No one really knows where humanity is heading, but at the moment, it’s all looking pretty dicey. China, North Korea, Russia and the US appear to be vying for supremacy, while the people on the street are just trying to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
With the current rise of xenophobia, racism, misogyny, Islamophobia, queerphobia and so on, and the general feeling of hate that seems to be pushing into our lives, every day the situation could blow, changing things forever as a result of split-second decision from those in power.
Be Prepared
Survivalists, or preppers, are actively preparing for possible disruptions in social or political order, from local level right up to global catastrophe, and never knowing when this could strike, we feel safer in the knowledge that we can take care of ourselves in the event of The End of the World as We Know It.
The cliche of the lone conspiracy theorist, sitting in a darkened room with their laptop, or the paranoid survivalist living off-grid in the mountains, has very little to do with the modern prepper, and while it’s true that many are ex military, most of us go to work, socialise, have hobbies, and families, and experience all the highs and lows of normal life. But while natural disasters around the world, such as Hurricane Katrina, flooding on a global scale, earthquakes and wildfires, are leaving communities struggling to survive and demonstrating society’s reliance on infrastructure, preppers prefer to rely on themselves.
Every prepper has their plans for survival – somewhere to go, how to get there, and the means to communicate with other groups. We have bags packed and vehicles waiting, ready for action, batteries charged and food supplies stored, for the day, if it comes, when it’s time to get out of Dodge.
What Every Good Prepper Needs
When the Zombie Apocalypse hits – in whatever form it takes, what should you have stored?
Your secure shelter, or so called Bug Out Location (BOL), is the first place to head towards. It should be kept fully stocked with enough rations and equipment to survive for several months minimum, but any essential items should be spread between your vehicle and backpack.
Your BOL should include, at the very least :
- A generator and running fuel is crucial in an emergency situation. Gas generators are vital for running essential appliances, they offer good value for money, and will make your life much easier. However, don’t automatically pick the biggest, most powerful model as these tend to drink up fuel. You can find more gas generators here. Find the right model for your requirements.
- Chainsaw – useful in so many ways.
- A means to harvest rainwater.
- Fire extinguishers – you never know when you might need one.
- A means of protecting yourself, family and property – including boobie traps and hidden entrances/exits.
- CB radio, spare mobile phones including chargers and extra batteries.
Food
This is obviously crucial, and excluding your BOL’s fully stocked larder, you should carry enough for at least two weeks rations for everyone in your group. These should be kept in your vehicle, and backpack.
- Sprouting seeds are a great source of nutrition, and only require a small, lightweight container and a drop or two of water to grow. Ensure, however, that they are non-GMO, as irradiated seeds may not sprout effectively.
- Concentrated food is another lightweight, simple to prepare food source, that can keep you going, and usually has a two year shelf life.
- Honey
- Rice/pasta/pulses
- Nuts/dried fruit
- Salt
- Powdered eggs
- Water, and an easily portable method of collecting rainwater
- Water purifiers
Your backpack should also contain:
- Several methods to start a fire – just in case one fails
- Knife
- Flashlight/head torch
- Map and compass – GPS may not be available
- Several methods of communication
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle and flares
- A bow saw – great if you need to prep an emergency shelter, and for cutting firewood
- High quality cordage – you never know when this may be useful
- Tarpaulin – can be used as a poncho, for shelter, to collect rainwater, and more
These lists are in no way comprehensive, but should give you some idea of how to start prepping in case the stuff hits the fan.
