Following are 25 things you can do to improve your chances of survival by preparing for the apocalypse now. Do all this emergency preparation, and your house will be a well-oiled machine in the worst-case scenario.
Prepping isn’t just for the end of world scenarios or natural catastrophes. It also makes you safer if you have a family emergency or job loss. Let’s learn how to prepare for the apocalypse.
#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.
12 Non-Perishable Foods
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meat
- Powdered 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 Water Storage & Filter
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 Survival Garden
One of the best ways to ensure your survival post-SHTF 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 if you can get some fat in your diet. Following is a list of 11 fruits to grow to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.
11 Fruits for the apocalypse
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asian Pears
- Cherries
- Currants
- Belleville Cherries
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Melons
32 Vegetables for the apocalypse
The next step in preparing for the apocalypse is an annual vegetable garden. Once you get up to speed on gardening, learn to preserve food by canning and how to save seeds from what you grow. Following is a list of 33 excellent vegetables to grow in your survival garden
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Avocado seeds
- 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 preserve food
Learn how to can and preserve food from your survival garden 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 Stockpile fuel (preparing for the apocalypse)
Stockpile fuel and or build a sustainable means of producing it. If available, wood is one of the best survival fuels because you can prune trees with a technique called pollarding for a never-ending supply. Wood can be used for fuel, shelter, and various other purposes. Up next, generators and fuel.
#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 Medical and first-aid kits
There are several reasons why you should store medical supplies and first aid kits when preparing for the apocalypse.
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, medical supplies and first aid kits can be lifesavers if you are traveling in an area where medical care is not readily available.
#8 Batteries and flashlights
Batteries and flashlights are essential for survival because they provide light and power in a power outage.
#9 Weather Radio
A weather radio is essential because it will allow you to stay up-to-date on severe weather conditions.
This will help you decide whether to evacuate or take shelter if a natural disaster like a hurricane is heading your way.
#10 Cash
In a disaster, ATMs may not work, 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.
A supply of cash is vital for survival because it allows people to buy food, water, and other essential items.
#11 Communication plan
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 ensure 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 Shelter and heat
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 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 an emergency can help you stay calm and collected.
Practicing over and over with self-defense weapons builds muscle memory. Train enough; your body will react without much thought when things go down. 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 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 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 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 suitable transportation for survival by considering the distance you need to travel, the terrain, the weather, and the available resources.
You might need a car, bike, boat, or airplane depending on the situation.
#17 Know your escape 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 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 necessary, 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 you must 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 Have a plan for waste management
A waste management plan is vital in survival 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.
#22 Have a plan for power and lighting
A power and light plan will ensure that people can see and move around safely in a power outage.
#23 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 sources, and purifying water.
#24 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.
#25 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.
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Keep on Prepping!
Kind Regards,
Scott
