Zombies may not be real but the threat they represent is. Being stuck in less than ideal conditions where you need to survive without power, water, or infrastructure may seem fictional-but a power outage, snow storm, or natural disaster makes the idea very real. Emergency preparedness is always a good idea, so even if zombies don’t ever attack you’ll be prepared no matter what life throws at you. Make sure to take some of these steps to ensure you will be ready in case of emergency..zombie apocalypse or otherwise.
12 Tips to Help You Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
1. Stock Up:
Stocking up on items you may need is the key to living safely and comfortably no matter the emergency.
Things you’ll need include:
- Water: enough for each person for a minimum of three days
- Food that doesn’t need to be in the fridge: Think crackers, bread, fruit, veggies, canned goods, etc.
- Propane: If you have a grill, get extra propane or charcoal to grill out if you have an electric stove/oven.
- Paper products: Have plenty of tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper on hand. Get paper plates and silverware if you won’t be able to wash dishes.
- Generator: A small generator will allow you to keep some essentials going like your fridge, a few lights, and your TV or radio. You can check out Amazon’s buying guide for more info on what you’d need.
- Firewood: If you live in an area that has cold weather and have a fireplace stock up on wood, and bring plenty inside your house or garage to use.
- Things to Do: Since you may be stuck inside get out your board games, puzzles, and books to keep you busy.
2. Information Sources
Being able to access information is key. During a recent storm outage our internet was out, cell towers were effected, and getting data on our phones wasn’t working. Purchasing a small radio to keep on hand for emergencies may seem old school, but it works. In addition if you do have WiFi or data on your phone be sure to have some key resources bookmarked and numbers in your phone such as:
- Power company phone number and website
- CDC
- Red Cross
- Local news websites
- Twitter and Facebook–word travels fast via social media
3. Insurance Info:
Be sure to put your insurance information on your phone including your policy numbers. Do this for all your insurance-auto, home, health, and life.
4. Take Before Photos:
It’s always good to have photos for insurance purposes. Go through your home and property and take photos about once a month and store them digitally in case you lose your phone or computer.
5. Backup Your Computers:
Once a week at a minimum. Backup options include external hard drives, online storage options like SmugMug for photos, and DropBox for files. Consider scanning and saving important documents (like your deed) on a thumb drive that you keep in a secure location elsewhere (safety deposit box for instance).
6. Do the Laundry:
Sounds weird I know, but if you know a storm (or zombies!) are headed your way it’s best to have everything clean in case you won’t be able to wash and dry clothes for a few days.
7. Charge Everything:
You’ll want all your devices charged so you can use them in emergencies, and to pass the time. If you have a backup battery or charger, get those charged as well. For more advice on getting digitally ready check out TechSavvyMama’s post on digital storm prep. We try to remember to plug in devices each evening so if we need to grab them and go they’re at the ready.
8. Make a Plan:
If you need to leave your home due to evacuations, damage, or loss of power you need a plan. We typically make a plan for both the worst of the storm, and where we would meet if there is damage that causes us to be separated. (IE my husband is at work, and the kids are at school.)
9. Pay your Bills Now:
Keeping up to date on your bills is important for a multitude of reasons, but doing so before a storm will give you peace of mind and keep you from having to make phone calls and wait on hold post-storm.
10. Gas up Your Cars (and generator):
Filling your cars with gas is a good idea in case you need to leave your home.
11. Pack up Important Documents:
Get all your important documents, backed up files and photos, and family valuables and pack them in a small waterproof box in case you need to pack up and go.
12. Make a ‘Go Kit’:
This should include medications, a first aid kit, and food and water for several days. Including blankets or ponchos is also a good idea.
Learn more at the CDC
Most importantly though, stay safe and don’t panic. Preparing for the worst is a good idea, but expect that the outcome will be the best. For more resources and ways to be ready you can use this guide from the US government.
Kelly
I love the “Go Kit” tip. We need one of these. Emergencies aside I am ALWAYS leaving without the important things. I can imagine how helpful this would be when it is a stressful emergency!
Great tips. I must work on an emergency kit before the summer storms hit.
Good tips! I really should work on a go kit
This is a very complete list! I was just wondering what I might need to do in case of an apocalypse! ; ) Thank you! Becky from Life with Kaishon