Most people think they are prepared. The best way to prepare is practice. But when the SHTF, our mind races and we may not think clearly. Here is a list of what to do per day after SHTF.
Day 1 – The Initial Shock Phase
- Secure shelter immediately
- Check for injuries for yourself and others in your group
- Establish communications via any means necessary (radio, cell or satellite phone)
- Create a Sit Rep
- Take inventory of your supplies at hand
- Stay put or bug out based on the situation
Day 2 – The Survival Mode Phase
- Find, purify and ration water
- Cook perishables first
- Ration food
- Block drafts, seal windows if safe in colder areas
- Stay low and quiet (with lights minimized or off) if shelter is not secured
- Conserve energy and create plans
Day 3 – Adaptation Phase
- Reassess your location to decide to stay or find another location
- Begin building short and long term strategies and assign daily tasks
- Forage, fish, trap or hunt if necessary
- Identify power requirements and future needs
- Identify and make contact with other survivors you trust (if safe to do so)
Surviving alone or in a small group may work short term, but you need to build a community for covering all the daily tasks necessary to survive in many SHTF situations. Create your 72 hour plan, review it with your family or group, test it, update it, test it again, and be prepared.
