One of the most important elements in surviving a disaster, even non-civilization-ending ones, is mobility. One needs to move away from trouble and towards help and to do so quickly, even if roads are closed and motorized transportation is unavailable.

In most circumstances, that means on foot. Standing your ground, armed to the teeth, doesn't work out so well even if you're just facing a flood of water and not the walking dead (and a helpful note: don't take a stand against a zombie horde, either).

And here's your basic rule for survival: survive. Leave triumph for the action heroes. You need to survive. And to survive your best option is often simply to flee.

From my perspective great footwear is the key to survival. You need something that's well-fitted, that provides excellent support for the foot and ankle, and lets you walk with confidence over uneven or even slippery surfaces.

If you let your feet get wet and stay wet for long periods of time nasty things are going to happen. You will become very zombie-like quickly, shambling and smelling very, very bad.

Before you fill your pack with canned peaches, look for good boots. Waterproof is great, but not necessary. And equip yourself with at least two pairs of socks. If one pair gets wet you can change your socks (drying your feet first!), then dry the wet pair by wringing them out and draping them over your neck (an old soldier's trick). They can cool you and your body heat will dry them as you continue walking.

Do NOT dry your boots or socks directly over a fire. You'll damage them very quickly, even without setting them on fire.

Get yourself well shod. When fleeing from the zombie horde you only have to be faster than your less well-equipped neighbor.