Every day, many disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes occur somewhere around the world. Despite so many advancements in human history, we are mostly caught by surprise when SHTF.
It is common to see people rushing to retail stores to stock up after major SHTF events. Some go for supplies while others find such tragedies the perfect time to commit felonies such as stealing.
Whatever the motivation, rushing to retail stores during SHTF situations is a really bad idea. Most people are not preppers. You should expect grocery stores to be filled with panicking and unprepared individuals.
Picture that and tell us whether you’d want to be in such a crowd after a disaster. Veteran preppers would strongly advise against it. When SHTF, such places are dangerous as they are likely to be chaotic.
A crowd of desperate people does not need much reason to resort to chaos and turmoil. in such crowds, you should expect things to go south at any moment.
That said, retail stores and supermarkets are not the only places you need to avoid when SHTF. In this article, we will look at the places to avoid when disaster strikes and what you should do immediately when SHTF!
Places to Avoid When SHTF
1. Densely populated Areas
If you live in highly populated areas like high rises or apartment buildings, you should be prepared for disasters at all times.
As mentioned before, densely populated areas are one of the most dangerous places to be when SHTF. Main issue being the presence of many unprepared people who pose much risk even to prepared ones.
In fact, in SHTF events, people are the largest to threats to your safety and security. Crimes, violence and social unrest skyrocket during or immediately after disasters. This is primarily due to limited supplies or resources and help is always nowhere to be found.
In densely populated areas, your safety is compromised due to the proximity to many people. It is much easier for people to break into houses and apartment units looking for as much supplies as they can acquire.
Besides that, due to the large number of people in such areas, available supplies in store will be quickly depleted. If you’re unprepared for SHTF in such places, it will be much worse for you.
Gas Stations
Like the retail stores, unprepared people will flock to gas stations before or after SHTF to ensure they have a full tank of gas. Everyone wants to have enough gas to go as far as humanly possible from the afflicted areas.
ironically, gas stations tend to run out of fuel when you need it the most. if you’re not quick enough, you’ll probably miss out on gas and get stuck in the middle of angry and anxious people. Who’d want that?
Banks
Banks or ATM machines are one of the places you have to avoid when disaster strikes. In desperate time, some cash will come in handy.
In this cashless era, we are more reliant on credit and debit cards or other forms of cahsless transactions. As much as it is convenient when there is peace and stability, cashless transactions will most likely be impossible when SHTF.
Impossible due to severed communications or electrical outages. Retailers will not be able to accept credit and debit cards due to breakdown of infrastructure that make it possible to use them.
Without cash, you can’t buy important supplies and basic necessities for your survival. More reason to rush to the bank, right?
Wrong! If by chance there are still functioning ATM machines, there will be long lines and after some time, depleted ATM machines. Once the lucky few are gone, the rest will be left more desperate, angry and violent.
Prison and its Environs
Prisons are notorious for their breakouts and riots which make them unsafe places during SHTF events.
Additionally, prisons contain weapons that could be used against you if they come into contact with each other on an escape attempt or riot. Since prisoners may have access to these weapons even when guards aren’t looking, it’s important not only protect yourself from encounters within the perimeter of this type of facility but also outside its walls.
If you live close to a prison, your escape route should not come anywhere close to the prison and its environment. It is likely that some inmates have escaped due to a security lapse during a disaster.
If you encounter such inmates, you’ll probably have to surrender your means of transport and supplies – if you’re lucky.
What Should you do when SHTF?
When SHTF, people react in various ways. Fear will paralyze some, causing their death or injuries. While others will spring into action, trying to survive. In that spectrum, where do you lie?
As you think about that, here are a few things you should do when SHTF:
- In this situation, it is crucial to not panic. You should not let yourself be distracted by anything else, at least until you are safe. It is important to take care of your own safety first and foremost in order to avoid risks that might lead to further harm, injury, or death.
- Go over your emergency plan with your family. Obviously, safety is very important. Review your plans after you have ensured your safety.
- Check to see if there are wounds on your body and how deep they are. If someone else in your family has been injured but does not have life-threatening injuries then let them know what to look for while you attend to yourself.
A few of the most common injuries that get sustained during an earthquake are head trauma, broken bones (particularly in children), and shock.
- If you’re separated from your family, contact them as soon as you get the opportunity. Ensure they know your location and if you’re safe, it will ease their anxiety!
It may not be possible to communicate with your family for a time, because of natural disasters or man-made ones. However, this should never stop you from trying and staying in contact as much as possible.
Conclusion
Survival is best suited to those who are prepared for it. We hope that this guide will keep you safe and away from danger when SHTF.
Remember to stay calm and take calculated actions to give yourself the best shot at surviving.