Irina Apraksina
Instruction for survival during modern disaster
© Irina Apraksina, 2024
ISBN 978-5-0062-7893-6
Created with Ridero smart publishing system
Chapter 1. Global choice of a place in the world for survival. Main place criteria
Welcome to a world of unexpected challenges and opportunities – a world where survival becomes a necessary skill. In our era, where disasters, crises and unforeseen events are becoming more frequent and diverse, it is important to be prepared for them, having at hand not only knowledge, but also practical survival skills.
Viewed as a guide to survival in a moment of catastrophic chaos, this book is a reliable guide through difficult situations, offering readers not only survival strategies, but also tools to prepare and act in critical moments. We invite you on a journey that will explore various aspects of survival in the modern world-from preparing for a crisis to acting during emergencies.
The first and perhaps one of the most important steps in ensuring your safety and survival is choosing the right place to live. In today’s world, many factors such as natural disasters, environmental threats, political stability, and access to resources play a crucial role in how safe and sustainable your place of residence is.
In this chapter, we will look at the main criteria and factors that should be considered when choosing a place to live in a modern disaster. We will discuss both global and local aspects, helping you make an informed decision about where you would like to be in the event of a crisis. Get ready to reflect on your place in the world and the steps that will help you ensure your safety and survival in the face of change. We will try toрcompare different continents and places of probable survival, in terms of the best location for a person in terms of preserving their own life. But at the beginning, we must formulate for ourselves what criteria should be met by the place that is most effective for survival during an emergency. Let’s describe them.
The location that is most effective for disaster survival must meet a number of key criteria that ensure safety and sustainability in various emergency scenarios. Here are the main requirements that such a place should meet, try to find something similar for yourself in order to save your life and your loved ones in the future. So, what criteria should such a place meet? Let’s list them:
This is of course the risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, fires, etc. This should include choosing a location that is either high above sea level or outside the high-risk area. In addition, access to resources is a very important factor. It is important that your chosen location provides access to basic resources needed for survival, such as water, food, wood for firewood, and access to health services and other essential amenities.
Also, the place you choose must be environmentally sustainable and not subject to air, soil, or water pollution. This will ensure the safety and health of the inhabitants in the long term. Political and social stability is also not an unimportant fact that directly affects your safety. The absence of political conflicts, wars, mass riots and crime make the place safer to live in times of crisis.
The peculiarity of climatic conditions should also be taken into account when choosing a place. Acclimate changes can exacerbate emergencies, the site should have a temperate climate with a low risk of extreme weather conditions and be sufficiently remote from potentially dangerous facilities, такихsuch as nuclear power plants, chemical plants, areas of possible military conflict, etc. The ideal place for survival should provide opportunities for self-sufficiency вас in food, energy, and other resources. This may include access to fertile soils for agriculture, the ability to use renewable energy sources, and the availability of natural resources for additional provision. The availability of electricity, gas, fuel and the possibility of using renewable energy sources will ensure comfort and safety in the event of a crisis. Consider the availability of health services and healthcare in your chosen location. The availability of hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, and medical equipment can be critical in the event of a crisis or emergency.
It is important that the location has access to public services such as schools, hospitals, police stations, shops, and other facilities that may be needed in an emergency. Important requirements include providing shelter and protection in the event of a crisis, whether it is building underground shelters, building strong homes, or accessing safe areas. The location should have good access to transport routes and communications, which will allow you to quickly evacuate or get help in case of a crisis. Roads, airports, ports, and other modes of transport should be easily accessible.
Next, we will list the necessary but less important signs of an ideal place in the event of a global catastrophe, such as a world war or a pandemic. So, it’s important that a place provides an opportunity to build a strong community and connect with others who are ready to provide support in the event of a crisis. Mutual aid and solidarity can be crucial factors for survival in extreme situations. Italso provides access to information and communication networks, which will allow you to get current news, connect with the outside world and stay up to date. Equally important is the ability of the site to adapt to changing conditions and to be flexible in making various decisions in emergency situations. This may include having backup plans, reserves, and the ability to respond quickly to changes in circumstances.
In addition, a proper place for survival must provide a high level of security and legal protection. This includes having an effective law enforcement system, keeping crime rates low, and protecting property. It is important that the chosen location provides an opportunity to earn money, access to financial services and resources if necessary. Financial sustainability can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery from a disaster.
When choosing a place, you should take into account its kindness to relatives and friends, psychological support is very important in such a stressful period. In the event of a crisis, close relationships and support can play a key role in survival and recovery. For some people, cultural and religious aspects are important when choosing a place to live. Therefore, adjust your preferences and beliefs to ensure a harmonious and comfortable stay in your chosen location.
It would also be nice if your chosen location could provide access to educational and developmental resources, which will allow you to develop and grow even in times of crisis. Education and skills can be a valuable asset in times of instability. Economic activity and earning opportunities can affect your ability to survive and thrive in the long run. It is also important и understand the climatic features of the chosen place, as well as seasonal changes. This will help you prepare for extreme weather conditions and adapt to changes in the environment. This leads to the following advice: clean up placesаwhere the level of environmental pollution миниis minimal. This will help keep you healthy and well-being in the long run. Avoid places that are in close proximity to densely populated areas or strategically important objects, as they can be targets in the event of a crisis. It is very important that the place you choose can provide you with an excellent shelter in case you need to defend yourself from uninvited dangerous guests. This may be important in the event of a military conflict or other emergency situations. ри You should also pay close attention to the level of housing prices and the overall standard of living in the selected location. This can affect your financial stability and comfort in the event of a crisis. Evaluate the level of accessibility and cost of living in your chosen location. This includes prices for products, services, rental housing, and other expenses that may affect your financial stability in the event of a crisis. In principle, you can always find a decent place at an inexpensive price, if you approach it with the full seriousness of the moment. In this situation, you should also think about the availability of developed infrastructure and the availability of various services in the chosen location. This includes the transport network, communications, shops, schools, hospitals, and other institutions that may be important in the event of a crisis. Explore the level of public safety and law and order in the region. This is important to ensure your personal safety and protect your property in the event of a crisis or emergency. Check the availability of communication tools and information in the selected location. This includes a mobile network, access to the Internet, broadcasting, and other communication channels that may be important for sharing information and getting help in the event of a crisis.
On the other hand, a place that is close to nature reserves and other protected areas may be the best choice. This will allow you to enjoy nature and provide additional protection from emergencies.
When choosing a place to survive a modern disaster, pay attention to these and other factors that can affect your safety, comfort, and resilience in extreme conditions. Only by evaluating your priorities, circumstances, and resources can you make an informed decision that provides the best chance of survival and well-being in extreme environments. As you can see, choosing the ideal place to survive a disaster depends on many factors, and each person must take into account their specific circumstances, needs and priorities when making a decision. However, taking into account the above criteria, it is possible to make a more informed and informed choice that will provide the most effective chances of survival in the conditions of a modern catastrophe. I would also like to add that you should always и take into account the level of risk of extremist and terrorist threats in the selected location. This includes assessing the political stability of the region, the presence of conflicts and tensions in society. All this can affect your personal safety and the comfort level of you and your family. Think about the availability of educational and cultural opportunities in your chosen location, the similarity of your work experience, and your knowledge of a foreign language or the language of your chosen country. Assess the level of protection of human rights and civil liberties in the chosen location. This is important for your personal freedom and protection from arbitrary power in the event of a crisis or emergency. Consider the ease of adaptation and social integration in your chosen location, as this can be very important if you receive the necessary support in extreme situations.
Ensure себе заранее that you can plan ahead and carry out an evacuation in the event of a crisis. This includes access to transportation routes, knowledge of escape routes, having the necessary resources to carry out an evacuation, and establishing contacts with organizations and groups that can provide assistance if necessary.
Based on the criteria listed in the article for choosing a place to survive during a hypothetical планетарной interplanetary catastrophe, we can distinguish the following five main provisions, which are the most important when searching for the most reliable shelter.
Important criteria for your emergency shelter:
Access to clean drinking waterе: Access to clean water is critical for survival. Without it, a person cannot survive for more than a few days, so ensuring access to reliable sources of clean drinking water should be a priority when choosing a place to live.
Safety from natural disasters: Choosing a location that is protected from natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and fires makes a huge difference. This will ensure the safety of your life and property in the event of a disaster.
Access to resources for self-sufficiency: The location should provide opportunities for self-sufficiency in basic resources such as food, energy, and other material resources. This is important to ensure your independence and resilience in the event of a crisis.
Safety and Lawand Order: Choosing a place with a high level of security and an effective law enforcement system will ensure your personal safety and protection from crime in emergency situations.
Environmental stability: The place must be environmentally sustainable and free of pollution, which will ensure your long-term health and well-being.
These basic principles are the basis for choosing a place to survive in a modern disaster and should be taken into account by you вfirst of all when making a decision. Now let’s move on to evaluating different parts of the world, from the point of view of the safest place in any kind of catastrophe, including a pandemic, wars and globalбmilitary conflicts.
ANALYSIS OF COUNTRIES FOR ASYLUM IN AN AGE OF DISASTER:
So, Europe, as the most developed and civilized part of the world in all respects. Assessing whether Europe is the best or best place for people to live during a major catastrophe, such as a world war or a pandemic, depends on many factors, including countries ' preparedness for crisis situations, each country’s infrastructure, healthкой systemsе, social security, and the level of education of the population. In general, Europe has a high level of development and many resources that can be useful in crisis situations. However, each country has its own characteristics, and some may be better prepared for such events than others.
Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland
These countries usually rank at the top of the rankings in terms of living standards, infrastructure, and social protection. They have strong economies, effective health systems, and crisis preparedness measures.
Germany, Netherlands, Denmark
These countries also have a high level of development and are generally well prepared for crisis situations. They have strong medical systems and government institutions that can respond effectively to emergencies.
France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy
These countries have significant resources, but may face some challenges in managing crises, especially in large cities. However, they have developed medical systems and experience in crisis management.
Eastern Europe (for example, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine)
In these countries, the level of development may be lower, which makes them more vulnerable in crisis situations. However, they may have resources that can be valuable if needed.
Countries in the Balkan region (for example, Serbia, Croatia):
These countries may face challenges due to political instability and less developed infrastructure. However, they may also have resources that can be valuable in crisis situations.
In general, Europe, thanks to its high level of development and strong state institutions, may well be a good place for a person in a time of disaster. However, success depends on countries ' ability to effectively meet challenges and ensure the safety and security of their citizens. Preparing countries for war or a pandemic involves a number of aspects that can affect the ability to protect the average person. Let’s take a closer look at several key factors that can determine the potential and capabilities of protection:
State resources and infrastructure – strains with developed infrastructure and strong State support can provide better protection for the population. This includes the availability of sufficient medical equipment, protective equipment, and readiness for masse vacation and provision of living conditions for victims.
Система Health system – сCommunities with an efficient and affordable health system are better positioned to diagnose, treat, and prevent a pandemic or mass injury. This includes having a sufficient number of qualified health workers, hospitals, and medical resources.
Education and civilian training-Villages where the population is well educated and where regular emergency preparedness campaigns are conducted may be better prepared for war or a pandemic. This includes knowledge of precautions, first aid basics, and evacuation.
Economic sustainability-Economically stable countries may have more resources to implement measures to protect their populations. This includes providing essential medical and humanitarian assistance, as well as supporting the economy in times of crisis.
International cooperation and coordination readiness – сorganizations that actively engage with other States and international organizations to share experiences and resources can receive additional support in the event of a crisis. It can also help ensure access to vaccines, medicines, and other essential resources.
Based on the above, we naturally conclude that countries with a strong economy, a developed health system, competent emergency planning and a high level of civil preparedness, as a rule, have great potential and opportunities to protect ordinary people in the event of war or a pandemic. Let’s look at specific examples of European countries and their preparedness to protect ordinary people in the event of war or a pandemic.
Norway. Norway has a high level of development, a strong health system and a well-developed infrastructure. It has strategic reserves of food, medical resources, and emergency equipment. With strict civil defense measures and a public alert system, Norway can ensure that its citizens are protected in the event of war or a pandemic. Norway: Norway has a widespread practice of storing potable water supplies in homes and public places. In addition, the country has numerous natural artificial reservoirs that can provide water to the population in the event of a crisis.
Germany. Germany has one of the largest and most modern healthcare systems in the world. It has a high level of emergency preparedness due to its resources, expertise, and economic strength. Germany is also actively involved in international cooperation and is ready to provide assistance to other countries in the event of a crisis. Germany has so-called «vaccine factories» in Africa that can be used to produce vaccines in the event of a pandemic. This allows the country to quickly respond to disease threats. Germany also has a number of bunkers and underground shelters that can be used as protection in the event of war or a pandemic. In addition, Germany has strategic stocks of vaccines and medicines to fight pandemics. Germany: Germany also has plans to provide the population with drinking water in the event of a disaster. This may include reservoirs and water treatment plants.
Spain. Spain has a well-developed healthcare system and numerous hospitals, which makes it ready to handle massive cases of illness or injury. However, the country has faced some challenges in managing the COVID-19 pandemic due to insufficient medical equipment and organizational problems.
Italy. Italy also has civil protection plans, which include measures to evacuate people from threat zones, organize temporary shelters and provide assistance to victims.
Each country has its own strengths and weaknesses in preparing for catastrophic events. However, in general, countries with a high level of development, strong public resources and a developed health system usually have a great potential and capacity to protect ordinary people in the event of war or a pandemic. In addition, some countries do have bunker systems or other original methods of protecting the population in the event of a nuclear conflict, pandemic, or other catastrophic situation. Here are some examples:
Switzerland. Switzerland is known for its mountain bunkers, which can be used to protect the population in the event of war or disaster. The bunkers are located in the mountains and can accommodate a significant part of the population. In addition, some buildings in Switzerland also have anti-radiation shelters, and ordinary private homes are equipped with shockproof doors and protected basements, where the Swiss store food reservesы in case of military and other threats. Switzerland is known for its neutrality and high level of crisis preparedness. It has strong government resources, medical expertise, and technical capabilities to protect the public. In addition, Switzerland actively cooperates with international organizations, which increases its capabilities in the event of catastrophic events.
Sweden. Sweden has a civil defense program that trains the population to act in extreme situations, and bunkers are also available to protect them from radiation and other threats.
Finland. In Finland, there is a network of underground shelters, including in rock formations, which can be used as protection from radiation or other hazards. Finland has a civil defense program that develops evacuation plans and provides instructions to the public about how to respond to emergencies.
Great Britain. The UK invests significant efforts in preparing for catastrophic challenges and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its population in the event of emergencies. For example, the UK has an early warning and monitoring system for radiation levels that allows it to quickly respond to possible nuclear threats. There are specialized plans for evacuation and protection of the public in the event of a nuclear accident, including the identification of safe zones and places of shelter. Regular training and exercises are conducted with the participation of law enforcement agencies, civil defense services and other agencies to assess the readiness and effectiveness of action plans. The UK has nuclear weapons and nuclear submarines capable of carrying out nuclear strikes in the event of a nuclear threat. This nuclear arsenal is one of the main components of the strategy of nuclear deterrence and protection of the country from potential nuclear attacks. In terms of the quality of its preparation for a nuclear catastrophe, the UK is considered one of the leading countries. Its approach to protecting its population from nuclear threats is part of its broader military strategy and is based on many years of experience and modern technologies. The UK has a national pandemic response plan that sets out procedures for monitoring, diagnosing, treating and distributing vaccines and medicines.
These are just a few examples of the different approaches that different countries take to protect their populations in the event of catastrophic events. Each country can adapt its own methods to its own unique conditions and needs. In addition to bunkers and other methods of protection, countries can also develop special action plans and programs to ensure the safety of the population in case of crisis situations. Some of them include себяso-called эevacuation plans, for quick and safe evacuation of the population from threat zones. This may include the use of special vehicles, training the population to behave properly in the event of evacuation, and identifying safe places for temporary accommodation. Many countries can also deploy alert systems that alert the public to emergency events, such as a nuclear attack or the approach of a dangerous pandemic. This can include radio communications, sirens, mobile apps, and other means of communication. They also provide systematic training in the basics of first aid, the use of protective equipment, safe behavior in emergency situations, and other skills that can increase the chances of survival and minimize risks in crisis situations. In times of emergency, it is very important have hospitals and health facilities are prepared to receive large numbers of victims and can be a key aspect in providing effective medical care in the event of a pandemic or mass trauma. Some countries maintain strategic food and water supplies that can provide the population in the event of supply disruptions due to crisis situations. In the event of large-scale catastrophic events, countries can actively cooperate with international partners to share resources, experience, and assistance in dealing with the crisis.
Each of these countries has its own emergency preparedness strategies and programs that can be tailored to the specific needs and conditions of each country. These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety and protection of the population in case of crisis situations.
Identifying the most emergency-ready European country can be difficult, as it depends on a variety of factors, including threat types, infrastructure, resources, and public readiness. However, given the various aspects of training, such as the availability of bunkers, civil defense systems, medical resources, evacuation preparedness, and other protective measures, it can be assumed that some countries may have more advanced training systems than others.
Rating of countries by emergency preparednessм levelям
Let’s rank countries as they become less prepared for чрезвычайным emergencies, including nuclear war and pandemics. Here, decidedly Switzerland is the undisputed favorite in all such ratings, since it has an extensive network of underground bunkers, civil defense systems and a high level of public readiness to act in case of crisis situations. Second местоplace goes to Sweden. This country has a training and protection system that includes bunkers, civil defense programs, and evacuation plans. Norway: ranked third and has a well-developed infrastructure to ensure the safety of the population, including bunkers and civil defense programs. Then there is Finland, which implements civil defense systems, evacuation plans and other protective measures to ensure the safety of the population in emergency situations, and then in fifth place is Germany, which has a wide range of measures to protect the population, including bunkers, training of medical resources and civil defense plans.
Although all these countries have different approaches to preparing for emergencies and their success may depend on specific circumstances, they are generally considered to be among the best prepared for crises in Europe.
Pros and Cons of living in Europe during an emergency (war, pandemic, natural disasters)
Living in Europe during emergencies such as war, pandemics or natural disasters has its pros and cons. Let’s look at them in detail and reasonably:
Positive. Developed infrastructure and healthcare system. Many European countries have a well-developed infrastructure and a high level of medical care, which makes it possible to provide effective treatment and protection of the population in times of crisis. The advantages include the readiness of many European countries for emergencies. Many of them have developed civil defense plans, public warning systems, and crisis response mechanisms that facilitate rapid and coordinated action when needed. Also, European countries actively cooperate with each other and with international organizations in the exchange of experience, resources and expertise, which increases their ability to effectively deal with crisis situations. During crisis situations, European countries usually provide the population with access to social services, such as support for the unemployed, financial assistance and medical care. In addition, European countries undoubtedly have a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as a high level of education. In times of crisis, this can contribute to the development of social unity and solidarity, as well as cultural rehabilitation. It is worth adding that most European countries have a developed system of environmental protection and high standards of environmental safety. This makes it possible to provide a healthier living environment, which is especially important during pandemics and natural disasters. And another important fact is that the European countries often provide extensive social protection and support to their populations in times of crisis. This includes unemployment benefits, health insurance, and social assistance programs that can help people cope with economic difficulties and stress.
Minus. Unfortunately, they are quite serious and they are worth talking about. And the first of these disadvantages is the high population density, which can worsen the spread of infections during a pandemic. The next disadvantage is чthat emergencies, such as war or a pandemic, can lead to significant economic losses, loss of jobs, and a sharp deterioration in the financial situation of the population. The unpredictability of the situation, restrictions on movement and a sense of threat to health can cause stress and psychological problems in the population. In times of crisis, restrictions on freedom of movement and the closure of businesses and public places may be imposed, which may negatively affect the quality of life. The downside is that some European countries face the problem of insufficient funding for health and social protection systems, which can limit the population’s access to essential services during a crisis. In some European countries, there are problems with racial and social inequalities, which can worsen in times of crisis due to uneven distribution of resources and access to services. Crisis situations can lead to a loss of confidence in the Government and institutions, especially if the authorities fail to manage the crisis or provide sufficient information and support to the population, which threatens to destabilize the situation in the country. Such crisis situations can lead to significant economic and social consequences, including job losses, business failures, and an increase in the number of poor and homeless people.
Summing up, we can say that in general, living in Europe during emergencies has its advantages, such as a developed infrastructure and readiness for crises, but also disadvantages, such as economic losses and psychological stress. However, these countries are usually successful in meeting challenges thanks to their expertise, resources, and international cooperation.
