End of the World: Survival Kit
The Sky is Falling!
Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life. The end of the world has been scheduled for December 23rd, 2012 according to the Mayan Calendar. I'm not sure exactly how many "end of the world" dates this brings us to, but better safe than sorry, right?
So lets go over some of the standard items you'll need in order to survive the end of days this year.
Stock up:
Certain items are more difficult to make from scratch or by hand. It will be important to gather up as many of these supplies as possible in order to give you time to adjust to the new way of living, once the world ends and you are one of the few remaining survivors.
- Canned and dried foods - The more the better. Rent out or build a storage shed or fill your basement. We don't know exactly what's going to happen, so we have no way of knowing how long it will be before you can grow your own food.
- Vegetable seeds - Head over to the local greenhouse and pick up as many packets as possible in as many different as you can. Who knows what is going to survive, you'll want to make sure you have a good variety.
- Water - Fill your garage up with as much bottled water as you can for drinking and cooking. You can always resort to rain water for bathing when the city water gets shut off since there won't be anyone working at the plant to keep it running.
- Tubs and totes - You're going to need as much storage as possible. Air tight is best. That will prevent any rodents or possible air-born toxins to poison your stash of supplies.
- Toilet paper - I cannot stress this enough. Get as much toilet paper as you can get your hands on! Once they stop making it, this is going to be worth a fortune. Other survivors will offer you a goat or a horse for a few squares. Who wants to go back to wiping with leaves?
- Books - anything you want to know, learn, or preserve in the name of knowledge, you need to buy and keep in book form. When the end comes, the computers will die. No more internet, print this list off now so you have a hard copy!
Clothing:
Since we don't know exactly how it's going to happen, you need to be prepared for anything; that includes weather changes. It doesn't matter where you live, be prepared for both extreme hot and extreme cold weather.
- Jackets
- Scarves
- Mittens or gloves
- Boots
- Wool socks
- Shorts
- T-shirts or tank tops
- Sun hats
- Snow boots
- Skis and ice skates
- Snow goggles
- Sun glasses
- The highest proof sunblock you can find (in bulk)
Make sure you have tons of extra clothes. There won't be any shopping malls in service, so what you have is what you're stuck with. Get a variety of sizes so you can layer, or in case you either gain or lose weight over time.
- Scissors
- Needles
- Thread
- Extra fabric of all various sizes, thread counts, textures, and materials
You'll be doing your own mending from now on without the help of a sewing machine. You'll need all of the supplies for doing it by hand. Don't forget the pins & fabric pencils!
Tools:
Power tools are OUT.
You'll need to stock up on all tools that require no electricity, just good old fashioned muscle.
- Hammers & a wide variety of nails
- Screwdrivers & a wide variety of screws
- Sandpaper
- Lathe
- Hand saws (with extra replacement blades)
- Can openers!
Anything you'll need in order to make and build things you now rely on a store to have ready built. Don't forget to add home repair and do it yourself books to your library!
The Small Stuff:
Don't overlook the small stuff either, because that is where it is really going to get you.
How are you going to light your fire without matches?
- Shoe laces
- Feminine products
- Deluxe first aide kit
- Yeast packets for making bread!
- Toenail and fingernail clippers
- Extra buttons
- Oil or kerosene lamps with extra oil or kerosene
The list is truly endless. This is just a quick start to get you covered. The rest is up to you.
If you have pets, don't forget to stock up on supplies for them as well. Just because the world is ending, doesn't make it alright to neglect your pet's care.
Think ahead:
Since the end is coming before Christmas, you may want to contact your friends and family to have the holiday celebrated early this year. Perhaps by exchanging gifts on Thanksgiving instead you could put some of the needed supplies on your holiday wish list.
Talk with your extended family and friends about a designated meeting spot. You should have enough gas left in your vehicle to travel their (if you remember to fill your tank on the 22nd). Cell phones and land lines won't work anymore, so you'll have to have this pre-planned.
Stay away from tall buildings, fault lines, shore fronts, or anything else that might squish you.
Good luck!
Feel free to leave me a comment on December 24th and let me know how it worked out for you.
