re cleaning off chalk dust, not oil or grease.
  • Clean pets with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes, avoiding harsh soaps.
  • Watch for symptoms of radiation sickness (typically 1-6 hours after exposure): nausea, vomiting, weakness, headache, skin burns or redness, dizziness, fever, low blood pressure.
  • Ideal situation would be to seek medical attention if symptoms develop. But if you cannot get immediate medical attention:
    • Get out of the exposure area (if you’re not already sheltering in place)
    • Avoid re-contaminating yourself or others: change clothes, decontaminate, and isolate contaminated items.
    • Initiate decontamination procedures: remove clothing and seal in a plastic bag, shower with lukewarm water, rinse thoroughly
    • Stay hydrated as much as possible: take anti-nausea medications and frequent small sips of water with an electrolyte solution.
    • Take potassium iodide following correct dosage by age group.
    • Rest: conserve energy – your immune system may be compromised.
    • Keep a record of symptoms and report to a healthcare provider as soon as safely feasible.

After Radiation Exposure

  • Do not leave your shelter until public health or emergency officials announce it’s safe.
  • Radiation levels may drop by 90% within the first 48–72 hours, but hotspots may still remain.
  • Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves, mask if possible).
  • Avoid touching surfaces or debris until you’ve assessed contamination.
  • Minimize movement in outdoor areas until cleanup is confirmed.
  • If you’re going outside for the first time, change clothes and gently wash exposed skin when returning.
  • Keep contaminated items sealed and stored away from your living area.
  • Once declared safe, air out your shelter by opening windows and doors to flush lingering particles.
  • Clean surfaces with damp cloths—do not sweep or vacuum, which can spread particles.
  • Discard any food or water that wasn’t sealed or stored indoors.
  • Wash bedding, clothing, and soft goods if contamination is suspected.
  • Be aware of delayed effects such as fatigue, weakened immunity, or unusual bruising.
  • Follow up with regular health screenings, especially thyroid or blood panels if exposure was high.
  • Inform local authorities about hazardous areas or debris.
  • Take photos of damage for documentation and assistance claims.
  • Continue listening to official broadcasts or checking trusted websites.
  • Local agencies may offer cleanup help, water testing, or medical clinics for exposed individuals.