Disasters can occur at any moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for them. While it might not be possible to anticipate every possible survival scenario you might encounter, there are certain factors in your life that you do have control over. Even making small changes to your normal daily routine can make a big difference during an emergency.

Here are 10 random things you can do that may help improve your chances of survival when SHTF. (h/t to TimGamble.com)

Know your way around your local area

Use your knowledge of your home turf to your advantage. Familiarize yourself with local areas of importance, such as disaster shelters, evacuation routes, supermarkets, hardware stores and the like. If you need to go on a supply run, find the shortest distance between your home and the store. Leave your home only when you need to – and remember that efficiency is key.

Secure your home and vehicle with defense precautions

Secure your doors, windows and other easily accessible points of entry. Equip your vehicles with steering wheel bars and wheel locks to prevent them from being stolen. Install a security camera system around your home.

Ensure access to clean drinking water

You won’t survive for more than three days without clean, drinking water, so make sure you always have two weeks’ worth of water at home, especially during emergencies. It’s also important to have some way to filter or treat tap water when SHTF. (Related: How to make your own homemade water filter.)

Own some tools and know how to use them

Some must-have tools you should have at home include a Swiss Army knife, a multi-tool, a multi-bit screwdriver and a sturdy pair of scissors. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these tools, and how to use them when SHTF.

Get a pair of practical, useful shoes

Hiking shoes are a great compromise between work boots and athletic shoes. Whatever pair of shoes you choose, they should be able to protect your feet and also be comfortable enough for you to walk, run and climb with ease.

Master a self-defense skill or martial art

Keep your body in top physical condition by practicing a martial art or two. Take the time to master a form of non-lethal self-defense. Not only will it keep your body active, it will also help you avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Have a home disaster preparation kit and learn how to use it

Your home disaster preparation kit should include items such as survival food rations, water, first aid equipment, a flashlight and personal hygiene items. Keep your home disaster preparation kit in an easily accessible area, and make sure to keep the items organized. That way, you can immediately take out any item you need during an emergency.

Be aware of yourself and your surroundings when out in public

Even if you minimize unnecessary traveling, there will be times when you will inevitably have to leave your home to stock up on supplies. When you do go out, keep a close eye on your belongings, and try not to draw any unwanted attention to yourself.

Learn different emergency skills

Some emergency skills that can come in handy include performing basic first aid techniques and making minor repairs on furniture and appliances.

Keep at least one vehicle in excellent condition

In case you ever need a quick getaway vehicle, make sure that you have at least one vehicle ready at all times.

If you want to improve your chances of survival, there’s no better time to start making simple changes to your lifestyle than today.

Sources include:

TimGamble.com

Survivopedia.com