The Mist

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Make an Emergency Bug-Out Plan”

In this activity, which pairs with the theme of The Fear of the Unknown, students will make an emergency plan in case of a disaster. What kinds of food, supplies, escape routes, and important papers will they need, and where will they be kept for easy access? What about pets and livestock—will they be part of the plan?

The mist may be such a drastic emergency that no one could ever really be prepared. No one could expect to need weapons or spare socks to go to the market, but it is possible to be prepared for more ordinary disasters. Make an emergency-preparedness escape plan in case you must get away from your home on short notice.  

• List the kinds of food, clothing, and supplies you would need for a three-day emergency. These are the things that you could store in a backpack or duffle bag for you to grab in case you don’t have any time to pack.
• What will you need to do to bring or secure pets or livestock?
• What important papers will you need?
• Identify the nearest escape routes and emergency shelters.

Prepare a bug-out bag to share with the class.

Share your plan and bug-out bag with the class. Answer this question in your notes or reading journal after class presentations: How might the story’s tone or outcome have turned out differently if certain characters had an emergency plan or different supplies?

Teaching Suggestion: Local emergency-preparedness agencies may have resources suggesting how much food and water might be needed and the locations of nearby emergency shelters.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students seeking opportunities for creative writing might prefer to write a first-person narrative version of their emergency plan and to read aloud (or have the instructor read anonymously) instead of sharing the plan and bug-out bag.

Differentiation Suggestion: A graphic flow chart showing each step of the plan might be a good option for visual and tactile-oriented students. They might share this visual aid and talk throughout the steps instead of sharing the plan and bug-out bag.