How to Survive the First 30 Days After Everything Hits the Fan

How to Survive the First 30 Days After Everything Hits the Fan

Hey everyone! Let’s dive into a practical scenario: surviving the first 30 days after society hits a major snag. Whether you’ve prepped for years or you’re just starting to consider what disaster prep might look like, this guide will help you navigate the chaos right from the safety of your home base.

Intro to Apocalypse: The First 30 Days

We're exploring the wild idea of surviving the initial chaos right where you are—no "bugging out" just yet. Whether you’ve prepped your pantry or you’re just tuning in, here’s how to handle it:

Team Prepared: You're checking your lists, confirming your resources, and sticking to the plan. Your tech is charged, your info is reliable, and you’re ready.
Team Improv: Not quite ready? No sweat. Keep that phone charged and stick to trusted sources. Maybe download some useful apps like FEMA to get alerts and guidance.

Initial Response: Info is Power

When things start to crumble, knowing what’s real and what’s just hype can make all the difference:

Preppers: You're all about grabbing the right info quickly. Tune out the fear-mongers and get the real scoop from trusted sources, then check in with your prepper network.
Newbies: Use your phone wisely—focus on official updates and credible alerts. Steer clear of the social media circus.

Home Base Tactics

We’re not moving; we're fortifying. Here’s how:

Lock It Down: Secure your space. Check those locks, reinforce doors, maybe set up some DIY alarms. Got surveillance gear? Now’s the time to use it.
Communication Lines: Keep everyone in the loop.
Preppers: You’re probably set with radios and maybe even a HAM setup. Test them out, make sure everyone knows the drill.
Newbies: Basics first. Keep your phone ready, look into alternative communication like radios or simple signaling methods.

Food and Water: Stocking Up

This is crucial, so pay attention:

Preppers: You've got the supplies, but use fresh resources first. Remember, your stash is for when things get really tight.
Just Starting: Water is your first mission—find it, store it, purify it. For food, hit the stores before shelves go bare. Focus on non-perishables and essentials.

Self-Defense and Security

When law and order take a backseat, you need to be ready:

Preppers: Check your defenses—everything from the sturdiness of your doors to your personal defense gear. Got a security system? Make sure it’s operational.
Newbies: Think basic protection—secure your doors and windows, and consider what you can use as improvised weapons if necessary.

Managing Power Needs

When everything else stops working, figuring out how to keep the lights on and your gadgets charged is a game-changer. Whether you’ve planned for an off-grid life or you’re figuring things out as you go, here’s how to manage your power needs during those crucial first 30 days.

For the Well-Prepared:

Strategic Power Use:

Solar Savvy: If you have solar panels installed, make them work for you. Use the daylight hours to power essential devices and charge up battery packs. Remember, energy conservation is key, so turn off unnecessary devices to stretch your stored power through the night.
Generator Guidelines: Running a generator can fill in the gaps, especially on cloudy days or when you need a bit more juice. Keep your generator use efficient by only powering it up for charging essential batteries or running crucial appliances. And always keep it outside to avoid dangerous fumes.
Alternative Energy: Consider other energy sources you might have, like wind turbines or hydro power if you’re near a water source. Small hand-crank generators or pedal power can also be great for charging smaller devices like phones or radios.

For the Improvisers:

Finding Power in a Pinch:

Portable Chargers: Hopefully, you have a couple of these around. Keep them full and use them sparingly to maintain your phone’s charge at least. They’re lifesavers when you need to stay connected.
Car Battery Power: Your vehicle can be more than transportation—it can be a power station. You can charge devices using the car battery (while being mindful not to drain it completely). This method can provide critical power when you need it most.
Community Help: Check out if local emergency centers or shelters offer charging stations or other power assistance. These places can be vital resources.
DIY Solar: No solar panels on your roof? No problem. Small, portable solar chargers can provide enough power to keep your essential devices running. They’re affordable, increasingly efficient, and perfect for sunny days.

In times of crisis, managing your power isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about keeping your lines of communication open, preserving perishable foods, and maintaining an edge of normalcy. Whatever your level of preparedness, use these strategies to make sure you stay powered up.

Securing Supplies: The Scavenger Hunt

Here's how to approach scavenging:

Preppers: You likely know the best local spots for supplies. Be cautious and strategic about when and how you collect what you need.
Newbies: Be smart about scavenging. Stick to safe areas, and remember, teamwork can make it safer and more efficient.

Health is Wealth: Medical Prep

Don't overlook medical needs:

Preppers: You’ve probably got a kit ready. Keep it stocked and know how to use everything in it.
Just Getting Started: Understand the basics of first aid. Gather supplies like bandages and antiseptics, and learn how to handle common injuries.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Staying clean is more important now than ever:

Preppers: You’ve likely prepared with sanitation supplies. Think about waste management and maintaining hygiene to avoid illness.
Newbies: Learn basic sanitation like creating makeshift toilets with buckets and managing waste. Also, keep hygiene supplies like soap and hand sanitizer at the ready.

Transportation and Fuel

Getting around might get tougher:

Preppers: You’ve probably considered alternative transportation methods and fuel storage. Make sure everything’s ready to go.
Newbies: Think about non-fuel-dependent options like bikes or even horses if you're rural. Carpool with neighbors if cars are still an option.

Financial Preparation

Money might not mean much, or it might mean everything:

Preppers: If you’ve stashed away precious metals or cash, think about how to use them wisely. Bartering might become the new norm.
Newbies: Gather any cash you have on hand. Items like medicines, alcohol, or batteries might be worth more than money soon.

Keeping Your Head: Mental Health Matters

This is a marathon, not a sprint:

Preppers: Dive into your book collection, break out the board games, and keep stress levels managed.
Newbies: Find strength in community. Sharing resources and support can help everyone keep their cool and stay sane.

The Long Game: Planning for Prolonged Survival

If this is more than just a temporary blip, you’ll need a sustainable plan:

Preppers: You’re probably thinking about long-term food production, energy sources, and community defense.
Newbies: Learn fast about sustainable living—water sourcing, food production, and basic shelter management.

This guide covers the basics of handling the first rough month after a societal shake-up. Whether you're fully equipped or just getting your bearings, remember: stay informed, stay secure, and stay connected. Listen to our full podcast episode here! STAY SURVIVED!