how to survive the coming apocalypse

So you’ve got a budget plan. Check. A food behavior modification plan. Check. An exercise plan. Check. A career plan. Check. You’re all set, right? Just hit auto-pilot and sail through life.

But wait. What about a survival plan?

That’s right. There’s one you forgot, and it’s probably going to be the most important plan you’ll ever make. Because what good is your 401K going to do you while zombies are munching on your brain? And while a good exercise plan should help you outrun the escaped lions from the zoo, you can only run so far. As for your career plan, well, when the meteorite hits, ideally it’ll take out your boss (thereby allowing you to assume his position), but statistically speaking, the chances of that are pretty slim (most likely, the meteorite will take you out too).

Ok. Let’s get a little realistic. Zombies, meteorites, and zoo break-ins are serious business, but more the stuff of action-packed science fiction movies. But while the jungle survivalist plan might not be of too much relevance to you, a good emergency plan should be. Because depending on where you live, floods, earthquakes, power outages, and the like are not uncommon events. And 9/11 showed us that terrorism isn’t just for the movies either.

So while you’re assessing your finances and weight and career aspirations, assess your chances of survival as well. Every family should have a good emergency plan, either for sheltering in place (ideal) or regrouping in the case of evacuation. Emergencies come in different forms, but under the all-hazards model, response follows the same guiding principles.

Here are a few simple and practical steps to develop this plan:

1. Arrange a family meeting. Your household should meet to discuss steps you would take during an emergency. Everyone needs to be a part of the plan, and everyone should be made to feel as though their concerns are being addressed.

2. Make an emergency kit. The preparedness folks at CDC (as well as DHS and elsewhere) suggest a few items for this kit, including bottled water, canned food items (and a can opener), a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kid, plastic bags and towelettes, basic tools, cash, and pet needs. Additional items should be added per need (ie, medications). And while it was a topic of amusement, I’d also suggest duct tape and plastic sheeting to reinforce shelter.

3. Create a phone tree. You can decide how inclusive this should be, but ideally, immediate family members, select neighbors, and other key people should be included. Those living outside your immediate area of residence should also be on there. In the case of an emergency, each person contacts the person before and after them to check in. In addition, programming an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact into your cell phone is useful too.

4. Set meeting points and times. Usually in an emergency, the best plan of action is to shelter in place; evacuation is a last resort. Workplaces and schools have emergency plans of their own, so there is no need to rush to school to retrieve your child. However, some mechanism should be in place for contact. Discuss with school administrators to see how they’ve included this in their plans. In the need for evacuation (for which you will be advised), there is a possibility of separation. In this situation, predetermined meeting places and times should be set (with accompanying materials such as phone cards and maps).

5. Learn about local plans. Your community should have plan as well, whether it’s your neighborhood, city or county. In addition, local hospitals and clinics have plans in place and you should make yourself familiar with those. Know where to turn for both information and medical care.

6. Don’t forget your pet. If you shelter in place, your emergency kit should include items for your pet. In the cause of evacuation, determine where you might leave your pet. Familiarize yourself with animal hospitals or kennels in neighboring areas.

7. Keep alert. Emergencies don’t just happen at home. When traveling, take a quick stroll around the hotel and check out emergency exits. Leave schedules or phone numbers with loved ones.

Planning for an emergency is not time-consuming or labor-intensive, but it is important and should take priority. The important factor to remember is that everyone should be on the same page about the plan.