Preparing For The Worst Case Scenario
Knowing how to survive on your own is going to be important if society completely breaks down going forward in the new America.
A prolonged disaster scenario—whether due to natural disasters, economic collapse, war, or societal breakdown—requires comprehensive survival planning. The key to long-term survival is ensuring access to essential resources while also preparing for sustainability and adaptability. Below is a breakdown of critical survival supplies and considerations.
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Water and Water Purification
Water is the most crucial survival resource, as humans can survive only about three days without it.
Storage:
• Minimum Requirement: 1 gallon per person per day (drinking, cooking, hygiene).
• Short-Term Storage: Commercial bottled water, sealed water bricks, or food-grade containers.
• Long-Term Storage: Rainwater collection systems, large water tanks, underground cisterns.
Purification Methods:
• Filtration: Portable filters (e.g., LifeStraw, Berkey filters).
• Boiling: Kills most pathogens, but requires fuel.
• Chemical Treatment: Water purification tablets, bleach (4-5 drops per quart of water).
• Distillation: Removes heavy metals and salt from water.
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Food Supply and Preservation
A balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) is necessary to maintain energy levels and health.
Short-Term Food Storage:
• Canned goods (meats, beans, vegetables, fruits).
• Dry goods (rice, pasta, flour, oats).
• Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals.
• MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for military-style rationing.
Long-Term Food Storage (1 year+):
• Grains and Legumes: Stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
• Freeze-Dried Foods: Lasts 20+ years.
• Canned Proteins: Tuna, spam, corned beef.
• Salt, Sugar, Honey: Indefinite shelf life, essential for preservation and energy.
• Cooking Oils and Fats: High-calorie source, but shorter shelf life.
Food Production & Sustainability:
• Gardening: Heirloom seeds for regenerative crops (potatoes, beans, squash, leafy greens).
• Livestock: Chickens (eggs, meat), rabbits (fast reproduction).
• Hunting & Fishing: Traps, fishing rods, bows, and firearms.
• Foraging: Knowledge of edible wild plants and fungi.
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Shelter and Protection
In extreme conditions, proper shelter is necessary for temperature control, security, and protection from the elements.
Temporary Shelter:
• Tents with thermal insulation.
• Tarps and emergency space blankets.
• Underground dugouts (for temperature regulation).
Long-Term Shelter:
• Reinforced homes with alternative energy sources.
• Earthbag homes or underground bunkers for protection against extreme weather and attacks.
• Remote locations for security and self-sufficiency.
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Security and Self-Defense
A prolonged disaster scenario may lead to lawlessness, requiring personal defense and security measures.
Weapons:
• Firearms (rifles for hunting, handguns for defense, shotguns for versatility).
• Ammunition stockpiling and reloading supplies.
• Bows, crossbows (silent hunting and defense).
• Bladed weapons (knives, machetes, axes).
Security Systems:
• Perimeter alarms (tripwires, motion detectors).
• Defensive barriers (fencing, thorny bushes).
• Camouflage and concealment of supplies.
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Medical Supplies and First Aid
Medical resources may be unavailable, making self-care essential.
Basic First Aid Kit:
• Bandages, gauze, antiseptics (iodine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide).
• Painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen).
• Wound closure (staplers, sutures, super glue).
• Burn treatment (silver sulfadiazine, aloe vera).
Advanced Medical Supplies:
• Antibiotics (amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalexin).
• Prescription medications (stockpile if possible).
• IV fluids and oral rehydration salts.
• Dental emergency kits (temporary fillings, tooth extraction tools).
Alternative Medicine:
• Herbal remedies for infections and pain management.
• Essential oils for antiseptic and respiratory relief.
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Power and Energy Sources
Electricity may be unavailable, necessitating off-grid energy solutions.
Backup Power:
• Gasoline, propane, or diesel generators.
• Solar panels with battery storage.
• Hand-crank or pedal-powered generators.
Alternative Energy Sources:
• Firewood and biomass stoves.
• Wind turbines (for long-term energy).
• Hydroelectric power if near a running water source.
Lighting:
• Solar-powered lanterns and flashlights.
• LED lights (low energy consumption).
• Oil lamps and candles.
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Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools ensures survival capability and adaptability.
Essential Tools:
• Multi-tools (Leatherman, Swiss Army knife).
• Axes, saws, hatchets (wood processing).
• Shovels (digging latrines, bunkers, gardening).
• Rope, paracord (shelter building, securing items).
• Duct tape and zip ties (temporary repairs).
Repair and Maintenance Supplies:
• Spare parts for generators, vehicles, and firearms.
• Sewing kits for clothing repair.
• Fasteners, nails, screws, and adhesives.
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Communication and Information
Reliable communication is essential for gathering intel and coordinating with others.
Short-Range Communication:
• Walkie-talkies (with spare batteries).
• Whistles or signal mirrors.
Long-Range Communication:
• HAM radio with solar power backup.
• CB radio for vehicle-to-vehicle contact.
Information Resources:
• Survival manuals and medical guides.
• Hard copies of maps and compasses.
• Notebooks and pens for record-keeping.
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Sanitation and Hygiene
Preventing disease and maintaining hygiene is critical for survival.
Sanitation:
• Portable toilets or dug latrines.
• Bleach and lime for waste disposal.
• Biohazard bags for waste containment.
Hygiene Supplies:
• Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants.
• Feminine hygiene products.
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss.
• Razors and nail clippers.
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10. Bartering and Trade Supplies
In a prolonged collapse, traditional currency may lose value. Trade goods will become essential.
High-Value Barter Items:
• Ammunition and firearms accessories.
• Alcohol and tobacco.
• Coffee and tea.
• Salt, sugar, and spices.
• Medical supplies and antibiotics.
• Fuel (gasoline, propane).
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Final Thoughts: Adaptability and Mindset
Beyond supplies, knowledge and adaptability are the most critical survival tools. Being skilled in bushcraft, farming, hunting, medical care, and tactical defense will increase your long-term survival chances. A community-oriented survival strategy (trusted allies, family, or small survival groups) is often more sustainable than a lone-wolf approach.
Survival is not just about stockpiling but about creating a lifestyle that ensures long-term resilience.