Disaster Survival & Worst-Case Scenarios

Instructions Step 1: Head for the hills If you’re being chased, head for well-lit, populated areas or a hideout with easy-access exits. Running into the woods or a dark basement is a major no-no. Step 2: Listen for noises Something go bump in the night? It’s bad to investigate it alone — but it’s worse …

Instructions Step 1: Don’t eat Avoid eating as much as possible. You can survive longer without food than without water, and the digestive process uses water. Step 2: Try not to sweat Minimize perspiration by relegating physical activity to nighttime. And keep your clothing on — it helps slow the evaporation of your sweat. Wrap …

Instructions Step 1: Apply to a doomsday community Join a doomsday community to survive a 2012 end-of-the-world scenario — an underground bunker network built to keep people alive for a year. You’ll need both the price of admission — at least $50,000 in some cases — and approval by the bunker board. TIP: Increase your …

Instructions Step 1: Use mental powers To resist a telepathic assault, focus your mental activity against mind control by centering your thoughts on the word “no.” TIP: Use aluminum foil or hubcaps for lasting protection against brain rays. Step 2: Fight To resist a physical assault, act submissive and intellectually inferior. When your captor gets …

Instructions Step 1: Build a citadel Create a citadel — a safe room built into the ship that the crew can barricade themselves in if pirates come on board. It should have mechanisms to control the ship, emergency rations, a safe air supply, surveillance cameras, and external communication equipment. That way, you won’t have to …

Instructions Step 1: Get their attention Get the attention of a diver who hasn’t yet deployed their own chute and indicate that you have a parachute failure by waving your arms and pointing to your chute. Step 2: Grab onto them Grab hold of your companion. Then hook your elbows through their chest strap and …

Instructions Step 1: Tread carefully Walk slowly, barefoot if possible, and test the ground with a long stick. If the ground appears unstable, avoid the area. TIP: Quicksand can be found in areas where there are underground streams that lubricate sand, decreasing the friction between sand grains. Step 2: Relax Relax and don’t panic. If …

Instructions Step 1: Keep a supply of food and water Keep a 3-day supply of water and easy-to-prepare, nonperishable food stocked in your go kit. Figure on 1 gallon of water per person per day. TIP: Include a can opener if you have canned food. Step 2: Pack a first aid kit Pack a first-aid …

Instructions Step 1: Test the ice Never venture across a frozen body of water without first testing the ice with an ice spud, auger, or drill. Two inches can support one person; four inches are needed for two people; and five inches of solid ice are required to support a snowmobile or other off-road vehicle. …

Instructions Step 1: Go below the surface Find a way to get below street level; look for paths to subway tunnels, sewer systems, or storm drains and use them as entrance points. Then, muster your courage and head underground. Step 2: Find a space Choose a spot for your new dwelling; use a flashlight to …

Instructions Step 1: Get the receiver’s attention Get the attention of the person you wish to send the signal to by waving both of your flags repeatedly overhead in a scissor-like motion. Step 2: Wait for acknowledgment Wait for the receiving party to send the semaphore letter K with their flags. This is the signal …

Instructions Step 1: Break the bones Find a way to break the bones in your arms. It’s not easy to cut through bone, unless you happen to have a power tool on you. Step 2: Put on a tourniquet Before you attempt to cut off your arm, tie a tourniquet several inches above the amputation …

Instructions Step 1: Know your enemy Make sure you’re facing an attack from actual zombies. Look for a stiff gait caused by rigor mortis, open wounds from decomposing flesh, and a hunger for human flesh. Step 2: Cover up Cover up to prevent potential zombie bites from turning you into one of them. Wear a …

Instructions Step 1: Stay calm Try to stay calm. You’re unlikely to run into the kind of shark that attacks humans unprovoked — bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great whites. More likely, it will be a smaller species that will give you the once over and go away, as long as it doesn’t feel threatened. …

Instructions Step 1: Call distress signal Tune your marine radio to channel 16 and call out the word “mayday” three times in a row. This is the international hailing and distress frequency. TIP: Collect as much information as you can about your vessel, your condition, and your location before making a distress call. Step 2: …

Instructions Step 1: Plan ahead Before a disaster occurs, create a plan of action for yourself and your loved ones. Choose a location that you can retreat to easily and spend a few days, if necessary. Map routes out of town in case you need to evacuate. Keep a backpack containing basic necessities at the …

Instructions : Approaching a burning car is dangerous and potentially deadly, especially if the fire is already in the passenger compartment or fuel is spilled near the car. Step 1: Call 911 Call 911 before you do anything else. Do not approach the car until you’ve done so. Step 2: Survey the scene Wait for …

Instructions Step 1: Get potassium iodide Have potassium iodide on hand; you may need it to protect your thyroid from the radioactive iodine fallout of a nuclear event. It is available without a prescription; ask your pharmacist for an FDA-approved brand and dosage guidelines. TIP: In the event of an attack, emergency officials may advise …

Instructions Step 1: Follow the doctor Follow the doctor’s orders. After the crash, you’re probably in need of medical attention, and the doctor seems like he knows what he’s doing. Do what he says, at least until he turns whiny and neurotic. Step 2: Be attractive If at all possible, be really attractive. Sure, you’re …

Instructions Step 1: Extinguish all flames and cigarettes. If you’re indoors, move away from windows and any unsecured tall, rolling, or heavy furniture and equipment. Step 2: Drop to your knees and curl up; this minimizes injuries by making yourself a smaller target. Next, cover your head, neck, and chest by crawling under something sturdy, …

Instructions Step 1: Wear your life jacket Wear your life jacket. Make sure it’s snug, and keep it completely buckled at all times. It’s also a good idea to wear a helmet, and absolutely necessary in strong rapids. Step 2: Try not to panic If you fall overboard, try not to panic. If you’re not …

Instructions Step 1: Run Run first; ask questions later. Don’t miss your opportunity to escape by wasting time debating whether that noise was really a gunshot. TIP: If you’re running from a shooter, run in a zigzag pattern. He’ll have a harder time hitting you, and the odds are even lower he’ll hit a major …

Instructions : Seek immediate medical attention if you feel sick, have trouble breathing, experience severe swelling, or exhibit any other signs of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. Step 1: Run Run away as quickly as possible. Avoid swatting or crushing any bees, as this will only worsen the attack. Getting out of there …

Instructions Step 1: If you’re lucky enough to have a cell phone with reception and battery power, call for help and let them know roughly where you were before washing up. Authorities may be able to work with your wireless provider to narrow down your location and send a rescue team. Step 2: Think survival. …

Instructions Step 1: Call or radio the police or Coast Guard before you do anything else. Step 2: Approach the capsized boat with caution. Whatever overturned them could be a danger to you, too. Step 3: Position your boat so that the bow is pointing into the current and the wind when you idle it …

Instructions Step 1: Find a depressing in the earth Look for a depression in the earth–a ditch, a gulley, or just a shallow place. Step 2: Cover the depression Cover the depression with branches and logs, then climb beneath them to keep the wind off you. TIP: Keep your shelter as compact as possible; a …

Instructions Step 1: Book a good seat Book a seat in the exit row or within five rows of it. People in those seats have the highest survival rates. TIP: Aisle seats are safer than windows seats, unless you’re sitting next to an exit door. Step 2: Dress for escape Wear pants and a long-sleeved …

Instructions Step 1: Have drills Hold drills with your family for fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters until the repetition locks the life-saving behavior into their brain. People react best in an emergency if they’re trained to go on automatic pilot. TIP: When flying, always listen to the flight attendant’s instructions and read the safety …

Instructions Step 1: Reverse direction If you’ve already had your head ripped off during a bear encounter, we probably can’t help you. However, if the bear has not yet ripped off your head because you saw him first, off in the distance, you should slowly and quietly begin walking in the opposite direction until he’s …

Instructions Step 1: Stay where you are As soon as you realize you are lost, stay where you are. It’s much more difficult for rescuers to find you if you’re on the move. Step 2: Remain together If you’re with others, remain together. Step 3: Follow the acronym STOP Follow the acronym STOP: SIT down …