Emergency Summary

If society as we know it collapsed tomorrow, what would you do to survive and protect your family?

1. Prepare for the Unexpected

The modern world is filled with uncertainties, from natural disasters to terrorism. Survivalists believe it's important to prepare for anything. Whether it's an earthquake, war, or economic collapse, being ready can mean the difference between life and death. This mindset stems from the belief that disasters rarely give warnings.

Survival training depends on becoming well-versed in multiple strategies. For instance, having hand crank-powered flashlights and water purification tablets can make a huge difference in emergencies. It’s also useful to learn survival skills like starting a fire or administering first aid. Such actions can help bridge the gap until help arrives.

A good survivalist prepares for all situations, such as escaping during war or using general medical knowledge for emergencies. Stocking supplies, tools, and having a flexible preparedness plan ensures survival in chaotic circumstances.

Examples

• Stock up on first-aid supplies and learn basic medical procedures.
• Keep tools like water purification tablets, backup lighting, and fresh batteries.
• Plan escape routes and rehearse emergency procedures with your family.

2. Human Nature Defines Preparation

How people prepare for disasters depends on how they view human nature. Some believe that society would devolve into chaos without laws, while others feel that humanity’s compassion would prevail.

Survivalists who anticipate selfish and violent behavior are more likely to stockpile firearms, build hideouts, or join militias. On the other hand, groups like permaculturists rely on teamwork, creating self-sustaining communities that reuse resources such as water and food. Primitivists take a different approach by training to survive in the wilderness away from technology.

Each group tailors its preparation to its belief about human behavior during calamity: fear of chaos, faith in cooperation, or complete detachment through wilderness survival.

Examples

• Survivalists stockpile tools and weapons, preparing to defend themselves.
• Permaculturists build habitats like Commonweal Garden to thrive independently.
• Primitivists like Tom Brown teach skills for surviving without modern technology.

3. Consider a Second Passport

Having a second citizenship can be a valuable lifeline during global disasters. If borders close due to war or disease outbreaks, a second passport could grant safe passage to another part of the world. The author explains how he secured a passport from St. Kitts, a Caribbean haven.

Obtaining second citizenship can take years unless you find a legal shortcut. For instance, some countries allow instant citizenship in exchange for investment or demonstrate familial lineage to their citizens. However, these options often involve finances or extended residency periods.

In a crisis, this global mobility can make the difference between being trapped at home or finding refuge abroad, offering peace of mind in an uncertain world.

Examples

• U.S. citizens heavily inquired about emigration after President Bush's reelection.
• Austria offers instant citizenship for million-dollar investments.
• Brazil grants citizenship if you have a child with a Brazilian citizen.

4. Escape Routes and Hidden Caches

A good survivalist always has multiple escape plans ready. When disaster strikes, knowing where to go and having what you need in strategic locations can save your life. The author keeps a cabin in Washington and a secluded retreat in the Caribbean as part of his survival strategy.

For effective planning, survivalists bury concealed caches containing essentials like food, ammunition, and medical supplies along escape routes. This ensures access to resources while escaping even in the most challenging situations.

It’s also essential to choose versatile vehicles such as motorcycles for agility or boats if you live near water, as they can avoid congested roads.

Examples

• Secure cabins or safe houses in geographically distant locations.
• Bury food and emergency gear near planned escape paths.
• Use motorcycles or miniature helicopters for quick and flexible travel.

5. Importance of Firearms and Knives

In situations where infrastructure collapses, survivalists must learn to defend themselves and their families. This often involves mastering firearms and knives for protection, hunting, and other survival uses.

Trained survivalists practice marksmanship for high-pressure situations. Shooting skills not only protect against immediate threats but also provide food through hunting. Knives, on the other hand, are essential for basic survival tasks like cutting, carving tools, and even food preparation.

The author sought professional guidance to learn advanced knife and firearm techniques, preparing himself for the grim realities of survival.

Examples

• Learn firearms from professionals, like Gunsite in Arizona.
• Practice knife skills for carving tools, slaughtering animals, or self-defense.
• Sharpen and sterilize knives to ensure safety and functionality.

6. Navigating Urban Chaos

Urban survival requires specific skills, especially during war or societal breakdowns. This includes learning how to avoid detection, escape from restraints, or hot-wire a vehicle. Urban Escape and Evasion courses teach these crucial techniques.

These tactics are inspired by real scenarios. During Hurricane Katrina, looters ransacked stores, bringing chaos to New Orleans' streets. Urban survivalists are trained to anticipate such dangers and react effectively.

Urban classes also emphasize resourcefulness, such as using public ponds for food or spotting edible plants in unexpected places. Surviving a city crisis often boils down to quick thinking and creativity.

Examples

• Lock-picking and hot-wiring techniques are part of urban survival training.
• During Katrina, lawlessness created scenarios urban survivalists prepare for.
• Utilize local resources like plants and public water sources for immediate needs.

7. Managing Fear by Taking Action

A focus on survival can lead to overwhelming fear unless it’s approached proactively. Instead of just preparing to run away, actively facing fear by helping others can change your perspective.

Emergency training provides the tools to react to crises without hesitation. Real-life scenarios, like earthquakes or accidents, feel less daunting when you already know what steps to take. This removes fear born out of helplessness.

The author discovered that helping others reduces internal fear while improving the overall chances of survival in group scenarios.

Examples

• The author hid under a sturdy table during an earthquake, then assisted his neighbors.
• First responders like firemen train regularly to manage fear under pressure.
• Proactively helping others during crises aligns focus and reduces panic.

8. Emergency Medical Skills Save Lives

Rescue efforts often take days to mobilize during large-scale disasters, which is why emergency medical training can be life-saving. Training as an EMT teaches you to stabilize injured people, address life-threatening conditions, and provide first aid.

The author recounts a personal incident where EMT training allowed him to save a victim of a highway motorcycle accident. This preparation enabled him to step in when others passed by.

Basic medical skills can empower individuals to take immediate action, alleviating dependency on delayed rescue attempts.

Examples

• EMTs know how to stop bleeding, treat burns, and restart stalled hearts.
• Skilled first responders can save lives in underprepared rescue systems.
• Use basic training to assist accidents or injuries before professionals arrive.

9. Becoming Self-Sufficient

Living in post-collapse conditions means relying on yourself for basic needs like water, food, and power. Self-sufficiency training prioritizes survival using the resources already around you, no matter how minimal.

One example of hidden home resources includes drinking water stored in toilet tanks or radiators. Learning foraging skills also increases access to food from untapped sources. By mastering these techniques, you can survive even if modern infrastructure fails.

Survival preparation isn’t just about stockpiling; it’s also understanding how to maximize everyday resources.

Examples

• Radiators typically contain drinkable water for emergencies.
• Foraging includes learning edible plants that exist locally.
• CERT organizations teach citizens self-sufficiency drills.

Takeaways

1. Take a basic emergency medical training course to know how to respond during critical moments.
2. Plan escape routes and bury supplies along the way to ensure you're not caught unprepared in a disaster.
3. Practice stress management by simulating high-pressure situations, improving decision-making during emergencies.