The frenzy over the alleged Mayan apocalypse on Dec 21 highlighted an interesting trend in American pop culture: a focus on the end of civilization and what might lay beyond. Post-apocalyptic America is enjoying its 15 minutes of fame, with TV shows like "The Walking Dead" and "Doomsday Preppers" and Hollywood blockbusters including "The Hunger Games" capitalizing on the craze. As a big fan of all things post-apocalypse, I thought it would be interesting to consider the tips and tricks that could help Dartmouth students once civilization fell. With my own knowledge lacking, I sought advice from local experts about how Dartmouth students could prepare in case things went bad in a hurry.
Regardless of whatever apocalyptic event triggers the collapse of authority, the biggest issue will be the grid comprising all telecommunications and electricity going down. Especially in the jaws of a northern New England winter, this would create massive issues. Safety and Security Director Harry Kinne detailed Dartmouth's extensive emergency planning for such a scenario.
Ironically, a group of senior administrators considered a similar "grid down" situation this fall when they conducted a tabletop exercise involving an ice storm striking campus two days before Homecoming, creating a catastrophic power. In such a situation the administration would utilize its Emergency Operations Center, a "war room" located in the Geisel School of Medicine which would allow College leadership to cooperate with state and local officials to craft an effective response.
"Always have an emergency kit and a plan to contact your parents", Kinne said, noting that cell phone towers will likely be overloaded or knocked out completely. "During the tremor earlier this fall, cell service was temporarily down in the area."
Fortunately, Dartmouth has contingency plans to maintain its telecommunications network via an off-site location, and most campus buildings have their own routers that are battery-powered, allowing enough time to send off a quick email in the event of emergency.
In a drastic situation, however, there would be no time to send an email. Without electricity or heat, a harsh freeze would set in, according to Mark Kutolowski '99, a traditional wilderness skills instructor and guide in Vermont.
"The easiest way to die outdoors in northern New England, by far, is cold exposure", Kutolowski said. Snow would pile up on unplowed roads, rendering travel virtually impossible expect via snowmobiles or snowshoes. The Co-Op and other local food stores would rapidly run out of inventory, and the gas station's stores would be quickly drained. We would face several long months of deep, dark winter without electricity, heat or food.
Kutolowski cited several key aspects of preparation for such a major disaster, including close, local relationships, physical and mental conditioning, awareness of the land and local resources and fire-building skills. "Usually it's the people who have the closest connections and friendships that thrive, rather than lone-wolf style survivors", he said.
A strong body and mind are also essential for enduring in a crisis. Kutolowski suggests preparing for an emergency through occasional fasting to train the body to function in a low-nutrient state, sleeping in cold conditions, taking chilly showers and maintaining a healthy diet to reduce stress and increase wellness. Such preparations will assist in combating the "fight-or-flight" reaction and allow for clear-headed thinking and action.
Ryan West '14, a former reconnaissance Marine who received survival training while in the military, suggested a thoughtful approach.
"Don't expect to be comfortable doing something you haven't done before," he said. "A lot of people say, I'm going to hide out in the woods or go up north or raid Wal-Mart' and that's just a fantasy. Don't plan on foraging or learning how to skin game if you don't already know how."
Without a pre-planned and prepared "bugout" location to flee in emergency, hunker down in your dorm room or wherever you feel most comfortable and secure, West advised.
"The best bet for survival for most Dartmouth students is probably to stay where you are."
Access to fuel and food present challenges, but fresh water shouldn't be an issue, especially during the winter, according to West.
"You're kind of screwed unless you have a stockpile," West said. "Those ramen noodles and Goldfish in your room don't count."
If the grid goes down or in a similar emergency situation, it will be too late to learn how to fend for yourself, West said.
"Everyone thinks they're going to become some post-apocalyptic badass when things go bad but that's not going to happen," he said. "The time to learn to be self-sufficient is now."
Recent disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy illustrated the havoc that emergency situations can wreak on American society.
"We lack any self-sufficiency," West said. "If the grid goes down everyone would be crying for government support."
You shouldn't expect outside help, West said, citing slow response times in other crises.
We will be on our own. Are you ready?
