THE FIRST 72 HOURS: WHAT TO DO IN A SOCIAL COLLAPSE
The First 72 Hours
In the event of a social collapse, the first 72 hours can be crucial. This is a period when panic and confusion can reign supreme, and the decisions you make during this time can have a significant impact on your survival. Here are some important actions to take in the first 72 hours following a social collapse:
Stay calm and assess the situation
The first and most important thing you can do is to stay calm and assess the situation. Try to gather as much information as you can about what has happened and what the current situation is like. This could include listening to the radio, checking social media, or talking to others in your area. You should be attentive to local and national media if they still exist and are trusted. Try to obtain information from other people in your network, again both locally and beyond. Pay attention to how police, and or military are reacting. Take stock of your current supplies, health, and group assets and limitations. Make a plan if you don’t already have one.
Secure your home
Your home should be your sanctuary during a social collapse. Make sure that all the doors and windows are locked and secured. If possible, reinforce your doors and windows with boards or other materials to make them more difficult to break through. Many preppers will already have taken steps to fortify their property, but late is better than never. Use furniture to barricade entry points. Set look outs on upper floors. Turn out interior lights. Mentally prepare for defending your home, your family.
Stock up on supplies
In the event of a social collapse, basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies may become scarce. Make sure that you have enough supplies to last you and your family for at least 72 hours. This could include non-perishable food, bottled water, first aid kits, and other essentials. Again, much of this work should have been done well in advance of your need of it. However, if you do find yourself low on supplies, the first hours after a collapse represent your best chances of securing resources. Be extremely attentive when venturing out for supplies. This could potentially be a very dangerous undertaking and consideration must be taken.
Stay in touch with loved ones
Communication may be disrupted during a social collapse, but it's important to stay in touch with your loved ones. Try to establish a plan for communication before you need it, whether it's through a designated meeting spot or a specific phone number. Assume that cellular communications will be disrupted or down completely. HAM radio, CB’s, walkie talkies are all viable options.
Stay away from dangerous areas
During a social collapse, certain areas may become more dangerous than others. Stay away from areas that are known to be high-risk, such as downtown areas or places with a lot of crime. Consider how much looting will take place during a collapse. Food, weapons, water, medical supplies will all be top prizes and thus dangerous. Avoid crowded areas, canalizing city streets, and closed spaces. Move together in groups. Arm yourselves.
Be prepared to defend yourself
In the event of a social collapse, law enforcement may be unable, or unwilling to respond to emergencies. Be prepared to defend yourself, your family, and your property if necessary. This could include learning basic self-defence techniques or purchasing firearms if legal and appropriate. Shotguns, pistols, rifles, hatchets, knives…this could be inevitable. Better to stock up and practice now.
Form a community
In times of crisis, it's important to have a support system. Try to form a community of like-minded individuals who can help each other during the aftermath of a social collapse. This could include neighbours, friends, or family members. Look for people who compliment your skills with their own abilities. Make friends with military members, first responders, doctors, nurses, and other survival minded individuals.
Northern Survivalist