Climate change, pandemics, asteroids impact, all-out nuclear war, alien invasion, the rise of AIs — these are just some things that could potentially destroy earth and life as we know it. And with the things happening all around us today, these things may happen sooner or later.
According to studies, there’s very little chance that extinction-level events would happen within the next 100 years, but prediction models are not always accurate. But even if human extinction is likely in our lifetime, preparing yourself for emergencies is equally vital. Small-scale disasters like heat waves, hurricanes, and typhoons are also worth preparing for. For example, research shows that having water storage containers can increase your survival from a disaster by up to 60%. Below are even more tips on how you can survive a calamity.
1. Inspect Your Home Every Couple of Months
When it comes to disasters, the first thing you will want is a shelter that will protect you and your family from harsh debris or environmental impact. While many hardcore doomsday preppers would have a special underground bunker that serves as their shelter during a disaster, not everyone can afford a bunker. So your home should be your safe space during a disaster.
You can increase your home’s ability to withstand harsh environments by making sure that it is structurally maintained: the roof should be leakproof and rustproof, walls should have no cracks or chipping paint, and doors and windows are not rotted. Home maintenance and inspection should be done every 3-4 months.
2. Store Medicine and Hygiene Kits
If there is one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it is to be prepared for sickness. A viral outbreak can happen at any time, especially when we least expect it. And when a pandemic happens, it is the medicines and hygiene kits that fly off the shelves the fastest.
Over-the-counter medicines, maintenance medicines, and vitamin supplements should be part of your first-aid checklist. Medicines in storage should be inspected every year. Protecting ourselves from a deadly virus is difficult but keeping our body’s immune system strong during such a disaster can increase our chances of survival.
3. Have Communication Devices Ready
During a disaster or emergency, communication is essential. It helps people outside the disaster area know how you are and how to find you. If it is a worldwide catastrophe, communication devices help you keep in touch with important people and coordinate with others. Communication devices are essential for any doomsday prepper.
Thanks to the advances of mobile technology, our phones, and social media have become strong communication points during small-scale disasters and epidemics. But if an extinction-level event occurs and you manage to survive, short-distance communication devices like walkie-talkies come in handy.
4. Prepare Clothes for All Seasons
Disasters can happen at any day and at any time– some disasters can even affect the climate! With that in mind, any prepper would be wise to have clothes stored for all kinds of weather conditions. Clothes will serve as extra protection during a disaster especially if the disaster has prolonged effects and you need to head out of your home.
Since many known disasters and extinction-level events are known to freeze the plant, a doomsday prepper’s wardrobe would normally include a wardrobe for snow or cold season like a snow jacket and snow boots. Another would be clothing good for climbing or spelunking since there is also numerous disaster that can cause earthquakes and flooding which would require climbing to higher ground.
5. Food and Water Are a Must
Storing food and water is an absolute must for any doomsday prepper or even just anyone who wants to survive a disaster. Without food and water, an average human can survive for only 3-5 days. It would be insanely difficult to restock food and water during a disaster since you will have to fight the elements just to get to the store. That is why securing food and water before a disaster increases your chance of survival. Many types of food have a long shelf life: canned goods, but there is food that is manufactured especially for survivalists that have a shelf life of at most 25 years.
Store food in a cool and dry place where it will be available during emergencies. As for water, you can have emergency storage containers filled with potable water but remember to change it out occasionally.
6. Prepare Your Tools
If you live in a big house, you probably know the value of having repair tools. During a disaster, repair and maintenance tools will become even more of a necessity. They will not only help you maintain your home but will also serve as protection from others who may try to cause trouble for you.
If you do not have a doomsday toolbox ready yet, now is a good time to build one up. Make sure to have hammers, nails, screwdrivers, saws, and battery-operated power tools. Keep them polished and maintained to avoid having broken or rusty tools when you need them the most.
7. Stay Fit and Healthy
Lastly, your body is your biggest asset during a calamity. If your body is not fit enough to get through the disaster, there’s little chance of long-term survival even if you prepare. It does not mean you need to be muscular, of course. You only need to have enough dexterity, tenacity, and willpower to get through obstacles. If you think you are not born with these, the good news is you can acquire these through training. Various disaster-preparedness training offers can help you train physically, mentally, and emotionally for disasters and calamities.
Conclusion
Calamities, disasters, and pandemics can happen at any time and when we least expect them. If you do not want to get caught unprepared, the best time to prepare for the worst is now. After all, there is no harm in being over-prepared. Preparing and training now can potentially save you and your family from even the most destructive calamities.
