According to the old adage, the best time to prepare for an emergency is yesterday. When things go sideways, you’ll have to rely on what you already know, at least at the start. But what skills should you be developing today to be ready for tomorrow? Assuming a typical zombie apocalypse scenario where the world is overrun by zombies, some of the best skills to have are:

Survival skills: The most critical skill in a zombie apocalypse is survival. This involves finding shelter, food, and water to sustain yourself while avoiding or fighting off zombies. Basic survival skills like building a fire, finding or making shelter, and knowing how to obtain food and water are essential.

Self-defense skills: When faced with zombies, being able to defend yourself is vital. Skills like martial arts, archery, or firearm handling can come in handy. But even if you don’t have any formal training, learning how to use basic weapons like knives, clubs, or axes can be helpful.

First aid skills: In a post-apocalyptic world, medical care may not be readily available. Basic first aid skills like treating wounds, setting broken bones, and preventing infections can save lives. Knowing how to find and use medicinal plants or herbs can also be helpful.

Mechanical skills: Without modern infrastructure, knowledge of mechanical skills can be invaluable. Being able to repair machinery or vehicles can make a significant difference in terms of survival and mobility. Basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, or electrical wiring can also come in handy.

Navigation and orientation skills: In a world without GPS or reliable maps, knowing how to read the terrain, orient yourself, and navigate using landmarks or the stars can be critical. Basic knowledge of survival navigation techniques like using a compass, map reading, or creating a makeshift compass can help you find your way to safety or resources.