How to Survive the End of the World
99Will You Survive 2012?
Don’t panic. The world more than likely will not end in 2012. Human life will probably continue for thousands of years.
BUT being prepared for the worst case scenario is always a good idea. There has been a lot of hype about 2012 in particular. Any hint of a problem or common natural disaster is probably going to send everyone into pandemonium.
Remember the Y2K panic? Being prepared for the world's overreaction could protect you and your family.
Plus you never know when a crisis or disaster could happen. There are natural disasters, the threat of war, terrorism, alien invasion, chemical spills, solar flares, and yes, even a zombie apocalypse. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Taking the time to form an emergency plan with your family and put together a survival kit could literally save your life if the worst case scenario ever did occur.
So be calm and rational and prepare yourself for an emergency now with this guide.
Survival Tip
Work with your neighbors during an emergency. You can share resources such as generators, food, water, medical or other expertise. If your resources are pooled, you have a greater chance of survival.
Make an Emergency Plan
What would you do if there were a tornado, a hurricane, an earthquake, or a chemical spill? What if you were out of town when an emergency happens? We can't predict every type of potential disaster, but you should start thinking about what you would do in the case of common emergencies.
- Write out an emergency plan and make sure everyone in your family has a copy. Plan for all kinds of disasters such as fire, natural disasters, war, and especially anything that is likely to occur in your area. If you live near the beach, make sure you know what to do in case of hurricane. If you live on a fault line, prepare for an earthquake. If you live near a river, plan in case of a flood.
- Decide the plan of action. For example, if blank happens, Dad will load the car. Mom will load the kids. Timmy will load the cat. We will drive to this place. And so on.
- Have a backup plan in case the first plan won’t work in a given situation.
- List places to meet in case you can’t get to your home. Good places to meet are local shelters, which are usually in schools. Decide on meeting places outside of your town or city in case the city is shut down or evacuated. Don’t count on having cell phone service during an emergency.
- Know what your child’s school or daycare will do in case of an emergency. If something happens while you are at work, do you know where your child might be sent in an evacuation? Bomb threats and school shootings are sadly becoming commonplace.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows where supplies are kept, has a copy of emergency numbers and contacts, and knows the emergency plan.
- Practice the plan regularly so that your response will be automatic in a real crisis. This will cut down on panicking and help keep everyone safe.
- Make copies of your important documents to carry with you. Insurance papers, licenses, passports, birth certificates, etc. can be essential in a crisis.
- Check out the link below for detailed checklists on common emergencies as you are making your emergency plan. There is also a link for an emergency plan form that you simply fill in with your information.
Emergency Plan Information
- Emergency-Specific Preparedness Information
The American Red Cross' emergency checklists and facts to get you the information you need before, during, and after a disaster or emergency situation. - Be Prepared: My Family Emergency Plan
Fill out this simple form to create your family's emergency plan. Have contact information ready and easily readable in case of an emergency.
How to Sensibly Start Building a Food Supply
Survival Tip
Bring your dog with you if you are in an emergency situation. Dogs can alert you to danger nearby and can protect you from some predators.
Put Together a Survival Kit
Every home, office, school, and car should have a survival kit. You never know where you’ll be when disaster hits. The kit doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive or elaborate. A basic first aid kit and some water and food supplies for a few days is a good emergency kit. There are even survival kits the size of a sardine can that can fit anywhere. Keeping an extra change of clothes at work and in the car is also a good idea.
To begin a more extensive survival kit and food supply, it is best to start slowly. A survival kit that would last your family for 3-4 days is a good starting goal. Put it together a little at a time. You can buy one thing each time you go to the store. A few items here and there add up and won't cost so much at once. Look for sales and stock up on reduced priced items.
You want items that are non perishable, that are essential such as food and water, first aid supplies, and things that can be used without electricity.
Once you have a survival kit to last a few days, start thinking about a more extensive kit. It is a smart practice to have a survival kit that you can just grab quickly and another kit that has more extensive supplies. Think long term and short term. What would you do if society as we know it becomes incapacitated for awhile or indefinitely? While it may not be practical or affordable for you to invest in an underground bunker complete with supplies for twenty years, there are things you can do now that could help you survive in a long term crisis.
You could start stockpiling an extra food supply. You may not have the room for a year’s worth of food, but you can keep your cabinets fully stocked with as much food as you can fit. Get a gallon of water each time you go to the store. You will need a gallon of water a day for each person.
If a long term crisis happened, you might start thinking about weapons and alternate sources of energy. Transportation that doesn't require fuel is also a long term consideration. Bicycles could be a good investment.
Having emergency items handy can save you time in an crisis. If you need to evacuate immediately, you won’t have time to scramble around your house to find things. Plus, you are much more likely to forget something if you don't already have things together.
See the checklists below to start supplying a first aid kit and an emergency kit. Put the items in a water proof container that you can easily access. You want a container that is also portable. Put liquid items in water proof bags to prevent leaks.
Survival Kit in a Can
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Survival Tip
If you can’t get to medical treatment facility quickly, you can slow down superficial bleeding by spraying nasal spray on a bandage and then placing the bandage on the wound. It could stop someone from losing too much blood before they can get to a doctor.
First Aid Kit Supplies
- Bandages of many sizes
- Gauze
- Adhesive tape
- Ace bandage
- Instant cold compress
- Sterile gloves
- Antibiotic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hand sanitizer
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Rubbing alcohol
- Aspirin
- Benadryl
- Electrolyte replacement solution for dehydration or heat stroke (Equalyte, Pedialyte)
- Ipecac syrup
- Petroleum jelly
- Eye wash solution
- Burn cream
- Quick clot
- Space blanket
- Thermometer
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Any prescribed medicine such as glucose or epipens
- Emergency numbers – poison control, etc.
- First aid manual
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Survival Kit
Survival Tip
Can your own foods now. Not only can it be more cost effective in the present, but canned foods will keep for many years. It can help you build up your food supply. Plus knowing how to can food is a skill that could keep you alive if grocery stores no longer exist.
Survival Kit Supplies
- Water – at least 1 gallon per person for 3 days
- Food – Nonperishable supply for at least 3 days
- Can opener – hand operated
- Sterno or other portable cooking source
- Pet food
- Paper or plastic plates, utensils, etc.
- Weather radio that is battery or hand crank
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Whistle
- Flare
- Rope
- Pocket knife or Swiss Army knife
- Cell phone and charger
- Local maps
- Dust mask
- Large sheets of plastic
- Duct tape
- Space blanket or sleeping bags
- Small tent
- Rain poncho
- Change of clothes
- Shoes
- Toiletries - especially ones that don't require water
- Moist towelettes
- Sanitizing wipes
-
Toilet paper
-
Feminine hygiene supplies
- Bleach
- Trash bags
- Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
- Pad of paper
- Pencil or pen
- Fire extinguisher
- Important documents
- Cash - including change
- Extra glasses or contacts
- Any medications
For More Emergency Preparedness Information
- Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
The Ready Campaign of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, educating and empowering Americans to prepare for emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
Food Supply for 1 Month
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Survival Tip
Sterilize and disinfect with regular, unscented bleach using a 9:1 ratio. That is nine parts water to one part bleach.
Treat water with bleach by adding about 10 drops of bleach to one gallon of water.
Boiling water for at least 10 minutes can also sterilize water if you do not have bleach.
Collect Survival Knowledge
Getting certified in CPR and taking a first aid course are great ways to prepare for an emergency. You could save someone’s life on a normal day not just during a crisis.
If a major disaster happened, you might not have access to medical care. Knowing how to treat injuries could be very helpful and could keep you or someone you love alive long enough to get to a doctor.
Having a first aid manual could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation where 911 may not be available.
Likewise, if the disaster is severe enough to alter society, you may need to know other survival skills. Collecting how to guides now can greatly improve your chances in a post-apocalyptic world. You may need to know things like how to sanitize water, how to build a shelter, how to build a trap, how to build a fire, how to navigate without a compass, how to hot-wire a car, and numerous other things.
Buying survival manuals can give you the information you need in an emergency. The internet might not work after a natural disaster. Instead of buying manuals, you could also print off how to guides from the internet. The benefit of this is you don’t have the bulk you would with books. Stick them in your survival kit for quick access.
If you know someone who is very handy or who camps a lot, you can ask that person to teach you some of the most important survival skills. This way you will be prepared for any long term disaster situation.
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Survival Guides
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Post-Apocalyptic Reading to Get You in a Survival Mindset
- Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
It could happen to us: The moon is hit by a meteor knocking it closer to the earth. Nature goes crazy and food becomes scarce. Will humanity survive? Find out in Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer.
Brace Yourself Mentally
Most of us have seen end of the world movies or shows. Think back to old episodes of the Twilight Zone where the character wakes up one day and finds himself the last person on earth. The person usually goes crazy with the burden of it.
The destruction of everything we know and love can be devastating. But the reality is that everything is transient. We may think society could never be destroyed, but that isn’t true. If something happened globally, the disaster could completely alter our way of life.
Can you handle the ramifications of that mentally?
You might have to fight or even kill to survive. Loved ones could be lost. Running water and electricity could become a thing of the past. You might have to scrounge for your next meal. Natural disasters or the climate could become hazardous. The world could become a very scary place.
To prepare for that mentally, start thinking about how you would feel and cope with disaster situations. Watch apocalyptic movies and read apocalyptic books and imagine yourself in the place of the characters. How would you react if you were in their situation?
Just as players mentally prep themselves for a game in order to play better, mentally prepping yourself for disaster can help you to cope if the real thing ever were to occur. It is like bracing yourself before the impact.
We're All Gonna Die
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
What if a major disaster does happen? Are you prepared spiritually?
If a calamity strikes, many people could die. Someone you love could be one of the casualties. You could be a casualty in a disaster situation. A lot of our fear of disaster comes from the fear of death. If the world is going to end next year, are you prepared to face death?
Prepare yourself to face the end of your life and what might come afterwards. Don’t live with regrets or leave things unsaid.
Be ready to leave the world when your time comes.
2012 Poll
Do you think the world will end in 2012?
See results without votingSurvival Tip
Luxury items such as a carton of cigarettes will be good things to barter in a long term crisis. Smokers may not be able to get cigarettes. Other luxury items will also be good to trade for other things you may need.
Handling 2012
There has already been hysteria about the approach of 2012 because of the multiple doomsday theories associated with the year. The attention the media has given to mass animal deaths and natural disasters recently has caused even more alarm.
The Mayan calendar cycle ends December 21, 2012, the day of the winter solstice. The Mayans didn’t predict anything cataclysmic on that day. It simply marks the end of the current cycle they used to count days. There were cycles before this one and there is nothing to suggest a cycle couldn’t begin after this one ends.
Do you know the essentials to survive 2012?
- 2012 Doomsday Quiz: Will You Survive?
Are you looking forward to 2012? We've been hearing about it since the 1990's. Well, your wait is almost over. The end of the world is almost here! Take this quiz to see how prepared you are for the coming doom.
So is the world going to end in 2012? Who knows? But even if the world keeps spinning just as it always does, there is very likely to be mass panic at the smallest crisis, especially as December approaches.
The best way to survive 2012, regardless of what happens, is to start preparing now. Work on your emergency preparedness using the information above.
Expect that people will be afraid. There could be runs on the stores, especially grocery stores and gas stations. Keep gas in your car and your kitchen well stocked in case you are without supplies for awhile.
If something strange, like an alien invasion, does happen, you will want to avoid large crowds of people. Go somewhere sparsely populated and use your wits to figure out what to do in each given circumstance.
If you are afraid of what may happen on December 21, stay in that day. Get somewhere you know is safe during an emergency. Or plan to be with family and friends. That way you won’t have to worry about those you love.
How to Survive 2012
Here and Now
We can’t possibly predict every calamity that could happen to us. We don’t know what the future holds. That is part of the joy of life. Each new day bringing something unexpected. Will we have bad times in the future? That is an almost guaranteed yes. Life is full of bad times and good times. The best we can do is prepare for the bad times and enjoy the good times.
The world may end tomorrow or it might end in 3 million more years. Make an emergency plan and put together and emergency kit. It could save your life one day. But don’t waste what life you have now worrying about something that might not ever happen.
Be prepared, but don’t forget to live.
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How are you going to survive?Loading...
coco,
I have died once before in that I am unafraid...
I have 3 hubs detailing my experience-
I just dont want to suffer alot
Beware Wormwood
TH
Awesome Hub! I appreciate the sound advice- plus the reminder to update the family disaster plan. Voted up and useful!
Good information. I always take extra stuff blankets,etc when we travel in the winter never know when something might happen.
I do genealogy and we just don't know how lucky we are. At one time whole families were lost from sickness.
I don't believe the world will end in 2012 but if it does it does.
Coco,
This was a great hub- but- I know that it deserves more- acclaim and exposure-
"I have one of them- "its not what you think"
TH
loveSpaces - It is always a good practice to reflect on your life and to keep the right perspective. Thank you.
tom - Your experiences have made you more aware of how fragile life can be and an idea of what comes next. You have a unique perspective on surviving.
Simone Smith - Thanks! Updating the emergency plan is a great way to keep your family safe if the worst did happen.
moonlake - Having spare blankets is a great practice. We do take a lot for granted today. Most of us have had it very easy compared to people of the past. Thanks for commenting.
wow, what an extensive and well-written hub! Good work! Oh, and "alien invasion kit" was a nice touch, haha, voted up!
Tamila Roberts - Yes, if you have a baby, you definitely want to stock up on baby supplies.
jreuter - Aliens are what freaks me out the most. Gotta prepare for them. Thanks.
That day! you can't never scape. Great hub.
We tend to see thing as unchanging because we have such a short life-span. As Graham Hancock has said - "We are a species with amnesia".
u guys should get a life cuz life is not ganna end in 2012 but will end in 5 billon years from the son engulfing the earth its true get a life!
starkill3r - Hope you're right. It never hurts to be prepared for other eventualities, though.
Wow thats informative. Let's hope that the world does not end in 2012. Like the survival kit!
I commend you for this informative hub. My family has VERY LIMITED MEANS, but I am doing the best that I can with what I have. Little by little getting ourselves ready even if nothing happens. Better safe than sorry. I know what is like to survive after a natural desaster (huracane) and I's no picnic,specially with kids. Kudos.
LOL great hub! All the bells and whistles. And you thought of it all! Voted up!
LucidDreams - Thanks! Survival kits are handy even if the world doesn't end, which I hope it doesn't also!
ananceleste - It's great that you are getting prepared for emergencies. As you demonstrate, it can be done even on a limited budget. I bet it was scary to be in a hurricane. Let's hope you don't have to go through another disaster.
chelseacharleston - Thank you! Whistles are a great survival kit item! Ha ha.
If the end of the world is actually coming, I don't think there is a whole lot we can do.. Sooo my survival will be simple. Gather my family around me, take a seat, have one last session, drink, laugh, sing and kiss my ass good bye lol... Hey at least I will go knowing all my family is in one place and together. We will leave this world on a high, not running from something you can't hide from..
Nice job; I always enjoy offbeat articles about subjects not normally attempted; best of luck to you in the future with your writings.
Yap. Karin's got a pretty solid point. Might as well sit back, get high and crack open a beer while preparing for Earth's most terminally immaculate light show.
Goodbye world :)
Good tips about the survival kit.
Interesting hub... I do agree with Karin, that is the best way to react if anything happens. As I like to say "I refuse to live in fear" tough! But you have great points in your hub, nicely done!
It is funny because there are a prophesy like this almost every decade through history..
interesting
i'm so so sorry but you r too stupid.
make a search about
Islam only Islam
Thanks for that list. I'm not into preparing too much for what I do not want, but I want to be prepared should something happen that is unexpected. I would also recommend to put a harddrive or a DVD (better yet a BlueRay) with copies of your most important documents and belongings, pictures, videos etc. into that box. Additionally, the most important documents (passport, ID, health insurance documents, life insurance documents etc) should all be scanned and also stored virtually (best as encrypted file) on your email account or another cloud service you trust.
Additionally, there are great torches on the market these days that work without batteries (you crank them up by hand), those would really come in handy if electricity is a problem.
Good article Cocopreme and awesome pictures!
Very interesting. It's always good to be prepared for any disaster. I don't believe that the world will end. Mostly because I don't put much stock in a civilzation's prediction when they couldn't even predict their own demise.
If it is truly the end of the world. It is sad, But I would definitely procure guns and ammunition. I am sure I could use it for hunting, but at the fall of civilization, you never know when you will need to defend yourself or your family. Great Hub!
The movie "The Road" comes to mind. It takes you there. It makes you stop wishing the world will end and makes you appreciate what we still have.
Great Hub! I've been a bit obsessed with all of the potential disasters that could come our way so I really liked this article. I'm more worried about solar flares and world war III at the moment, along with the warming oceans....bacterial infections. I try not to obsess as much as I was a few months ago because it's really not healthy. Now I stay aware about what's going on with the weather changes and possible war but I don't obsess over it. Not healthy.
Voted Up and Bookmarked!! I will definitely refer back to your article. Such great detail, my eyes popped wide when I saw the alien invasion picture; that was funny. Your first aid list is fantastic. Great Job!
Nice article! I once packed a bag with tins of custard and baked beans, a knife, and some clothes, after I watched I Am Legend, but my mum returned me to sanity once I asked for some medical supplies.
Great details, like the video you uploaded :) really hope it doesn't end, because my question is: what happens next, voting for you...
I like these sentences you write:"Each new day bringing something unexpected. Life is full of bad times and good times. The best we can do is prepare for the bad times and enjoy the good times." So we should prepare for future lifes with a positive attitude.
Nice article, what advice to do have as far as telling your friends and family? The last time I spoke to my wife about it she looked at me like I was crazy. Cool article. Voted up.
Author Karin K.H - If life is completely over, then you are definitely right. Go out on a high note. But if the world just goes crazy with disasters, you gotta be prepared to survive.
billybuc - Thank you! Offbeat and kooky are my
specialties.
carteblancheiskey - You're right. There isn't any reason to get worked up about it. If the world ends, we don't have much control over it. If people survive after a major disaster, though, we should be as prepared as possible.
friendustry - I'm not saying goodbye yet!
LoriSoard - Survival kits can save lives even on a normal day. Thanks!
Suzanne Levac - Living in fear is not the way to go. Being prepared can help cut down on fear and panic if a disaster did happen.
rishweby - I don't think the world is over in 2012. At least I hope not because I have a long list of things I still want to accomplish.
jonta - I guess one of these centuries one of the prophecies is going to be right. Guess we'll just have to wait and see when it actually happens.
Darkmetaly - Thanks!
tiffanytwisted21 - Thank you!
mnimarketing - I have no idea what you are talking about.
Dorothee-Gy - Great tips. It is always a good idea to have scanned copies of important documents. The hand crank flashlights are great to have for anytime the power goes out.
ClayReeseDesign - Thanks so much!
James Halpin - You definitely have a point about the Maya. I am more concerned that there is going to panic as the date approaches because a lot of people will be worries. Kind of like Y2K.
Alexander Brenner - Weapons would be a priority if we ended up in some post-apocalyptic scenario. I would probably opt for a bow and arrow. Thanks!
Kathryn L Hill - I haven't seen "The Road," but I have seen enough end of the world movies to know I don't want that. I just want to be one of the people who do survive if it happens.
faith_love_hope32 - Most of the potential disasters are out of our control. So worrying about them isn't going to help. We just have to prepare ourselves with a survival kit and then just keep living and being happy in the moment. Any of those things could happen, but the world could also be fine for thousands more years as well.
MarleneWheeler - Thank you! Aliens are what creeps me out the most, so I make sure to prepare for that. Ha ha!
Ryan-Morgan - Putting together a kit like that is handy. It could be useful even during a storm when the power goes out. As long as you don't get obsessed and think zombies are coming.
sammysmyth1 - Thank you! Let's hope it doesn't end before I finish this response...
sara xiao - Preparing for the future and for possible bad times is a way to ease worry and fear. But dwelling on what may happen robs you of your present. So you are right, we should meet the future with a positive outlook.
cmp2417 - If the people I care about were reluctant to put together a survival kit, I would try to figure out why first. Is it because they think that nothing bad could ever happen to them or because they don't want to think about bad possibilities? Knowing why they think it is crazy can help me know how to change their minds.
Then I would explain to them why being safe is better than being sorry. Disasters happen all the time. Think about last year's tornado season and blizzards. Hurricanes happen all the time. Another country could attack us at any time. A simple survival kit could save your life.
Do you carry a spare tire in your car? It's the same principle. Is it because you are panicked about your tires exploding? No. It's because you want to be ready if the worst case scenario did happen. It's self protection like when we purchase insurance policies and doesn't mean you are going to march around the streets with a sign saying the end is near. Hope that helps.
if you are prepared, you need not fear
mammaj - Exactly. Preparation is the best way to take care of anxiety.
I liked your hub, very interesting and informative.
I don't believe that the world will end. However, I do think that it will change as we know it. Especially if the economy does not take a turn for the better soon.
I just recently watched two seasons of "The Colony" that originally aired on the Discovery channel in 2010. It gave me some insight into this subject and lots of helpful ideas to survive. It is available on Netflix if anyone is interested. The show is melodramatic, but you can gleam some knowledge and perhaps the desire to learn more as I have.
Very nice insight and interesting read. Never thought anyone could come out with a plan like yours to prepare for end of world. Nonetheless voted up!
KimberlyLake - I think you are right. I don't think the world will be over, but I think big changes are going to happen in the future.
I have seen some of "The Colony." It is interesting to see what real people would do in that kind of end of the world scenario.
There is another show coming out soon called "Doomsday Preppers." It is about people who are preparing for the end of the world and what lengths they go to. It could be interesting as well. I probably won't go as far as some of the people, but there will be some good survival tips in it, I'm sure.
tiltshift - I tried to think of lots of possible doomsday scenarios. I was a Girl Scout, after all. Thanks!
Level 3 Commenter you need to stop watching Discovery channel it is filling your head with nonsense.
Tom - Natural disasters and emergency planning aren't nonsense. That is all she is advocating.
Great hub coco! You have inspired me to start a survival kit, just in case. 2012 really freaks me out and I hate thinking about it but i'm glad to know that you and a lot of other people out there don't believe it will happen. Thanks for sharing such useful information! Voted up and useful!:))
Very interesting and thorough. Although, if it truly is a world calamity, I may not want to survive to deal with what"s left. In dealing with the rest of the possibilities, this is good advice!
Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Perfect advice to believers and non believers alike.
I for one will not be preparing at all, just like Y2K and also every other seemingly disasterous situation upon the modern world.
I am, at best you would say that I am more of a Dawning of the Age of Aquarius is upon us kinda gal. Yes, for sure there will be great changes. I'm only preparing myself in a moral and spiritual way. Fear and lack invites more fear and lack to be drawn towards you (like is attracted to like). Once one realizes what the Age of Aquarius is about it all makes sense.
kayyluh - Thank you! Thinking about world disasters can be scary, but preparing as best we can is about all we can do. And there isn't any real evidence that something is going to happen, it is mainly just hype and speculation. So don't worry.
RetailRich - Thanks! I guess you want to be one of the first to go when the disaster hits? (Ha ha) The aftermath would be the hard part.
Jeni Pari - Global disasters may not come, but there are definitely ideological changes happening around the world. I hope it is changes for the better.
I have to admit, I was expecting an article from one of those "it's the end of the world" fanatics who has a bomb shelter filled with 30 years of food built underground.
But this is actually useful information - especially dealing with natural disasters. Over the winter we had a massive power outage in Western Ma - some people were without power for two weeks, it's amazing how much panic it caused! Simple things like having a small generator, water, and extra batteries made the difference between freaking out, and going on with life.
Well written hub. Balanced informative with entertaining just enough to make it an enjoyable read.
Great hub, well-written with great advice.I have been dreaming about armageddon since I was 4 years old. Know what you`re thinking - what a delightful child I must have been! Anyway, I have finally reconciled my self to the fact that if it comes during my time, it does and there is nothing I can do about it. I don`t think it will be this year, but I guess it never hurts to be prepared!
The world could become a terrible place in a short time. We also need to be mentally, spiritually and it may be wise, not paranoid, to be physically prepared! Very good advise in this outstanding Hub!
xlorna - Thanks so much! Putting together a basic survival kit and emergency supplies is practical. Like you said, even a snowstorm could leave you stuck in the house for days or even a couple of weeks. There is no need to live your life as if the end is here, but preparing can keep you from starving or freezing if the power goes out.
Nordy - I am a bit obsessed with post-apocalyptic books and movies, so I understand where you are coming from. The end will come one day. It may be tomorrow or a million years from now. And you are right, there is nothing we can do about it. So need to fret. Just prepare as best we can and take what may or may not come one day at a time.
wba108@yahoo.com - Preparing is wise because things could get bad. It doesn't mean they are going to, but being ready can help your chances of survival. Being in a good health and in a good mental state is sound advice in general.
Awesome post! Voted up and I'm sending the link to friends. You really put a lot into creating this post.
Nice hub! I don't think World is going to end completely in 2012 but it is sure that something very bad will happen. As far as surviving is concerned we can only pray to God and hope for best.
Wicked hub. I know the world isn't going to end but it makes for interesting stories and hubs.
Good one!! Yes its all story but still an interesting one.
Useful tips, although the premise of the hub is a bit silly. I thoroughly enjoyed it though!
The world is not coming to an end in 2012 just relax. When you see a full nuclear war then you should panic and get as many provisions as you can
The Walking Dead, say it isn't so! I guess I will have to watch more TV or re-rent Zombieland to be sure I am prepared. Just kidding, thanks for all the good info, but in all honestly we have a lot more to worry about right now than some imagined cataclysmic event(s) that even if true we could do nothing to stop. I wouldn’t start making my check-out plans just yet; it may be just a tad premature.
The focus should not only be on the end of the world scenario. After experiencing Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the biggest shocker for me wasn't the damage everywhere, that was expected. The shocker was the thousands of people in lines around the FEMA trailers and fold out tables. On the first day FEMA arrived they were cleaned out in a matter of hours. The saddest part was the fighting and panic people where put though, not to mention people who were walking down the block offering the freebies to the panicked masses at 20-times the worth. So there is more to consider than the end of the world. One thing I felt that missing in the survival plan that made life a little easier after Hugo was a generator. A $400-$500 generator may seem a bit over-the-top for a what-if scenario, but those same $400-$500 generators were gouged at $5,000-$10,000 and people desperate enough bought them. The Coleman lamps,Coleman portable stove, and the canisters of propane to fit the lamps and stove were also a plus, but when months went by without power and those propane canisters became null were the candles, grill and charcoal/lighter fluid.
Even if 2012 isn't the end of life as we know it (which appears to be the scientific consensus), we do need to be prepared for disasters or emergencies. Very helpful hub! Thanks for publishing this information!
Odd but interesting that in a disaster situation they'd ask anyone to put up that kind of money for a future life if survived. I saw the humor in some of what seems unreal but thoroughly enjoyed reading this article which could be helpful in any disaster planning. I voted up, useful.
it will happen one day, 2012? i don't know.
That Grrl - Thank you! I like to be prepared.
birdslover - There is always going to be bad things happening, even if it is only natural disasters. And all we can do is pray and hope for the best.
Hawk Fitness - More than likely it will be a big fuss for nothing, but speculation and theories are entertaining.
ap100 - End of the world movies and books sell for a reason-they are interesting and make people think.
Bldg an Architect - Um, thanks, I guess.
sportgames - I hope nuclear bombs are never used again. But I'm keeping my eyes open and still going to watch out for more than that.
David - Remember: cardio. There are other things to concern us like politics and the economy and the cost of gas. But making long term future plans and preparation isn't bad.
Rusty RazorBlades - It is important to prepare for everyday disaster as well. Generators are a good investment. You never know when you will lose power even during a big storm. Watching on tv you never really see the rebuilding stories. You only see the disaster aftermath. It is hard to imagine living it.
Marcy Goodfleisch - You nailed it. There probably isn't anything looming at the end of the year, but preparation never hurt anyone.
Valerie60 - Thanks. Shortages and price gauging could be ridiculous after a disaster. People can be the cruelest when times are the worst. There definitely is humor to be found in any situation.
Nino Yuliantoro - You never know what tomorrow will bring. We'll see...
You remember the story about the ant and the grasshopper.....I'm afraid that I'm the grasshopper.
your list for a survival kit was a lot more thorough then most articles. I also would recommend a book on the local wild and plant life in your kit. for example i live in Arizona so the Sonoran desert is what i will have to pass through if I need to leave the city. I made sure I learned every edible and poisonous plant and animal in the area as well as all predators and pests that could pose a problem.
very good post... But whatever happens we have to face it. So your tips help us to face it positively :)
This is such a good post (and yes, it gets a vote for "useful"). I remember as a good learning about having 2 exits in case of fire- stayed with me all these years. It is very important to prepare children and adults for any situation- the more prepared the calmer we will be if, G-d forbid, the disaster happens.
Great post and very useful tips as well. As a person experienced first had the tsunami catastrophe, i would say that, preparation and expectation is rather important in saving lives. Unless one expects such a disaster, the valuable minutes could be missed. However, let us hope that, none of these preparations will come in handy at any time in our lives!!
ThomasBaker - You better start making friends with some ants!
Marntzu - That is a good idea. Learning which plants are edible is great not just for food shortages, but for anyone who camps or spends a lot of time out doors. It makes me think of the Hunger Games books. Knowing about what things we can eat in the wild could be very useful knowledge one day.
tbrian123 - Taking whatever life brings with a good attitude is the key to happiness in life. Thanks!
jenniferg78 - I remember doing fire drills in school. If you practice something often enough, it becomes routine. If the real thing did occur, you are less likely to panic. Staying calm and handling the situation is the best way to survive anything. Thank you!
pandula77 - I hope none of the preparations will ever have to be used, but unfortunately disasters happen regularly. Tornadoes just swept through my area last night. You are very right--in an emergency situation, minutes can literally mean the difference between life and death. If you have to scramble to find necessary supplies or to figure out what you need to do, it can mean not surviving. Taking the time to put together a plan of action could mean living through the disaster.
im scared the only problem with what everybodys saying is will we even make it through the desaster ???? im not sure but if it ends it will probably kill most of us ,it will be pandamonium between survivors i think if i made it through the desaster i would survive i can go ages with out being hungery and i dont loose any weight lolz well good luck with you therory
kathryn pope - There is no reason to be afraid. Death can come at any time. When it is our time, all we can do is accept it. We just have to make peace with that.
If there was a huge disaster, the survivors probably would have a hard time. But there is no reason to panic or live in fear. It wouldn't be impossible. Just taking life one day at a time is the way to face anything.
That day! you can't never scape. Great hub.
Great information and certainly something to think about, but not too often! I believe, if life as we know it comes to an end, I probably don't want to be a part of that world, especially if it means fighting for survival.
Aha! Just what I was looking for in this hub. Sending to family and friends. Great info here -we were discussing this topic last night :) Voted up!
louromano - You never know when an emergency will hit. Thanks!
RetailRich - Yes, definitely not a subject to dwell on until you are worried. But an emergency plan should be made. I hope you never have to worry about fighting to survive. Thank you!
emilybee - Thanks so much! My family and I talk about this stuff a little too much. We have a whole plan worked out. :)
This is a very useful hub with great tips. I know what it FELT like to go for two weeks without power during Isabel in Virginia. This past winter there were parts of New England that were out of power during freezing temperatures for the same length of time or even longer. It's best to be prepared and safe, than not prepared and sorry. Trust me. Voted up and useful.
Cute and informative hub. I like the combo of tongue and cheek humor with actual practical advice for planning for a real natural disaster. The end of the world... well, who cares, right? It will be over.
Lets say you survive the first 20 days. Then what do you do? Where do you go?
Water is the most important and overlooked item of all. But can you really store enough to survive long term? What do you do when radiation is everywhere and you get radiation sickness?
Worry about surviving a short term catastrophe is okay. But if you think you are going to survive a doomsday scenario - good luck with that.
Why would you want to? When all hell breaks loose I hope that it takes me out quickly and cleanly. I have no desire to "survive" that.
Everyone seems to fear death, I do not. Death is the release from the human body of your spirit into another dimension. Why would you fear that?
Express10 - I completely agree. Even a simple thing like a power outage can become a life or death situation. So being prepared is definitely the smart thing to do. Thanks!
LauraGT - Thanks! I'm glad you get my humor. That doesn't always happen. If it's over, then oh, well, goodbye. But if it just gets bad and we are still here, gotta be prepared.
MikeNV - If the disaster becomes something long-term, then you try to treat the water rather than store it. There are water treating kits available. I think you just have to take each situation as it comes. I'm not afraid to die, but I'm not going to go down without a fight. Lots of people would probably want it to end quickly like you would. I could handle some tough times. Hopefully we will never be put to the test.
I hate to be the barer or bad new, but if the END OF THE WORLD is coming, there's nothing you or i can do about it. There's no surviving it. And all you can do is live your life likes there's no tomorrow... because no one really knows if there will be.
This is a prime example of a good hub, nice.
Nicely done. I live right on the Hayward fault in California, and we've had an "earthquake kit" for years. I like what you mentioned about cigarettes: even if you don't smoke, they can be used for bartering, like in prison. Nice job!
Got it bookmarked! I'll definitely be prepared!
I enjoy reading this hub. Very informative. Thanks! The list of the survival kit and first aid kit supplies will help a lot.
Interesting hub. With all the nuclear arsenal collected by us humans I feel the end of the world it at all it takes place will be by an accidental nuclear holocaust of by nuclear war. If there were aliens more intelligent than us they would have already wiped us out from the face of the earth and not watched us send unmanned probes across the solar system.
In case the world ends partially or fully by nuclear holocaust there is very little one can do about it. Death is so instantaneous that one need not worry even about the pain and suffering. Of course those for those who survive the holocaust living thereafter may be a greater suffering; In such cased help will have to come from far off safe sources where the holocaust did not affect.
So I feel it is best to just keep cool and not to worry about the end of the world. The more we talk about it the more unrealistic rumors will float around and will create a demand for so many useless products which will not survive the holocaust it at all it takes place.
Interesting hub though and I voted you up for it.
Very good hub, nice to read, and it got me thinking of the need to make a plan to protect my family in case of any catastrophic event. good job Coco!
This is a good Hub, interesting and informational.
I used to think of preppers and survivalist as being the same folks who were running around with hats made of tinfoil on their heads, but the last couple of years have made me at least seriously consider preparing myself.
On another note, I really didn't think much about the Mayans and their 2012 doomsday clock until Dick Clark passed away. How can we have New Year's without Dick Clark?
Really interesting - I enjoyed this a lot. :-)
Now that I read this, I no I am going to survive. Thank you
Nice hub. Enjoyed Reading. The survival kit is a good point.
Good hub on a popular idea. I enjoyed reading this! Very informative and well written.
Good Hub and very informative! I agree, I doubt the world will end anytime soon...but it is best to be well prepared!
Great article. Quite informative. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Good stuff, nice and useful info, for our inner apocalypse-phobes. Bear Grills would be proud!
Thank you very much to bring out this issue before all of us. This is really a very informative one and the discussion and the points you have raised is just wonderful. I have already gone through the whole and just loved this.
THE END IS UNPREDICTABLE
tyralynn - Life as we know it could come to an end and a new way of the world could start. And that is something we could prepare for.
rsynd - Thanks for the compliment!
scottsalot - You are brave to live on a fault. Sounds like you've planned and prepped for the most likely disaster to hit you. Some things would definitely become scarce if a big disaster struck. Cigarettes would definitely be one of them. So many people use them on a daily basis, it could become like money in prison. Thanks!
mikeydcarroll67 - Glad you'll be a survivor! Thanks!
Amaya31 - Seeing a list can help with putting together a kit and remember essential items. Thank you!
Vegas Elias - A nuclear holocaust is a possibility. And you are right that there is little to be done to survive that if you are near the blast. It isn't feasible to build a bomb shelter for most people.
But if you aren't in the blast zone, you may still face hard times, and having some supplies handy could help.
Hopefully, the world will keep some semblance of peace and people will only have to use survival kits for weather-related disasters.
Robie Benve - Having a family plan is smart because natural disasters and weather situations can happen anywhere and anytime. Never hurts to be ready. Thank you!
Georgie Lowery - There are levels to prepping and getting together a plan and a kit is a reasonable level to preparation. Stocking a bunker may be on the extreme side. New Year's Eve without Dick Clark does make it seem like the Mayan's knew a little something. It will definitely be the end of an era. Have you seen some of the pics about Dick Clark and the Mayans circulating on Facebook? They are terribly irreverent, but very funny. Thanks!
Goldentvmemories - Thanks so much!
christoplnan - Glad you are a survivor! Thanks!
taw2012 - Survival kits can save lives. Thank you!
jaybird22 - Thank you very much!
libby101a - You said it. 2012 will probably fizzle out but there will always be possible disasters. Thanks!
am301986 - Thanks and cheers to seeing you in 2013!
ZandaDee - I think most of us have a bit of apocalyptic phobia. I'm glad Bear would approve. Thank you!
oceansofpeople - Thank you! Most people don't consider what could go wrong and what all they should do to prepare. Glad you found it useful!
Profmantle - Yes it is. But the end will happen one of these millennia, so I'm going to do what I can to get ready.
Great Hubs. I made sure my house has fireplaces in case of dead of winter, (In Oregon, we can get under ice ,the last one was 14 days)power outages. I have a pantry I stock food and necessities and rotate them so they are always fresh. Trust me you don't want your power to go out, be under ice for days and days, with no power to cook, stay warm, and even heat hot water By the buckets to take baths and wash out for ex: Underwear ,you may run out of.I stock soaps ,over the counter fever meds, any other meds I might need.Lots of animal food,again rotating it.
I don't believe the worlds going to end .If you believe your bible the Lord's prayer states "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. To me as a christian,it's telling me God's gonna just come (like a theif in the night)and he's gonna take over earth. This is just my opinion.I LOVED this hub. You made great points and you wrote it very well. Thankyou for writing such a great hub!
Rusti Mccollum - Thanks so much! Preparations like you make are very smart. Something as common as an ice storm could be a life or death emergency if you aren't ready for it. But simple planning can prevent that. If it's the very end, there isn't much to be done. But our way of life could end or change and having basic essentials could keep a person alive.
We can at least try to help ourselves and eachother thru it.I still found this hub full of great advice and enjoyed reading it!
The future is always unpredictable, just try to do your best per time,live your life like today is the last.always do your best even in the worst moments, focus on day to day accomplishment, for if we prepare for the worst the worst will never come, why because you have already put your best to work alredy
Rusti Mccollum - Thank you! That's what life is about, isn't it? Helping each other and getting through each day as best we can come what may.
Profmantle - I hope the worst doesn't ever strike. Life should be lived for each day. But that doesn't mean that we should never consider tomorrow. The main is not to dwell on it because you are right. The future is unknowable.
You're right there coco.If I hadn't planned the way I do, we could have froze to death in the housae with no fireplace, Had I not insisted we had one. I put away special blankets food, medicines, and all those things.I wouldn't be here.we literally had 6 inches of ice on our car and house roof. I made soup on the wood stove .We bought enough wood for the entire winter.Even the planes had so much ice we lived less than 5 mins from the airport, the planes were grounded for 6 of those days because the ice kept forming again before they finished spraying them down.It just never hurts to have these things on hand.Even if nothings expected to happen.you can't win against mother nature, she can be beautiful, but she can put on a great fight ...
There will not be an end of this world this year I bet as these scientists claimed several times in the past like in 2000 ,2008 ..what happened ..Nothing .not even a single earthquake on that day ..It is just a way to earn money through books,talk shows,movies,advertisements etc.
Only comments you like huh, well, fair enough I suppose, but it doesn't say much for a free press. The powers that be have not taken away our first amendment rights, they have left it up to the pettiness of our own devices to sensor our fellow man. Another blow for freedom eh! Cheers F.
Great article, I like the rational and be prepared approach. Believe there are some difficult days ahead, all we can do is prepare as best we can and have faith in God to see us through.
don't know about you, but I intend to live :) great article
Rusti - No, we can't win against mother nature. So, have supplies on hand for emergencies like the winter storm you went through. Once an emergency hits, it will be too late to run to the store. Thanks for commenting!
amithak50 - You are probably right. I don't think there is going to be a big disaster. I am more worried about people going crazy and running on stores as the end of the year gets closer. People can create emergency situations when they are afraid. People die during Black Friday rushes. Imagine what could happen if everyone starts to panic. If people prepare now, maybe there won't be many problems in December.
Felina Margetty - It doesn't bother me if someone disagrees with me. There are plenty comments of that type on here and I don't mind getting into debates. If you want to offer your opinion without the barbs, I'd be more than happy to allow it. I'm sure you would appreciate the same respect for your hubs.
slcockerham - I take the same stance. Expect the best, but prepare for anything. Thank you!
eric-carter - I want to be a survivor, too! Thanks!
loveSpaces 13 months ago
I enjoy reading this article. Better o be prepared than not - and it is a good start to put your actual life in a holistic perspective. Good exercise also to do within family. Thumbs up.