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Surviving the end of the world

By Staff | Nov 29, 2012

“It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.”

Apologies to Mr. Stipe and the gang from REM for borrowing undoubtedly the most overused phrase of this whole apocalyptic nonsense. Of course, I’m sure they’re getting paid by somebody, so it’s all good.

Anyway, if you’ve been living under a rock or perhaps in your bunker, news flash: the world is supposed to end on Dec. 21, 2012. So if you are reading this on Dec. 22, sorry to break it to you.

The story goes that the Mayans, a long gone civilization who somehow failed to predict their own demise, have concluded that our planet is going to undergo a transformation of some sort: spiritual, cataclysmic, apocalyptic…whatever you want to label it, the sh*t is gonna hit the fan.

Doomsayers have picked up on the notion and predict the earth will be destroyed by everything from solar flares to technological meltdown to alien invasion. We’re kinda hoping for the last one, cause, well, you know, aliens kick ass.

Now we don’t want to get all doom and gloomy. There’s too much of that already and you don’t read Graffiti to feel bad about yourself and your fellow man – that’s what “Doomsday Preppers” is for.

So we decided to have a little fun and offer a public service at the same time. Thanks to the American Red Cross’s safety tips, if the world does go all crazy, hopefully you will be prepared. Unless there is a zombie takeover, in which case, you’re pretty much screwed.

In all seriousness, these tips might come any handy for any type of disaster scenario and it’s important to be prepared.

Happy apocalypse!

At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

* Water-one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

* Food-non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

* Flashlight

* Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

* Extra batteries

* First aid kit Anatomy of a First Aid Kit

* Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

* Multi-purpose tool

* Sanitation and personal hygiene items

* Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

* Cell phone with chargers

* Family and emergency contact information

* Extra cash

* Emergency blanket

* Map(s) of the area

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

* Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)

* Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

* Games and activities for children

* Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

* Two-way radios

* Extra set of car keys and house keys

* Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

* Whistle

* N95 or surgical masks

* Matches

* Rain gear

* Towels

* Work gloves

* Tools/supplies for securing your home

* Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes

* Plastic sheeting

* Duct tape

* Scissors

* Household liquid bleach

* Entertainment items

* Blankets or sleeping bags

  • Visit RedCross.org for more tips.