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Surviving the zombie apocalypse is all about prepared. What about the Mayan apocalypse predicted for December 21? It's all about being prepared. Actually, surviving any kind of apocalypse or natural disaster is about being prepared.
I'm writing this as the Frankenstorm is bearing down on my neighborhood. The Red Cross is planning for the worst and hoping for the best. The organization has put together a free app to help you locate the nearest Red Cross shelter.
The Red Cross is using the tongue-in-cheek countdown to December 21 and the popularity of zombies to encourage you to get prepared. Those apocalyptic events are very unlikely, but the same steps can help you get prepared for a more likely event. I'm recognizing that now as the wind is gusting, bringing down trees, and flickering the lights.
One of the best steps is to create a go-bag. The Red Cross puts this together as the basic supplies for an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit:
- Water
- Food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
You should make your own go-bag and one for every member of your family. You can even win a prize by showing off your go-bag in a video. Read more on the new Red Cross disaster preparedness website: SavingZombies.com.
For parents, you need to think about some of the needs of your kids. Tape a message reminding you to grab their favorite softie. It will be a great comforting tool in a time of crisis. Don't forget diapers and changing supplies if your kids are toilet trained yet.
But you probably don't need the pump-action shotgun with the bayonet for the most likely disasters. You can leave that item out of your go-bag.