Look, when the apocalypse hits, you’re going to need a place to crash. And I don’t mean “find a cozy Airbnb in the wasteland” (though, honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone still tried to charge a cleaning fee). No, you need a real shelter—somewhere to hunker down, store your supplies, and hopefully not get eaten by whatever new apex predator emerges.
But here’s the thing: you can’t just wing it. You don’t want to be the person wandering aimlessly through the ruins, muttering, Wow, I probably should have thought about this sooner.
So, let’s talk about safe zones and how to secure a decent shelter before the world goes sideways.
Step 1: Identify Potential Safe Zones
First things first: Where are you going when everything goes belly-up? Your options depend on what kind of apocalypse you’re dealing with, but let’s go over a few solid choices:
Your Own Home – If your house is defensible, well-stocked, and not directly in the path of disaster, this might be your best bet. Reinforce doors and windows now. Maybe get to know your neighbors so you can form an impromptu defense squad. This is also likely the easiest solution.
A Friend or Family Member’s House – Got a cousin with a fortified basement? A friend with a farm? Establish a “just in case” plan now so you’re not that person showing up unannounced with a bag of trail mix and regret. Make sure you have a way of getting to this person’s house as well, especially if they’re more than a short drive away.
Public Buildings – Schools, libraries, fire stations—these often have emergency supplies, strong infrastructure, and (in the case of libraries) useful books to keep you from going insane. They even have nuclear shelters sometimes! Check out what’s in your area now, so you’ll have that information if… when?… you need it.
Nature Retreats – If cities become dangerous, rural areas, cabins, or even caves could be viable. If you don’t already know how to live off the land, maybe start watching some survival YouTube videos now. Hot tip: don’t eat mushrooms.
Step 2: The “Bug In” vs. “Bug Out” Debate
Do you stay put or do you flee? The answer depends on the apocalypse. If it’s something slow-moving (economic collapse, supply chain failure, AI existential crisis), staying home and fortifying is likely your best bet. If it’s something fast (wildfires, zombies, alien invasion), you may need to get out fast.
Prepping for both options means:
✅ Having a go-bag – At least 72 hours of food, water, medicine, and a flashlight that isn’t dead.
✅ Knowing where you’ll go – Choose two or three safe zones in different directions. Roads will be blocked, and you may need alternatives. You may have to hoof it, so make sure you have a good pair of shoes.
✅ Planning for pets – Don’t leave them behind, but also don’t assume a feral cat will become your apocalypse survival partner either.
Step 3: Make Your Shelter Actually Livable
A shelter is useless if it’s unlivable. If you’re planning to stay in your home, make sure you:
Stockpile water & non-perishable food. If supply chains break, you don’t want your last meal to be an expired granola bar.
Insulate and fortify. Patch those weak points now before looters (or just bad weather) make them worse.
Get backup power. A generator, solar panels, or at least a stockpile of batteries and candles will make life much, much easier. If you’re in the north, a non-electrical means of heat is probably a good plan too.
Step 4: The Ultimate Rule—Have a Backup Plan
No shelter is 100% secure. Always have an escape route, know multiple safe zones, and, most importantly, don’t wait until the world is already on fire to start thinking about this.
Because when the time comes, the last thing you want is to be sitting in your car, watching civilization burn, and realizing you have absolutely no idea where you’re going.
