Secret Zip Codes

Everyone knows their own zip code, but what they don't know is what that zip code is telling the government. Each geographic area has a zip code, and encoded in that is data on the economic, social, racial, and religious makeup of the zip code. During a national disaster like a hurricane, you could be denied evacuation or aide based solely on your zip code. The government uses this data to make snap decisions about who to save when they can't save everyone. In your disaster preparedness kit, you should write down the zip code of the wealthiest, best educated neighborhood in your city, especially if it has Chinese people living there. Then, if an official asks for your zip code, give him the fake one. Some of the most important people like government officials, business leaders, and college professors have their own private zip codes. If you have the home address of your professor or CEO, give the government his zip code and they might even fly you out of there first class.