Q&A for How to Survive an Apocalypse

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  • Question
    In the theoretical case of a future apocalypse: I find someone who is better-armed, better-supplied, and - in general - better-prepared than I. They're heavily armed, and look menacing. Should I try to forge an alliance, or risk fighting?
    Joshua Wiebelhaus
    Community Answer
    Do you have skills they would require? Are you a doctor, surgeon, blacksmith, mechanic? If you have useful skills like these and can handle yourself, then you are just as valuable to the other person as he is to you, still he may be mentally unstable or just a jerk so best be cautious.
  • Question
    Would a garage work?
    MegDoge
    Community Answer
    If nobody but your team can get in and all the doors have proper working locks, then yes.
  • Question
    Why would I need sunglasses in an apocalypse?
    Community Answer
    Sunglasses will keep harsh light and glare out of your eyes, prevent sunburn around your eyes, can serve as a useful quick disguise and can help you to avoid eye contact with people begging for help or trying to suss you out. If you end up in harshly lit environments, they will help you to see with ease (snow, desert, etc.). It just makes sense to have sunglasses as one of your must-haves, especially as you may need to spend a lot of time outdoors.
  • Question
    If I find people, how would I know if they're nice and won't backstab me?
    Community Answer
    You don't know. As such, never let down your guard. Be friendly but stay wary, be helpful but ever watchful. Assume nothing is certain than that anyone could turn when you least expect it.
  • Question
    If I find a survivor I know, should I still trust them?
    Community Answer
    Maybe, but maybe not. It depends on your relationship with them. If it's your long lost mother, it wouldn't hurt. If it's a guy you talked to once at a party, then you probably shouldn't.
  • Question
    What if I have a baby or young child?
    Community Answer
    You'll want to find a group of people you can trust. You'll need to spend most of your time taking care of your child, and as such, won't have much time to go out and find food or water. Having someone to help gather necessities is a must.
  • Question
    Could you make a good shelter out of a huge church?
    Community Answer
    It has its benefits and downsides. A benefit would be shelter and a common landmark for you and other survivors to meet, set up, etc. A downside would be that huge church stands out. Looters might target the church looking for anything they can find.
  • Question
    How much water do I need to get going? If I run out of it, is it safe to boil the water from rivers, because they are probably more polluted than before?
    Joshua Wiebelhaus
    Community Answer
    If you live near a water source, take only one gallon. You can get more, would consume less than that each day. If you live in a desert climate, pack three gallons; the weight is worth it. When getting water, first filter and then boil it (water is necessary for life, so you can't help but risk it).
  • Question
    How can I make weapons with everyday items?
    Community Answer
    You could make a spear with any stick, string and knife, just tie them together and you have it. There are lots of ways to make weapons, such as above. Even slingshots could do. Any knives or sharp objects could help. Under some circumstances, use bug spray to irritate.
  • Question
    But what if you have a child to protect? Do you have to teach him how to shoot, kill and hunt?
    TheDarkSurvivor
    Community Answer
    Yes. It can teach them responsibility, as well as useful life skills.
  • Question
    How do I protect my family and I during the apocalypse? Will this actually happen?
    Community Answer
    Treat them as part of your "team". If they can contribute, then great! If not, you will have to provide for them and keep them out of harm's way.
  • Question
    If I find an experienced doctor wandering around, should I take him with my team?
    Ashraf Asim
    Community Answer
    An experienced doctor will be a great addition to your team, but you never know if you can trust them. Don’t let your guard down for awhile until they prove that they're trustworthy.
  • Question
    What should I do if the zombies are smart and can open doors?
    DLOVESE
    Community Answer
    You can barricade doors or, more likely, make a quick escape plan to a rooftop or a back door.
  • Question
    What if I find no weapon?
    Community Answer
    Make your own!
  • Question
    If I was using a car to get around, what if I ran out of gas?
    Community Answer
    Don't trust your car to take you to the ends of the earth. If possible, take a bike. If you really need a car, get one with an engine that can stand other types of fuel, and then you can make your own.
  • Question
    What do I do if I get bit?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what bit you. If it is an animal bite, clean and bandage the wound and hope for the best. Seek antibiotics just in case. If you're talking about zombies, you're likely looking at an amputation.
  • Question
    What should I do if it's a zombie attack?
    TheDarkSurvivor
    Community Answer
    If you are in a city, set up base on the second floor of a building. If you destroy the stairs, the zombies won't get you, and it's low enough to climb up and jump down.
  • Question
    Should I save celebrities?
    Community Answer
    No. Their stock in trade is making it appear as if they know what they're doing when in actual fact they haven't a clue. Reading a script, writing lyrics, singing and dancing and updating Instagram are not useful survival skills. This lack of resourcefulness and inexperience will make most of them a burden.
  • Question
    How do you make an escape plan?
    Community Answer
    Find the best routes through the front and back doors of your house, then your street. Know the hiding places in the area you live, and if you have family members, create a secret location for you all to meet. Keep in mind how to avoid enemies if there are any nearby. It's best to practice different scenarios before the time comes.
  • Question
    Will I get killed by a zombie?
    Community Answer
    If you don't have the proper supplies, you might. However, you can prepare for the apocalypse by training in self defense and stocking up on supplies.
  • Question
    I live in England, what should I do for weapons, because we're not allowed to have them?
    Community Answer
    You can keep knives on hand, even if they're just kitchen knives, and get creative. Just about any blunt object can be used as a weapon if necessary.
  • Question
    What if I have a family to protect and I'm in Australia where we can't acquire guns?
    Community Answer
    Keep knives or anything else that can be used as a weapon. You can also fashion spears out of sticks or tree limbs. Learning martial arts/hand to hand combat would be a good idea as well. Keep in mind, if you can't acquire guns, most other people won't have them either.
  • Question
    What happens if other people raid my bunker?
    Community Answer
    Assuming there are no police or military in control, you should have a weapon to protect what's yours - with lethal force if necessary.
  • Question
    What is the best tool for picking locks?
    PancakeGirl
    Community Answer
    Bobby pins are often useful for picking locks, but it depends on the type of lock.
  • Question
    If I found a pack of supplies inside a car, should I take it?
    Community Answer
    If you are trying to survive, then yes.
  • Question
    What if I find a dog? What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Try to tame it and make it your guard dog. Dogs are great for alerting you that strangers/intruders are nearby.
  • Question
    What if the food or water you are eating is contaminated?
    Community Answer
    Get a water filter or boil your drinking water. Stock up on canned foods.
  • Question
    Would a car be a safe bet for an apocalypse?
    Community Answer
    Probably not, as gas will be scarce and car windows are easily broken.
  • Question
    How should I know when to not trust someone and trust someone?
    Community Answer
    Trust someone if they know you. But don't if they always ask for weapons or don't respect you.
  • Question
    Should I make a base?
    Community Answer
    If you have the energy, time and materials, yes. But if you are in a pinch, then try living in a safe, isolated place.
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