Day 9: Preparation

Made it back to the bunker today. Now the real work begins. I have seen enough to realize that if I am going to survive in this radiated world I need to be prepared much better. Back at my bunker I found all of the supplies I wish I had taken with me, and for good reason. The first thing I needed was glass of water and a bite to eat, but I found what would be one of my most important survival tools hanging on the wall where I left it; an AK-47.

Survival so far has consisted of fighting off radiated zombies, but there’s more than undead hordes that could end your life in the post-apocalyptic world. Gangs of marauders, mutated plants and animals, and of course the ever present threat of fallout radiation. Back at my bunker I figured out just how much supplies I had abandoned in my first flight that I would need.

The first thing on the list was the AK-47. My rifle was certainly more accurate, but what is really needed in the apocalypse is heavier firepower. Accuracy means little when facing multiple adversaries with a single-shot gun that needs to be reloaded every five rounds. The AK's reputation as a user-friendly, incredibly durable machine gun is unmatched in the firearm world. It is a gun for, as Samuel Jackson said in Jackie Brown “when you got to kill every mother- in the room.” Ammo is plentiful, and the magazine of an AK is easy to load and replace.

While a good gun would deal with zombies and any adversaries who might want to cut and gut anyone they see, the environment is also something that could kill. In any good medical kit (yes they are very essential) a survivor who hopes to live out the apocalypse will need some potassium iodide pills. The most common thing that radiation will attack in the body is the thyroid, a reason why many who die from nuclear accidents have thyroid cancer as the direct cause of death. Potassium iodide keeps the glands in the thyroid protected. The second essential piece of medical equipment are water purifying tabs. The odds are their won't be any safe water to drink in stores or buildings, especially in a city or place with no nearby bodies of water. Even then the odds are it will be polluted or contain radiation. Purifying tabs are a must for obtaining clean water when methods like boiling it are too time consuming. 

 

For other gear, a survivor should stock up on clothing. Boots are a must, particularly combat boots, good for running trekking through dangerous terrain and of course giving a swift kick to an undead brain-sucker. Helmets are useful but not very practical, as you are unlikely to be facing flying shrapnel or heavy explosions. Helmets are only useful when driving at breakneck speed across the wasteland or climbing a mountain slope. In most other circumstances a gas mask is better, keeping yourself safe from the deadly fumes and pockets of gas that might kill you.

Survival in the post apocalypse is tricky. Anyone who lives through the nuclear explosions is going to face numerous threats to their existence after wards. For more information check out US Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Survival Manual by Dick Couch, filled with information that can help one survive. A plan is essential even if the odds are against it. Once I finish gathering up the gear I need my plan is to travel south along the coast, hoping to find civilization. Hopefully these tips will help you to, fellow survivor.