Living off the land

Most people have never "lived off the land".
This means that as you travel through the wilderness, you will need to find food to stay alive. Staying close to a mountain range or river system ensures that you'll have fresh water, and will likely also provide fishing.

Get a book on Wild Edibles, and you pay close attention to what plants are safe to eat and which ones will kill you, you can also find berries, roots, mosses, etc. along the way, which are a valuable food source.

The end of the world as we know it. The end by natural events, or the end by the hand of a lunatic? Either way preparation is essential for the survival of survivors and our children. Would the worse scenario be the shift of the Earths' skin to a new polar site, or nuclear war? It might be a good time to search for high ground with little historical sysmic activity.

Where Do You Go?
Once you're certain that foreign forces are heading for your community, you should have an escape plan in mind, that you have already scouted, and mapped out, preferably months in advance.
(If you have a moment, use Google Earth to give you a general idea of different wilderness areas you – if you're still here – can flee to in your state. When you have two or three areas in mind, go to a backcountry store that sells topographical maps (such as "Green Trails" maps), and you can easily locate hiking trails, creeks, rivers, and small lakes, elevation points, and even identify different types of terrain, which will give you a better idea of exactly what you're up against.)

You also should have a compass that you've practiced using, so that when the time comes to flee into the wilderness, you'll know how to find your way without getting lost.
(If you live in a southern state, consider heading North, and seek out an area that receives plenty of rain. You'll have much better odds at survival, and less odds of dying of heat stroke or wildfire.)

Consider a destination many miles away from any roads, however that is close to rivers, forest, meadows, and even one or more small lakes.
This will put distance between you and invading forces, as well as provide suitable hunting, fishing, trapping, and fresh water sources.

Make sure the route you choose to get there doesn't include rivers that are impossible to cross. If you do come to a river that's impassable, the only option you may have is to hike along the banks, until you come to the narrowest / shallowest part of the river, and that's where you can consider making your crossing.

Backpacks to Energy Bars

• As mentioned above, have a small backpack.
  Nothing big, or someone else might want to take it from you while your hiking through the city. Also, make sure it's dark in color (so it doesn't attract attention), and waterproof. (If you don't have the money for a waterproof backpack, use the garbage bags to protect your backpack's contents.)
• State map. Keep this map in your backpack, stored in a Zip-Lock freezer bag, to protect from moisture.
• Also keep a few pieces of paper in this freezer bag, along with your lighter. The paper can be torn into strips and used to start a camp fire, if your candle runs out. Use the knife you're carrying to carve wood shavings out of trees or branches, to help ignite any wet wood you may be stuck using.
• 5 - 10 high calorie energy bars (just be sure to check the expiration date). These energy bars should be enough food to last you until you

Have You Started Getting Ready?

Good information for any emergency!

• A lighter (actually, pack multiple lighters, and protect them from moisture in a Zip-Lock freezer bag -- you can hand these out to people in need).
• A candle (very useful for getting a campfire going, as the constant flame will help ignite wet tinder).
• A compass.
• Two extra-large heavy duty garbage bags: One you can use as a rain coat -- poke holes in the sides for your arms, and poke another hole for your head. The other, you can attempt to curl up and sleep in, if no other shelter is available, or if you forget to pack a canvas tarp, as advised above. Another, you can wear over your backpack, to keep dry when it rains.
• Weapons for self-defense, depending on how you feel about that and what's legal in your area. You can do sufficient damage to allow time to escape with a can of bear pepper spray, for example. A bowie knife is also a good deterrant.
• Good shoes, such as those used for "cross-training" or "trail-running" (it's very important that your shoes lace-up well, so that they don't come un-tied if you have

Supplies

12-21-2012....is it Doomsday?

Whether or not it really happens. Emergencies do...

Here are some items to consider..

• lighter (actually, pack multiple lighters, and protect them from moisture in a Zip-Lock freezer bag -- you can hand these out to people in need).
• A candle (very useful for getting a campfire going, as the constant flame will help ignite wet tinder).
• A compass.
• Two extra-large heavy duty garbage bags: One you can use as a rain coat -- poke holes in the sides for your arms, and poke another hole for your head. The other, you can attempt to curl up and sleep in, if no other shelter is available, or if you forget to pack a canvas tarp, as advised above. Another, you can wear over your backpack, to keep dry when it rains.
• Weapons for self-defense, depending on how you feel about that and what's legal in your area. You can do sufficient damage to allow time to escape with a can of bear pepper spray, for example. A bowie knife is also a good deterrant.
• Good shoes, such as those used for "cross-training" or "trail-running" (it's very important that your shoes lace-up well, so that they don't come un-tied if you have to make a run for it.).
• As mentioned above, have a small backpack. Nothing big, or someone else might want to take it from you while your hiking through the city. Also, make sure it's dark in color (so it doesn't attract attention), and waterproof.

More Supplies!

More supplies to consider:

• Extra clothing --Suggestions: two pairs of sweat pants, and two hooded sweat-shirts (two sets of each, so they can be worn in "layers" for added warmth), wool socks, and a stocking cap (if it's fall or winter, you'll need to have warm clothes that are sure to protect the extremities). Also if it's fall or winter, you should have a coat with you at all times. A ski mask is an added bonus. Look for one that only has one large hole where your eyes and nose go. (Only wear it if you absolutely have to to keep warm, otherwise you're going to freak people out, and the last thing you want to do is call attention to yourself in a situation where there's panic and chaos.)
• Dry food that doesn't spoil (high calorie energy bars, for example).
• A canvas tarp (if it's folded and compressed, it will take up very little space).
• A good knife.