Basic Survival 101

The grids gone down and people are rioting in the streets. You're sitting inside your house watching society collapse right before your eyes. You know that after the grocery store runs out of spam and bottled water they will come for you and your resources. You don't know what is going on but you do know that you need to get out of there as soon as possible so here is a few tips to insure your and families survival.

Step 1: Look for the Warning Signs

Watch (or listen) to at least one hour of news each day. Knowledge is power and when the power is down knowledge is the only power you will have. If it looks like trouble is coming you can be prepared for it.

Step 2: Plan

If you have heard about trouble coming your way and you know that you are going to leave you are going to need a plan. Plan the time you will leave your home and plan your destination. No matter how many cans of cream of chicken and bottles of water you have will not matter unless you have a destination.bring a map and compass and know how to use them.

Step 3: Method of Escape

If you know what's coming leave now. Don't wait for a governor to order evacuation orders. Don't get caught in the lines for gas or on the highways in gridlocked traffic. Use a car if possible a car can carry 20 times more, go 20 times farther, go 10 times faster, and provide a shelter for you. If you must leave on foot remember to try your best and select the best time of day that you will not to be seen to avoid being attacked by looters

Step 4: Grab Your Gear

Now that you have a plan get the things you will need to survive. Go for quality use only the best you have

Step 5: Backpack

You need something to carry all the gear and the backpack is the best. If you have a backpacking pack with a external frame use that. If you don't have a backpacking pack find a large backpack with hip straps and a chest strap

Step 6: Water

Water is always your number one priority above all else guard your water you can go only 3 days without water but 3 weeks without food. What did soldiers keep when they ditched their gear on D-Day? Rifle, ammo, and WATER!

Step 7: Food

Even though you can go 3 weeks without it you don't want to, not eating for extended periods of time will make you weak, cloud your mind, and even cause hallucinations. When eating and drinking don't ration your food or water too much, if you feel thirsty take a small drink, if you feel hungry eat a little. Far too many lost hikers have been found dead with a full bottle of water in their hand

Step 8: Clothing

Make sure the clothes you leave in are the ones you will want to wear for days in a row. What should you wear?
.long pants preferably not jeans because they dry very slowly when wet.

.long shirt don't wear a sweater but don't wear a undershirt either, wear something that is warm but not too warm(if you live in a temperate climate)

.socks no matter what don't wear cotton! instead wear synthetic hiking socks

.shoes grab hiking boots if you have them but if you don't wear a sturdy pair of running shoes do not wear sandals!

.hat nobody likes a sunburn or the sun their eyes so wear a hat

.belt there are many uses for a belt from holding your knife to cutting off blood flow to a wound you will need a belt

Step 9: Weapon

Never leave your cave without your club. Bring a fixed blade knife and if you live in a state or country that allows it, bring a firearm and ammo. This is very important because no one will be there to protect you and you must save yourself

Step 10: Water Purification

In addition to water you will need a way to make your water safe to drink. Nothing ruins your day like dysentery. at least boil your water. I recommend water purification tablets or a life straw each can be purchased for at most $20

Step 11: Light

In the apocalypse trouble doesn't stop at dark and a good flashlight with spare batteries will be essential for travel at night

Step 12: Fire

You will need to have a fire starter kit to cook meat, dry wet clothes, keep you warm, and signal for help. Your kit will need to include
.a lighter

.waterproof matches

.dryer lint or other fire starter

.news paper

Step 13: Communication and Signaling

It may seem like the worst thing to do but you need to meet people that you can trust and way to signal others. What will you need?
.a emergency whistle

.a hand crank powered radio to pick up emergency broadcasts

.a set of good walkie-talkies scan through the channels and you may get lucky and find others

.a flare gun this is not a essential item but is good to have to signal for rescue

.be a good judge of character forget all your notions of something being racist or sexist if something seems off about someone get out of there right away, your safety is much more important than another's feelings

Step 14: Sleep

Your body needs sleep do not stay awake for more than 3 days in a row any more than that and your mind will become clouded and you may even hallucinate. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag and if you have one a tent

Step 15: First Aid

Bring a first aid kit the extra weight of a first aid kit is a lot better than dying from infection
Your kit should include
.bandages

.gauze

.medical tape

.medical scissors

.alcohol prep pads

.pain killers

Step 16: Tips

Stay light if your bag is too heavy cut weight somehow

Stay dry everything is harder when wet

Stay warm if you live in a cold climate keeping your toes and fingers is a priority

Stay cool if you live in a cold climate

Bring $ money will be valuable for a while after but will eventually become worthless

Get ready for the long haul it may be years until life is back to normal

Don't try to be a hero help those in need but don't go looking for people to save

Step 17: GTFO!

Now that you have your gear and a plan get out!