We live in a much different time than the generations before us. It’s all around us…the constant reminder that our world as we know it could change. When I say change, I’m referring to the all too real possibility that our towns could turn into ghost towns.
Streets once filled with moving vehicles, people walking or riding bikes…empty. Playgrounds filled with happy children…empty. Retail stores…empty. Movie theaters…empty. Sport stadiums….empty. Our towns become shells. Movies, such as “The Road”, portray the exact post apocalyptic environment I just described.
Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment
A heartbreaking story of a father and his young son setting out on their own in an post apocalyptic world. Darkened skies, smoke filled air, no clean water in sight, and everything from houses to businesses lay in ruins. They travel with very few possessions and barely any supplies at all.
Along the way, they pick up whatever supplies they can to survive as they head out on a long journey toward the coast. The possibility that this could happen in our lifetime makes the story all that more heartbreaking.
There are so many reasons why our world could end up this way. Here are a few that come to mind:
Events such as these are reasons why we should always be prepared so that we may survive! In this article, I will discuss ways to do just that.
How To Be Prepared: Staying Alive In A Post-Apocalyptic Environment
Gather Enough Supplies To Last You 100 Days
Of course, if living in a post apocalyptic world, 100 days of supplies will not last forever. However, this is a good start until you can become self sufficient. Consider the following items as part of your 100 day supply.
- Gallon jugs of drinking water
- Vacuum sealed food items
- Canned goods
- Bedding – pillows, blankets, and/or sleeping bags
- Medications (OTC and prescriptions)
- A weapon for self defense purposes
- A knife or a multi-tool
- Warm clothing
- And, of course, a good sized sturdy pack to carry these items
Other supplies to consider:
- Batteries
- LED flashlights
- Lighter or matches
- Ferro rod
- Cooking/Dining Ware
- 550 paracord
- Can opener
- Duct tape
- Compass
- Maps of surrounding areas
- Weather radio
- 2-way radios
- A simple fire-starting kit with char cloth
- A poncho
- Sunglasses and other protective eye gear
- MRE's (Meals ready to eat)
- A small, portable fishing kit
First Aid Kits
A well stocked first aid kit should always be among your supplies. Check out these articles from us here at Survival Life on how you can have the perfect first aid kit for yourself and your loved ones:
- First Aid Kit List
- How to Make Proper First Aid Kit
- Dog First Aid Kit For Your Canine Companion (Can’t forget our loyal canines!)
Must Have Miscellaneous Items
Believe it or not, people often overlook these necessary items when putting together they’re supplies:
- 2-4 rolls of toilet paper
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Menstrual items
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Trash bags
- Bleach
- Shovel
Learning New Skills
Learning to hunt, fish, gather wild edible plants, garden, and setting traps for wild game are all skills that come in handy after your food supplies run out.
Also, learning how to purify water, build shelters, and start fires will deem extremely valuable in a extreme post apocalyptic survival situation.
Self defense is another skill everyone should learn to protect themselves and their loved ones. Also, learning what to do (or not do) around wild animals. Check out this article on great tips on how to avoid animal attacks.
Maintaining A Positive Outlook
In a post-apocalyptic world, it will be hard to stay positive. However, try to maintain a positive outlook, if you can. It will make all the difference for you and those around you. Survival is 90% mental and if you think you can’t make it through, then you most likely will not. Fight the urge to give up and move forward. You are stronger than you think!
What are your thoughts on the possibility of living in a post-apocalyptic world? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Check out these articles on other must have survival tips:
- 10 Radiation Accident Survival Tips That Could Save Your Life
- Communication Breakdown – How to Stay in Touch after a HEMP Attack
For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 27, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
I suspect our greatest risk isn’t on the list—a repeat of the Great Depression that begins with the collapse of the Chinese banking system. Chinese banks will call their overseas investments home, triggering similar problems around the world.
And that means many years of too few jobs and too little money. A few extra rolls of toilet paper and some paracord aren going to get you through that. You’ll need a wide variety of skills, including a talent for frugality, to weather it.
Having tools and skills to survive will increase the odds of surviving. But I have found that the survival mindset is more important than the tools or skills. If you have decided all hope is lost and you wont survive then all the tools and skills will likely not safe you. I have seen people survive without tools or skills simply because they refused to give up. Having hope and a plan will increase the odds of survival much more than carrying 10 of pounds of tools and hours and hours of training.
My Mom survived the Depression on potatoes and eggs, both raised in the backyard