In order to survive a large-scale catastrophe, you and your family need to plan ahead. With a little bit of hard work and a few key upgrades on your property, your family should be able to thrive for years if the utilities are knocked offline and there is a major breakdown in society.
Set Aside Designated Farming Land
To keep your family healthy, you must have a constant supply of nutrient-dense foods. Canned and pickled products are a great start, but farming might become a necessity at some point. As long as you are in a relatively moderate climate and understand the basics of farming, one acre should be able to provide at least four people with plenty of fruits and vegetables every year. If you use your land wisely and have an efficient setup, then a family of four might be able to get by on just a quarter of an acre.
Install On-Site Septic Tanks and Pumps
Sanitation and running water are going to be very important, and you should consider what type of plumbing and waste system will meet your needs. A well is a great place to start, and that feature should be installed uphill and near a clean source of water. After the well is in place, you can then take a fresh look at septic tanks. Your on-site septic tank must be installed downhill from the well and a reasonable distance from your home.
Choose an Alternative Energy Source
While you don’t necessarily need to install an alternative energy system, having electricity is going to make your life much more pleasant if the utilities are knocked offline. At the very least, you should invest in one or more generators that can be used as emergency sources of energy. For long-term energy production, you will need to install a larger system such as solar panels or windmills.
Learn How to Raise Chickens and Other Small Livestock
In addition to growing fruits and vegetables, you should also think about raising chickens or some other type of small livestock. With a small chicken coop, your family could have access to thousands of eggs a month and a constant supply of fresh meat. You might also want to raise rabbits, pigs, or some other type of animal that is hardy and easy to breed.
When it comes to surviving an apocalyptic event, education is going to be one of your most powerful tools. No matter what types of upgrades you invest in, those systems are going to be almost completely useless if you don’t know how to properly maintain and repair them.