Jugs of water Canned goods Vacuum-sealed goods Blankets and pillows Medications A weapon that you actually know how to use properly A knife (in addition to a weapon) Warm, long sleeved clothing (if your climate requires it) Carrying bag (for moving and/or fleeing).
Batteries Flashlights Matches Pots and pans (for cooking or boiling water) Plastic utensils (plate, mug, spoon, fork) Rope or twine Map Permanent markers (something to write with) Change of clothes Can opener Lighters Camp stove and propane Hatchet or axe First aid book Sunglasses Duct tape Glow sticks Boots Extra pants Smartphone Water filters Other comfort items
Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids Gauze Medical tape Antibiotics Antiviral drugs Ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) Acetaminophen/paracetamol (over-the-counter pain relief) Antihistamine Aspirin (over-the-counter pain relief) Laxative Iodine Potassium Iodine Hand sanitizing liquid Candles A multi-use tool (aka a “hobo tool”) Phone charger (preferably solar) Wood for burning Towels Life jackets, if your area is prone to flooding Extra warm clothes Paper towels Solar chargers Pet food (enough for 30-90 days) Tweezers Plasters Safety pins Thermometer Superglue Toothpicks/needles
Toilet paper (a couple rolls will suffice) Menstrual products Toothbrush and toothpaste Plastic garbage bags and ties Shovel or trowel Bleach Soap and shampoo
Keep batteries with your radio. The last thing you want is to presume you’re prepared when you’re really not. And if you have a loved one you’re taking care of, make sure they have a radio and you’re not keeping both of them for the two of you. When all else fails, work out how you will contact each other. This is when your permanent markers will come in handy. If the apocalypse strikes and you have left the house, write down where you are going, when you left, and if/when you’ll be back on the wall, on a rock, on a nearby car, wherever you can find.
In said vehicle, it’s equally as likely that you’ll be in it when all breaks loose, so pack a survival kit to keep in your car as well. Is there such a thing as being too prepared? If this isn’t an option, make sure you have a bicycle laying around somewhere that’s fully functioning. There will be a point when you need to cover large distances in a short amount of time.
Master the art of the snare trap. If you’re really scrappy with it, you need nothing but what nature provides you. If you’re on the ocean or near a body of water, get to fishing or fly fishing. Your stock of baked beans and Spaghetti O’s certainly isn’t going to start spawning miraculously. Take a hint from Katniss Everdeen and start honing your archery skills. Once you’ve got a reason, learn how to make your own bow.
Consider reading some novels about the apocalypse, as well, but don’t rely on these for accurate advice since you won’t necessarily know how much effort the author put into research. Examples of books to read include: The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven, Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, Earth Abides by George R. Stewart, Stephen King’s The Stand, and The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham are all great places to start (even if the apocalypse doesn’t end up coming anytime soon). You’ve already watched The Hunger Games, right?
For most of us, not much. Can you make a battery from a lemon? Or a potato clock? Lowering the bar. . . how are you at tying knots?
Having electricity in your safe house will keep the lights on and keep electronics running. Electricity is important to run power tools, welders, water/fuel pumps, radio equipment as well as charge any portable item or comfort item you may wish to use. It’ll be a surprising source of morale, too.
Pretty much any cause for an apocalypse requires long, comfortable clothing. You want a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin from predators, yes, but also from the sun and treacherous terrain. The apocalypse is no time to work on your tan. If you have time, grab a pair of boots. If you don’t have boots nearby, go for tennis shoes. You may have to break into a dead sprint at any time. If you have the luxury, make sure you’re comfortable enough in your clothes and shoes to flee.
Again, if you can stay in your house, do so. A shelter is best and friends and family will know how to find you. Make an assessment of your situation. Be as logical and rational as possible. You may want to stay, but is it best for you and your family?
Basements are a good place to start. 16 inches (40. 6 cm) of solid brick can keep radiation away from you, so you should fairly set there – not to mention among your own things. One inch (2. 5cm) of steel will do it too, but you probably don’t live on the Enterprise.
And stock up. Don’t think in terms of days; think in weeks. Grab a few bags and start scrumping. What can you carry that’ll last the longest? Think in volume and weight in addition to preservation. Cans are good, but they’re heavy. But if everything is already picked over, don’t get fussy; take what you can get. You’ll need just anything to survive. Water. Get loads and loads and loads of water, or else you’ll be drinking your pee in no time.
Don’t flash your gun like you do your BMW. Conceal your weapons. You know that scene in Die Hard where Bruce had those guns taped to his back (despite the fact that tape doesn’t adhere easily to pools of sweat) and pulled a one-over on that German villain either played by Jeremy Irons or Alan Rickman? That’s going to be you. No one’s going to pull the wool over your eyes. You’re a weapon yourself.
Okay, you’ll probably want friends so you shouldn’t be too picky. If you’re not going to assess them for their goods, at least consider their character. Does your gut tell you they’re trustworthy? If you’re all alone, keep a look out for lights and fires at nighttime. If you see one or more, consider venturing out yourself to make new best friends, but only if you think the end would justify the means. How far away is the light? How quickly could you get there? What would you be risking by leaving? Are there predators or obstacles in your path? You may be better off being alone, for now.
Do not let your ethics stand in the way of your identity. The rules are different now. Just because you decided someone isn’t pulling their slack and the team should, therefore, cut their losses doesn’t mean you’ve turned into an animal. Assess your moralities as you see fit, but understand that the world is a much different place now and you must adapt to it to stay alive and fruitful.
