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to survive for 90 days. Surviving after a major apocalyptic event is not going to be short term since the entire country or the world is likely to be falling apart––there are no two ways around that reality. However, hopefully having three months of supplies will get you settled and going with your new self-sufficient habits. The more time you have dedicated to forming a plan when disaster does strike, the better. When preparing the supplies, think in two categories: basic survival and getting by, as outlined in the following two steps. Consider storing the following:  Jugs of water Canned goods Vacuum-sealed goods Blankets and pillows Medications A weapon that you actually know how to use properly A knife (in addition to a weapon) Warm, long sleeved clothing (if your climate requires it) Carrying bag (for moving and/or fleeing). Think about having these items at your disposal:  Batteries Flashlights Matches Pots and pans (for cooking or boiling water) Plastic utensils (plate, mug, spoon, fork) Rope or twine Map Permanent markers (something to write with) Change of clothes Can opener Lighters Camp stove and propane Hatchet or axe First aid book Sunglasses Duct tape Glow sticks Boots Extra pants Smartphone Water filters Other comfort items . Whether you're trying to survive the aftermath of a major earthquake, impact event, or global pandemic, you'll need to think about your health. Here's a list for what you need to put in your emergency kit:  Adhesive bandages, such as Band-Aids Gauze Medical tape Antibiotics Antiviral drugs Ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)) Acetaminophen/paracetamol (over-the-counter pain relief) Antihistamine Aspirin (over-the-counter pain relief) Laxative Iodine Potassium Iodine Hand sanitizing liquid Candles A multi-use tool (aka a "hobo tool") Phone charger (preferably solar) Wood for burning Towels Life jackets, if your area is prone to flooding Extra warm clothes Paper towels Solar chargers Pet food (enough for 30-90 days) Tweezers Plasters Safety pins Thermometer Superglue Toothpicks/needles You'll be dealing with everything from cuts to dysentery. Hospitals will cease to function and exist so simple problems will seem a lot more daunting. If you or a family member has a specific ailment, stockpile medications for that, too. That's a nice way of saying, "Everybody poops." To keep hygiene from being an issue on top of everything else, pack the following:  Toilet paper (a couple rolls will suffice) Menstrual products Toothbrush and toothpaste Plastic garbage bags and ties Shovel or trowel Bleach Soap and shampoo Everyone in the household and close family and friends should have a communication system to communicate with family and friends. Communicate secret locations with your family members and friends using a radio.  Keep batteries with your radio. The last thing you want is to presume you're prepared when you're really not. And if you have a loved one you're taking care of, make sure they have a radio and you're not keeping both of them for the two of you. When all else fails, work out how you will contact each other. This is when your permanent markers will come in handy. If the apocalypse strikes and you have left the house, write down where you are going, when you left, and if/when you'll be back on the wall, on a rock, on a nearby car, wherever you can find. Hoarding gasoline won't work; the chemicals that once kept it fresh will degrade it in time. After a year or so, it goes bad. Chances are gas stations will run out of gasoline but there could be some diesel left. In addition, all military diesels can run on other fuels as well, from rotten kerosene to fermented leaves. So invest in something that can handle the harder fuels.  In said vehicle, it's equally as likely that you'll be in it when all breaks loose, so pack a survival kit to keep in your car as well. Is there such a thing as being too prepared? If this isn't an option, make sure you have a bicycle laying around somewhere that's fully functioning. There will be a point when you need to cover large distances in a short amount of time. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the apocalypse, knowing how to handle a gun can mean the difference between life and death, particularly if you'll need to hunt or defend your home against violence.  If it's legal to do so where you live, it might be a good idea to purchase a gun ahead of time and become proficient at using it. Be sure to exercise gun safety at all times. For starters, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, unload the gun when not in use, always treat a gun as though it is loaded (even when you know it isn't), keep the gun where children cannot access it, be sure of your target and what lies beyond it, and regularly have the gun serviced by a firearms professional.  Regardless of who or what you'll be facing, this is probably a good idea. Anything menacing needs to be kept far, far away. Whatever or whoever your enemy, shooting them will probably increase your chances of not being attacked or eaten. Unless the apocalypse is due to some bacteria that's floating around in the air. In that case, get a gas mask. The people/zombies/menacing forces will probably still see you as an enemy. Master the art of the snare trap. If you're really scrappy with it, you need nothing but what nature provides you. If you're on the ocean or near a body of water, get to fishing or fly fishing. Your stock of baked beans and Spaghetti O's certainly isn't going to start spawning miraculously. Take a hint from Katniss and start honing your archery skills. Once you've got a reason, learn how to make your own bow. Take the time to read through wikiHow's disaster preparedness section. Read as many non-fiction books about disaster preparation and survival essentials as you can.  Consider reading some novels about the apocalypse, as well, but don't rely on these for accurate advice since you won't necessarily know how much effort the author put into research. Examples of books to read include: The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven, Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, Earth Abides by George R. Stewart, Stephen King's The Stand, and The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham are all great places to start (even if the apocalypse doesn't end up coming anytime soon). You've already read The Hunger Games, right? If we're all honest with ourselves, what kind of world could we recreate without others? For most of us, not much. Can you make a battery from a lemon? Or a potato clock? Lowering the bar... how are you at tying knots? .  Over time, new society will form.  The collapse of a single city usually summons the National Guard, meaning that you will be relocated to a different society eventually.  The collapse of a country means that you can now start your own country.

Summary:
Gather sufficient supplies Obtain and stockpile basic survival (the most important) items. Store supplies for just getting by. Prepare an emergency kit Keep yourself healthy against everything. Plan how to prepare for the messier sides of the long-term. Set up a communication system. Use diesel-powered vehicles. Become a good shot. Learn how to hunt. Read up on disaster preparedness. Become less dependent. Pray