Surviving the First 30 Days After a Disaster
Can you survive a major disaster? In a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to worry about that. But we all know we don’t live in a perfect world.
A major disaster will put everything we’ve prepared for to the test. Unfortunately, most people won’t be able to handle it.
The more you know about what a major disaster will entail? And what you’ll need to handle it? The better your chances of survival.
Today 4Patriots University Lead Preparedness Consultant Seth Weller tells us what to expect and how to deal with it. Starting with…
The First 24 Hours
Here’s what to expect:
One moment, everything seemed normal. The next, the lights went out. Most people believed the outage was temporary.
But within 30 minutes, reports began. On the news and in social media. A rumor surfaced about an attack on a power substation in an obscure location.
News reports followed of more attacks on little-known substations. Speculation filled these reports. Loaded with misinformation.
Many assumed there was confusion about the outage's location. They expected the power company to restore electricity soon.
But as the hours passed, it became clear. The power wasn't coming back anytime soon. People running errands postponed their shopping. Businesses closed.
News spread that the outage was not localized. But rather was part of a widespread power failure affecting the entire country.
Media reassured people that power companies were working to resolve the issue. But the situation worsened as night fell. The lack of light and security systems created opportunities for looters.
Law enforcement and first responders became overwhelmed. Law-abiding citizens hunkered down in their homes. Waiting for power to return.
Here’s what to do…
Immediate response:
When power goes out, remain calm. Assess your surroundings for safety. Don’t assume the outage will be short-term. Start thinking about conserving resources. Activate your Alternate Power Plan.
Information gathering:
Stay informed by checking news reports and social media. But be cautious of misinformation. Rely on many sources for a clearer picture of the situation.
Public safety:
Avoid crowded places. As well as commercial and industrial areas where looting is more common. If out, return home immediately and secure your property.
Communication:
Keep in touch with friends and family. Share information and provide support. Use battery-powered radios or other devices to stay updated.
Resource management:
Conserve food, water, and other essential supplies. Avoid unnecessary use of battery-powered devices. Prepare for a possible extended outage.
Home security:
Ensure your home is secure by locking doors and windows. Install more security measures. Including using battery-powered lights and alarms.
Stay vigilant:
Remain alert to your surroundings. Report suspicious activity to local authorities. But prepare for delays. Remain informed about efforts to restore power.
The First 72 Hours
Here’s what to expect:
After three days without power, lack of preparation started taking its toll. Gas generator owners found fuel supplies dwindling.
Hotels booked up. Many were hesitant to try to travel to other family members' homes. People held out hope of quick power restoration.
Water municipalities running on generators began running out of fuel. This led to a loss of clean tap water in some communities. Households with only three days' worth of food were running out. The few stores still open only accepted cash.
But with ATMs down, getting cash was impossible. The threat of looters made venturing outside risky. In larger cities, opportunists cleared out stores.
Here’s what to do…
Conserve resources:
Manage remaining food and water supplies. Use cold and frozen foods first. Ration to make it last longer. Avoid unnecessary use of battery-powered devices.
Seek water alternatives:
Identify alternative water sources. Such as bottled water or rainwater. Filter questionable water to ensure it's safe for consumption and cleaning.
Secure your home:
Enhance home security. Keep doors and windows locked. Coordinate with neighbors to check the area. Place deterrents along points of access to dissuade looters.
Cash on hand:
Have cash on hand for essential purchases. Check local stores to see if they’re open. Rank necessities.
Communicate:
Maintain contact with family and neighbors for support and information sharing. Charge phones in vehicles if needed. But conserve battery life by limiting usage. When not in use, top off rechargeable batteries and radios.
Stay in your neighborhood:
Avoid travel outside your neighborhood. Work with neighbors to share resources. Support each other.
Stay informed:
Use battery-powered radios to stay updated on news in your area.
One Week Post-Event
Here’s what to expect:
Lawlessness escalated. Looters moved into neighborhoods. They sought prescription drugs, jewelry, firearms, and food. Calls to law enforcement often went unanswered.
Overwhelmed officers stayed home to protect their families. Rumors of National Guard activation surfaced. But their impact was minimal. Due to low turnout and disorganization.
Hospitals struggled with low fuel for generators. They halted elective surgeries to focus on critical patients. Staff shortages and threats from drug seekers worsened the situation. Medical emergencies grew. But supplies dwindled.
Trust among neighbors eroded with food and water shortages. People hunkered down, guarding supplies and staying vigilant. Fires became more frequent. And spread without enough fire department responses.
Here’s what to do…
Secure your home:
Enhance home security with locked doors and windows. Establish a watch system with trusted neighbors. Be prepared to defend your property. Use downed trees or vehicles to block routes into your neighborhood.
Conserve resources:
Ration remaining food and water supplies. Stretch your supplies. Avoid unnecessary use of battery-powered devices. Have an adequate supply of long-term food storage. And the ability to prepare it.
Prepare for fires:
Develop a plan to deal with fires. Including a safe exit strategy and water buckets or fire extinguishers. Be cautious with open flames. Avoid the use of gas generators.
Stay informed:
Use battery-powered radios to stay updated on news and official announcements. Share information, but verify facts before acting on them.
Health precautions:
Health and safety are key. Maintain cleanliness and avoid risky situations. Plan to manage medications and medical equipment without external help. Have a comprehensive first-aid kit available.
Mental preparedness:
Stay calm and focused. Engage in activities to keep morale up and stress levels down. Maintain hope and resilience.
Week 2 Post-Event
Here’s what to expect:
With no power outage cause determined, focus shifted to immediate survival. Meaning finding water and food. And protecting families. For many, staying home was no longer an option.
The lack of basic necessities forced people to scavenge. Some who had condemned lawlessness now joined in. They searched abandoned businesses and homes for supplies.
The divide between "haves" and "have-nots" became stark. This led to a state of "Without Rule of Law." Actions once unthinkable became common. Society fractured into factions.
They included criminal opportunists, desperate families, and vigilantes trying to restore order. These groups clashed, increasing chaos and society’s breakdown.
Here’s what to do…
Secure resources:
Have large stockpiles of long-term food storage. Plus water filters and other essential items. They’ll keep you from having to venture out and risk safety.
Stay vigilant:
Protect your home and family. Form alliances with like-minded neighbors. Watch over each other's properties. Share resources. And stay alert to outsiders in your area.
Avoid confrontations:
Recognize that factions with different motives are operating. Avoid engaging with them by staying home.
Communicate:
Use reliable means to stay in touch with trusted individuals. Share information about safe areas and resource availability. Consider acquiring 2-way and HAM radios.
Prepare for self-defense:
Avoid violence. But prepare to defend yourself and family. Ensure you have basic tools for protection. Know how to use them.
Maintain hope:
Focus on long-term survival and maintaining morale. Encourage those around you. Plan for the eventual restoration of order. Stay resilient and adaptable.
Week 4 Post-Event
Here’s what to expect:
After a month, chaos and violence hindered substation repairs. This made power restoration futile due to damaged lines. Many abandoned metropolitan areas. Only violent scavengers remained. Which increased threats to those sheltering in place.
Campsites and remote areas became overcrowded. Leading to scarce resources and contaminated water. Hunting and gathering failed. Starvation and medical issues prevailed.
Prepared individuals became targets for their supplies. Some who fled to remote areas returned to worse conditions in cities. Smaller communities also felt the collapse. With no jobs or open stores, people stayed home.
Gardening attempts often failed due to lack of skills. City refugees strained these communities. This led to theft and property invasion. Strangers took over unoccupied homes.
Here’s what to do…
Strengthen security:
Enhance home security. Establish night watches to ensure safety.
Manage resources:
Have an adequate water catchment system in place. Learn basic gardening and food preservation skills. This will supplement dwindling resources.
Maintain hygiene:
Ensure clean water and sanitation to prevent disease. Use water purification methods. Dispose of waste to avoid contaminating local water sources.
Be prepared for violence:
Know how to use available weapons. Maintain a safe perimeter around your home.
Stay informed:
Continue to check for news of threats or acts to restore the community.
Proper planning:
Have a proactive mindset NOW toward preparedness.
A lengthy emergency will challenge everyone. But those who have prepared and know what to do will have the best shot at survival.
References:
- All testimonials in this advertisement are from real people; sometimes names and photos have been changed to protect their privacy and some were given free products in exchange for their honest feedback. Testimonials represent exceptional results, don't apply to the average purchaser and are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same results. The organizations, publications and people referenced on this site are not affiliated with 4Patriots. They have not endorsed, sponsored or recommended this product; no affiliation or endorsement is claimed. Terms & conditions apply. Cade Courtley is a former Navy SEAL and Platoon Commander who served 9 years of active duty and has been compensated by 4Patriots for his hard work in helping us test and endorse this product. Cade Courtley is a former Navy SEAL who served 9 years of active duty and has been compensated by 4Patriots for his hard work in helping us test and endorse products.