Following are 26 things you can do to improve your chances of survival if things head south. Do all of this emergency preparation, and the worst-case scenario is that your house will be a well-oiled machine. Prepping isn’t just for the end of the world scenarios or natural catastrophes. Preparedness also puts you in a safer position if you have a family emergency or job loss.
#1 Stockpile non-perishable food items
Having a food stockpile is extremely important to weather short and long-term emergencies. Start stockpiling these non-perishable foods, so you are ready.
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned Meat
- Powdered or canned milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Flour
- Sugar
- Coffee
- Tea
- Nuts
- Dried Fruit
- Grains
To learn more about stockpiling emergency food start with the Ready Squirrel article, “How Much Survival Food Do I need?”
#2 Purchase a water filter and water storage containers
Water isn’t a very sexy prep, but it’s super important, as you know. Plan to provide at least 1 gallon of clean water per day. How much water to store depends on how long you want to survive.
I recommend storing at least a two-week supply for your group and having a method to purify natural water if the catastrophe goes beyond two weeks.
#3 Create a garden to grow fruits and vegetables
One of the best ways to ensure your survival is to plant a survival garden and learn to preserve food by canning or freeze-drying.
Eventually, dry goods and non-perishable foods will run out, but a garden will sustain you indefinitely.
11 fruits to plant for the apocalypse
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asian Pears
- Cherries
- Currants
- Belleville Cherries
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Melons
32 vegetables to plant for the apocalypse
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Avocadoseets
- Bell Peppers
- Bok Choy
- Brassica oleracea
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Endive
- Fava Beans
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green Beans
- Herbs
- Horseradish
- Hubbard Squash
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- kale
- kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Potatoes
- Walking onions
To learn more about survival gardening check out the Ready Squirrel article, Survival Garden: Best Plants to Grow
#4 Learn To Can and Preserve Food
Learn how to can and preserve food because it helps you become more self-sufficient and less reliant on the food system, and it will help save money on your grocery bill.
#5 Build a stockpile of firewood
Wood can be used for fuel, shelter, and various other purposes.
Having a stockpile of wood can mean the difference between life and death in a survival situation.
#6 Purchase a generator and fuel
A generator and fuel are essential for survival because they provide a way to generate electricity and power necessary devices in an emergency.
#7 Store medical supplies and first-aid kits
There are several reasons why you should store medical supplies and first aid kits for survival.
First, if a natural disaster or other emergency occurs, medical supplies and first aid kits can be essential for caring for those injured or ill.
Second, If you are stranded in a remote location, medical supplies and first aid kits can be vital for treating injuries or illness until help arrives.
Finally, if you are traveling in an area where medical care is not readily available, medical supplies and first aid kits can be lifesavers.
#8 Stock up on batteries and flashlights
Batteries and flashlights are essential for survival because they provide light and power in a power outage.
#9 Invest in a weather radio
A weather radio is an essential investment because it will allow you to stay up-to-date on severe weather conditions.
This will help you make an informed survival decision about whether to evacuate or take shelter if a natural disaster like a hurricane is heading your way.
#10 Get a supply of cash
In a survival situation, cash is essential because it is likely that electricity will be out, so credit and debit cards won’t work.
A supply of cash is vital for survival because it allows people to buy food, water, and other essential items.
#11 Have A plan for communication
During a survival situation, an available communication system will allow you to stay in touch with loved ones and prevent panic and confusion.
Staying in touch with your loved ones can help to ensure that you are not isolated in a survival situation. If you can keep in contact, you will be able to receive help and give help if needed.
Open communication allows you to create a support network in a survival situation. If you can communicate with other survival groups, they can provide emotional support and practical assistance.
#12 Have a plan for shelter and staying warm
A shelter and staying warm plan is vital for survival because it helps protect you from the elements. A survival shelter can help keep you dry and out of the wind, and heat from a fire or other fuel source can keep you warm.
8 Things to do to stay warm
- Wear layers of clothing
- Drink Warm Beverages
- Use a space heater
- Huddle with others to keep warm
- Cover yourself with blankets or sleeping bags
- Compartmentalize a room to keep heat in
- Set up a tent or build a shelter inside a room
- Minimize opening and closing doors
#13 Have a plan for self-defense
You want to have a self-defense plan in case things go sideways. Be ready to protect yourself and your family from harm.
A self-defense plan in place in an emergency can help you stay calm and collected.
Practicing over and over with self-defense weapons builds muscle memory. Train enough, and when things go down, your body will react without much thought. You’ll go on auto-pilot.
10 Self-Defense Ideas for Survival
- Learn Self-defense techniques
- Be skilled in using weapons for self-defense
- Get in shape and stay physically fit
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Trust your instincts and intuition
- Have a plan and know your options
- Be prepared with the right supplies and equipment
- Stay calm and focused
- Be confident in your abilities
- Be ready to fight for your life
#14 Have a plan for transportation
Have a plan for transportation because it can help you get to safety, find food and water, and evacuate an area if necessary.
Consider what kind of transportation is available and the supplies you will need to get from one location to the next. Also, consider how you will get fuel and store it.
15 Types of Survival Transportation
The best type of survival transportation will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
A small, lightweight car can easily maneuver through traffic and navigate narrow roads.
A large SUV or truck can carry more supplies and handle off-road terrain.
A sailboat doesn’t require fuel and carries a lot of supplies.
Ultimately the best type of bug-out vehicle is the one that suits your plan.
- Car
- Truck
- Motorcycle
- Scooter
- Plane
- Boat
- Walking
#16 Choose the proper transportation
Choose the suitable transportation for survival by considering the distance you need to travel, the terrain, the weather, and the availability of resources.
You might need a car, bike, boat, or airplane, depending on the situation.
#17 Know your route
Knowing the route you will take to escape a threat, catastrophe, or disaster will help you stay focused and avoid getting lost.
Creating the primary and alternate routes before a survival situation will allow you to find the best path to safety. It will also enable you to plan for potential hazards along the way and help you avoid them.
Map out your route in advance and have a backup plan in case of road closures or other obstacles.
#18 Pack Essential Supplies
Food, water, and medical supplies are a must, like a first-aid kit and any special items you or your family may need.
#19 Fill up your gas tank
In a long-term emergency, gas stations may not be operational, so it’s essential to have a full gas tank before you leave.
#20 Check Your Vehicle’s Fluids and Tires
Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before setting out on your journey.
#21 Bring Cash
In a disaster, ATMs may not be working, and credit cards may not be accepted for essential purchases, so it’s necessary to have cash on hand to purchase needed supplies like fuel, food, water, and last-minute items you may need.
#22 Have a plan for waste management
A waste management plan is vital in a survival situation because it helps you safely and effectively dispose of human waste. This is important for preventing disease and keeping your survival location clean.
Properly store waste to prevent contamination of water and prevent illness
Garbage can be buried, or plan to use a portable toilet.
Regular garbage can be disposed of by burning it in a 55-gallon drum.
#23 Have a plan for power and lighting
A power and light plan will ensure that people will be able to see and move around safely in a power outage.
#24 Have a plan for water
Water is a vital resource for survival and should be planned for accordingly. Ensure you have an adequate water supply, including storing water in containers, finding natural water sources, and purifying water.
#25 Have a plan for food
Food is an essential consideration for survival. Planning for food involves considering what to eat, how to store food, and how to prepare food.
#26 Have a plan for medical care
Medical care is another vital consideration in a survival situation. Planning for medical care includes stocking supplies, learning first aid and CPR, and having a plan for evacuation and medical treatment.
