The beauty of having your own blog is that you may write about anything you like. Anything. Today I’m considering my plan for surviving an apocalypse.
First off, there are different kinds of disasters. In the unlikely event of a zombie apocalypse, I’m pretty screwed. Roy has already shared his zombie-related survival plan with me and if we are cornered I think that he’ll be shoving me to the front as I’m diabetic and therefore my blood will be sweeter and so I’ll be able to keep the hoards happy and occupied while I’m supplying their lunch, allowing everyone else to disappear to safety. Once the zombies arrive it’s every man/woman for themselves.
Luckily, zombie apocalypse isn’t likely. Whatever the cause these top tips for surviving post-disaster may be worth saving (or printing out because there’s unlikely to be the internet if anything goes sidewards).
Top Tips for Surviving an Apocalypse
This isn’t a specific plan, that would depend on what caused the apocalypse but a good starting point for “normal” apocalypse situation.
Get Provisions
It doesn’t matter whether your post-world-as-we-know-it knowledge comes from The Tribe or Walking Dead. Provisions are the first thing on your list, once you gathered your family and your wits.
Think short, medium and long-term:
- Medicines: Anything you can get your hands on. It’s unlikely big pharmaceutical companies will be up
and running for a while post-disaster. Any medical supplies will be of invaluable use so don’t forget the first aid kit. - A Radio: Every disaster movie shows someone finding someone via a cranky old radio. It’s a good thing to have.
- Batteries: Electricity is going to be a gonna so load up with as many batteries as you can. You never know when they may come in handy.
- Canned food and dried goods.
- Sundries: Glue, tape, string, needles and thread and so on.
- Tools: Everything from a can opener to a pair of scissors.
- Clothing: There’s no fashion show post-apocalypse so consider serviceable layers. The more pockets the better. You want to be able to stay warm and dry. Likewise, sturdy footwear. It’s very likely that you’ll soon realise that the older folks were right when they said they don’t make things to last like they used to but do what you can.
- Seeds and cuttings: We’ll cover this more later but if you have homegrown produce or can get your hands on seeds and tools, this would be a huge advantage long term.
- Protection: I’ll be warding anyone with bad intentions off with my steely Mum look. How you plan to protect yourself is up to you.
Get The Hell Out of Dodge
If you live in an urban area which relies entirely on modern utilities to keep going, you may need to relocate. And fast. Leave a note for anyone coming looking for you to tell them you survived, are ok and are moving on but not to worry, then grab what you need (and can carry) and start looking for somewhere you can have shelter and start to be self-sufficient. A natural, clean water source is always good.
Be Self Sufficient
There aren’t any supermarket stockists coming, the local cafe is going to be closed and we’re all going to get hungry pretty quickly. In the short term, we can be frugal with what we’ve collected however we really need to get cracking on protecting our future. Hopefully, when relocating you went for somewhere with shelter and planting soil. Again, clean water is a must. Take a day to get your head together then alternate between foraging and planting. If you managed to settle somewhere with chickens and so on, you are laughing. The key to survival is long-term planning.
Make Friends
My overall plan is to live a fairly isolated, self-sufficient life (eventually). In the meantime having a few friends is not going to be a bad thing. Trading goods is a way to not only survive but thrive and it’s good to know people have your back if needed.
Survival of the Fittest
Clearly, those who will survive are the ones with one eye on the future. Find a safe and steady base and build a new life, pronto. Make sure you keep some provisions and tools hidden away, just in case a local maniac decides to take a shine to you and your land, requiring you to make a quick exit. Staying off the grid as much as possible is always advised. Enjoy the fruits of your labours and get plenty of exercise and sleep. This is my plan for post-apocalypse life. What do you have in mind?
