It’s becoming more and more likely that the monolith of human civilization shall finally, mercifully collapse in upon its self. Whether it be nuclear war, economic catastrophe or bloodthirsty zombie hoards, the result will be the same. Then, as chaos spreads throughout the streets and all of Man’s technological marvels unravel, who will survive, nay, thrive? The Preppers will.

Here are some reasonable ways you can make yourself a survivor:

• Secure Water: How much water do you have in your home? Your water heater stores about 50 gallons. If you have a lake or creek near your house, get a water filter. The American Preppers Network (APN) recommends having 2 weeks of water stored at any given time.
• Secure Food: Think about how long you could survive on the food you currently have in your house. The APN recommends getting at least a month’s supplies, and then three months (non-perishable) as soon as you can. This is BEFORE disaster strikes.
• Shelter: Make sure you have a roof over your head and make sure it’s secure.
• Heating: If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, make sure you have a way to heat at least a part of your house. A small kerosene heater is good for this.
• Salt: Salt is crucial to preserving food. If you are going to do your own hunting or fishing, you’re going to need salt and lots of it.
• Metal Cup: Good for cooking, holding water and even bathing.
• First Aid Kit: Make sure you can take care of an injury without an ambulance.
• Flint and Steel: Make sure you can start a fire.
• Durable Shoes: Hiking boots are invaluable in the brush.
• Flashlight: An essential part of any survival kit.
• Batteries: The more the better.
• Toilet Paper: 20-30 rolls. Trust me, you’ll definitely be glad you have this one, and you can even use it to barter.
• Plant and Farm: Even if you live in the city, it is possible to have some source of renewable food. Even having planting seeds can come in handy.
• Blades: Knives, axes, and any other tools. If you can turn a tree into a fire, you’re in good shape.
• Bug Spray: Not essential to survival, but it can prevent disease and discomfort.
• Candles: Good to have even if the power goes out for a couple days.
• Learn Canning: They did it in the 1800s, so can you.
• Fire Extinguisher: Just good to have all around.
• Space Blanket: Most people don’t realize how cold it gets at night in the woods. You can’t have a fire going all the time.
• Literature: If the internet isn’t available, you’ll have to use books. A few simple survival books on topics such as first aid, edible plants, hunting and skinning can be invaluable. You don’t have to know it all, just have the resources available.
• Important Documents: Make sure you know where your passport, license, deed, etc. are on short notice.
• Car and Gasoline: Keep your car at least half full of gas.
• Clothing: We all have clothes, but not all are functional. A mini skirt won’t do much good when it’s negative 10 degrees out. Make sure you have clothes for both warm and cold weather.
• Tent: You need one to stay mobile or if your house is no longer an option.
• Battery Operated/Crank Radio: Keep yourself informed as long as you can.
• Have A Plan: Probably the most important step. Make sure your loved ones are on the same page as you. Outlining emergency scenarios before they happen is the best way to survive them.

Additional Resources

American Preppers Network: http://americanpreppersnetwork.com/

Ultimate Survival Skills Survival Checklist: http://www.ultimatesurvivalskills.com/survival/general-survival/complete-survival-checklist.html