Survival of the fittest

Survival of the fittest

Where will you be when the zombies come?

Currently, across the world, there is a unique scattering of people who are probably sleeping rather soundly, safe in the knowledge that, should the shit hit the fan, they needn’t panic (much).

Survivalists, also commonly known as doomsday preppers, are people who have contingency plans and are physically prepared for survival should the world turn to shit. They encompass a broad spectrum, from enthusiastic Boy Scout graduates to those who have dropped millions into their armoured doomsday bunkers; the survivalist community is one that we all ought to consider becoming a part of.

The common denominator among survivalis ts is the concern that society may cease to be as it currently is, leading to difficulties securing safe shelter and resources - which means that being prepared is the best route to peace of mind.

A common fear is that, in the case of an emergency, government aid will not arrive fast enough – and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is a scary example of this. People died from thirst, starvation and treatable illnesses before government rescue managed to reach them, while volunteer doctors were turned away from assisting, due to not being registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bullshit red tape leaves many with diminished confidence in the government, leading to an increased interest in ensuring one’s own survival independently.

A couple of survivalists consented to giving me an insight into how and why they are prepared for a SHTF (shit hits the fan) scenario. Josh is a 30-year-old alcohol warehouse employee in New Mexico who refers to himself as being pretty low-key about survivalism, while 32-year-old Erik* is an assistant nurse specialising in surgery with a military background, who hails from Sweden.

 

When or why did you start thinking about prepping?

Erik: Around 2005, but didn’t do much about it until I was placed in an army unit in the event of war - I was conscripted again … perhaps this shows the Swedish defence force’s newly changing attitude towards what is happening.
Josh: The thought of not knowing what could happen tomorrow. Obviously, most people’s daily routine is pretty mundane but there is always the chance that that can change.

 

In your opinion, what is the most likely SHTF scenario?

Erik: The consequences of war. Political climates are changing fast and Europe sees parties with extreme agendas garner a lot of votes. Soldiers are taking their equipment and armour on vacation to sovereign states, commercial planes get shot down by high-tech machinery, elections (domestic and foreign) are rumoured to be tampered with by corrupt officials/other countries, and Sweden’s air and sea borders are routinely breached. I do not fear the bullies that do what I am describing, but not doing anything is akin to not wearing a seat belt whilst driving, I believe. Do what you can with the means at your disposal.
Josh: I believe that social unrest stemming from the powder keg of the political theatre would be the most common scenario, protesting and riots have already increased since our latest change in presidency, all it would take is a unified front to really upset the status quo across the country.

 

Have you got a bug-out bag or plans for one? (A bug-out bag is a kit that is packed and ready to go, containing everything you would need to survive for 72 hours). 

Erik: I do have a bug-out bag - for my wife first and foremost as she needs to be able to get out if I am summoned into the army. It employs a 60L “Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment” system and can be adapted to whatever needs you see fit due to its modular capacities.
Josh: I do not currently have a bug-out bag at the ready but I have all the essentials for one and ideas of what I would need for several situations. The downside to “bugging out” is that you would be forced to leave your home, which naturally is your safe space, so ideally “bugging in” and staying where you are is the best scenario.

 

Do you own a gun/will you get one in the future?

Erik: I do not own a gun and I do not think I will get one. I have a slingshot, which can be used to hunt small game … you cannot afford to be vegetarian in an emergency. Concerning wolves and bears; I doubt they’d come near unless they’re sick, starved or happened upon and startled … one could carry a “bear bell” which makes lots of annoying sounds.
Josh: I do own a gun and would like more in the future. Firearms are like Pringles: once you pop you can’t stop!

 

What do you think the smartest thing to stockpile would be? Why?

Erik: Seeds - it would take time for them to grow, but with them you can have a head start foraging for winter. Batteries - always useful and with a bit of foil they can be used to light fires as well. Clothes that serve a purpose - it is remarkable how many people only have nice clothes that would not last long in forests/snow/damp. Have some that can last … shirts with prints are useless to insulate from cold or damp … just steer clear of cotton. Wool insulates even when wet. Knowledge - learn about crops, orientation, mechanical repairs or CPR. Endurance - train, weight-lifting, martial arts or conditioning.
Josh: Obviously food and water, but in the collapse of paper currency it would be wise to stockpile things worth trading i.e. gold, silver, alcohol, cigarettes, toilet paper. If the infrastructure of society collapses, skills and knowledge are also of the utmost importance.

 

Do you have an idea of where you would head when SHTF?

Erik: Sweden went through a period lovingly named “The Family Home” during the ‘60s; the state built affordable apartments meant for everyone regardless of social status. During this boom, the state had WWII fresh in mind and therefore built bomb shelters in every basement. There are several on my block alone and if push comes to shove, that is a good alternative. However, my plan is to head for our cabin, there are not many neighbours and there is enough land to grow crops, clean clothes, and acquire infinite water. My cousins have a few cabins even more isolated inland. If that fails, I hope they can make their way south to family and ultimately to another country.
Josh: My best friend has a cabin in the nearby mountains that I can use in any type of SHTF situation, but at some point, I would like to purchase my own land and have my own cabin/safe house.

 

Do people try to give you shit about prepping?

Erik: I haven’t told anyone but my wife, she is supportive but I reckon she does not know to what extent I have prepared. I’ve kept the gas masks hidden! I have four. I don’t believe they’ll ever come out of my closet, but say the ice caps melt and ancient pathogens are released, at least we’ll survive till we can find solace. The risk of telling others means they might come to you when the lifelines offered by the government fail. No matter how good friends you might be with someone you might find they are wholly different when stressed, hungry, tired and at wits end. You just can’t hold everybody’s hand, and I say that as a person caring for others in my professional life and a firm believer that the weak should be helped. I’ve hinted to my brother that it might be a good idea … his wife laughed at the idea, but I hope I won’t have to plan for them as well.
Josh: Since I’m low-key about prepping, most people just see me as a very enthusiastic outdoorsy man so I don’t catch a lot of flak.

 

Do you know any other preppers?

Erik: I do not know anyone with as detailed preparation as mine, but the older folks here were raised to be ready if a crisis emerges.
Josh: I have met a few people with a similar mindset, some more extreme and some just starting out. I’ve been trying to prep along the “Grey Man” ideology which means to not let the whole world know about your plans, don’t wear “tactical” clothing, don’t become a high target if things get crazy. Blend in and keep your head down.

 

Does the thought of a SHTF scenario excite you a little on some strange level?

Erik: It does not excite me at all - I am saddened that I feel I have to prepare for something I cannot change. We try, for example, very hard to lessen our impact on the environment but too many humans do not care. Humans are dumb. I’m pretty sure we are all fucked one way or another.
Josh: Yes and no. Yes because I’ve always been very self-reliant so I would probably be fine, especially if it were a zombie apocalypse, but no because you’ll get people who want what you have and would be willing to do anything to get it, so the survival part of the situation gets exponentially harder.

 

What would be your advice to Otago Uni students who are considering becoming prepared?

Erik: I have understood that New Zealand has faced a few earthquakes, so a bug-out bag would be good to have around at home or in your car. It doesn’t have to be big, just a few essentials to last you a day in the hills. Being prepared doesn’t mean having a bunker in your backyard, it means being able to help if the fellow next to you cramps, needs CPR or help with a change of tyres. It means that maybe you know a few knots, a little about growing crops, the basics of how an engine works or how to make a fire in the rain.
Josh: PRACTICE! TRAIN! You won’t last long if you panic in a SHTF situation. All the best expensive equipment won’t save your life if you don’t know how to use it. The best thought-out plans won’t save you if you don’t practice them regularly. Try turning off the utilities to your home for a couple days and see how you handle that. “Knowledge is power” … learn as much as you can and practice what you learn.

 

In the event of SHTF, do you feel like you would fare better going it alone, or would you prefer to establish a small community?

Erik: A community would be good because there would be more expertise and more hands working with crops/shelter/foraging, but there’d also likely be more sources of conflict. As small and unnoticeable as possible would be preferable.
Josh: In a group of trusted individuals, some people may have certain skills I don’t have. The bonus is the collection of knowledge and skills, the downside is finding a balance. Certain people may be looking for a free ride and won’t have anything to offer while others may want to be in charge. Alone, your only responsibility is yourself, which in turn is the biggest disadvantage - if something happens to you and you can’t take care of the problem you could be in a world of hurt.

 

Do you think an isolated island nation like NZ would fare well in a worldwide SHTF crisis?

Erik: I have come to understand that New Zealand is missing from quite a few maps so perhaps you’d be pretty safe from invaders! Perhaps one could be worried about the politics going on in Australia and how their disregard for the climate would affect you.
Josh: Being isolated is the best scenario, especially if whatever is going on starts somewhere far away. On the flip side if you needed outside resources, getting them to an isolated country could be impossible - if transportation and communication went down you would literally be in the dark.

 

Do you think people should be more concerned/prepared?

Erik: People are unaware that my government expects you to survive at least three days and nights on your own with everything survival entails during that time. People are dumb and text while they drive, so there are lots of things that the public should be concerned about. They at least should devote some thought for how they would manage in a crisis … people would be surprised they might not be able to charge their phone or get information from their computer, TV or radio. How many people do you know are reliant on some medication making their days endurable? What would happen when medication is hard to come by? Sadly, in times of crisis such as war, the weak are dealt the shittiest hand.
Josh: Most are blissfully unaware of how quickly their lives can be flipped upside down by not being prepared. The smallest of problems such as power outage, extreme weather, even a flat tire can cripple certain people. People need to take such things much more seriously.

 

Are you dismayed by how dependent on convenience the human race has gotten?

Erik: I am dismayed by the fact that our consumption means that other people suffer shitty conditions and pollution because we want to sustain a “comfortable” life. I am dismayed by the fact that power seems to mean expanding your territories and killing people directly or indirectly instead of helping those who sorely need it. We could do great things but we are complacent staring at televised competitions of who can be the biggest asshole and then get their own TV-show, earn loads of money and shit on the viewer.

Josh: Somewhat yes, but it’s understandable how it got there. Starting from the dawn of man, if we can figure out any type of advantage, we naturally pass that information on to the next generation. Multiply that for millennia and it brings us to today. Humans didn’t become lazy overnight but with the advancements in technology and the ease of gathering information we rely a little too heavily on such things.

 

Although their levels of survivalism are quite different, Josh and Erik both answered my questions with thoughtful and intelligent logic, immediately debunking the misconceived notion that all preppers are a bunch of redneck extremists. If you’re interested in getting a little more prepared, or have just realised that doomsday survivalism is the olive that’s been missing from your martini, there is a wealth of great information for beginners at http://preppers.co.nz/bug-out-bag.html.

This article first appeared in Issue 6, 2017.
Posted 12:05pm Sunday 26th March 2017 by Chelle Fitzgerald.