When everything collapses, whether due to a natural disaster, a man-made catastrophe, or a complete societal breakdown, having a clear and organized plan in place is essential. In the initial chaos, confusion and desperation will reign, and how well you respond in the first critical weeks can make the difference between survival and disaster. Here are the first 10 steps you should take immediately after everything collapses to ensure you and your loved ones can survive and thrive in a world turned upside down.
1. Secure Your Location
Your first priority is to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Whether you’re at home or on the move, securing your location is paramount. If you’re at home, lock down all points of entry and fortify weak spots. If you’re in a temporary location, make sure it’s defensible and that you can hold your ground. You may need to set up rotations within your group to monitor the area for threats. Stay aware of the evolving situation around you, and avoid making your location a target. If you must leave for a secondary location, do so only when necessary and after assessing the risks.
2. Establish Communication
Communication is critical, especially when traditional methods like cell phones or the internet are no longer functioning. Having an alternative communication plan in place, such as a ham radio, is invaluable. Your first task is to contact family members and team members to ensure everyone is accounted for. Once you’ve established contact, gather everyone at a predetermined rally point or bug-out location. Be clear on the specifics of where and when to meet, and always have backup communication methods in place for worst-case scenarios.
3. Form a Plan
Once your team is assembled, it’s time to assess the situation and form a plan. Decide your next steps based on the current conditions – will you stay in place, or is it safer to move to a secondary location? Keep in mind that staying put could be more advantageous if the roads are blocked or if your current location offers better protection than a bug-out location. However, if your home is compromised, you may need to relocate immediately. Have a detailed plan ready for different contingencies and ensure everyone is familiar with it.
4. Gather Intelligence
In a crisis, knowledge is power. The more you know about the situation unfolding around you, the better you can make informed decisions. Stay connected to any available news sources, whether through ham radio, battery-operated radios, or even other people in your community. Knowledge of local conditions, the movements of people, and any threats to your safety will help you stay a step ahead and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances. Information could be scarce in the early days, so gather as much as possible and be proactive in seeking out updates.
5. Secure Your Supplies
In the event of a collapse, your food, water, and medical supplies will quickly become your most valuable resources. If you haven’t already, stockpile everything you might need for at least a few weeks – food that requires no preparation, water, first aid kits, and any other necessary equipment. Avoid drawing attention to your supplies, as desperate people will seek out whatever they can find. Conceal your supplies and only share them with those you trust. If you haven’t prepared enough, your priority is to gather more resources without attracting attention.
6. Blend In
In a crisis, standing out can be dangerous. Avoid drawing attention to yourself and your resources. Adopt the mindset of being a “gray man” – someone who blends in with the crowd, avoiding notice. This means dressing simply, not flaunting wealth or survival gear, and blending in with the local community. If you’re seeking help, act like others around you who are going through similar struggles. This will reduce the likelihood of being targeted by desperate individuals or groups looking to exploit those they perceive as more prepared.
7. Shelter in Place
When a crisis first unfolds, it may be more prudent to stay where you are, especially if evacuating could expose you to additional dangers. For the first few weeks, sheltering in place gives you a chance to observe the situation and ensure that you’re not leaving a safe area for an even more dangerous one. Take this time to secure your shelter, ration supplies, and make your location as defensible as possible. This period of staying put will also give you a better sense of when it’s safe to move, if necessary.
8. Avoid Crowds
As society begins to break down, people will revert to panic behavior. They’ll rush to stores, gas stations, and other places to gather supplies. Avoid these crowds at all costs. Not only are you more likely to encounter dangerous situations in these areas, but you may also find yourself caught in a mob that’s desperate for resources. If you do need to leave your shelter to acquire supplies, consider heading to less congested places like hardware stores, where people might not be as focused on stockpiling food and water.
9. Observe OPSEC (Operational Security)
OPSEC is the practice of keeping sensitive information about your plans, resources, and movements private. In a crisis, this could mean keeping your food and water supplies hidden and not broadcasting to others that you are well-prepared. People who are unprepared will be looking for help, and once they know you have what they need, they may become desperate. By keeping your plans to yourself and only sharing them with trusted individuals, you reduce the risk of being targeted by looters or others seeking your resources.
10. Decide the Next Steps
After the first few weeks, when the immediate chaos has settled down, it will be time to reassess your situation. You need to evaluate whether your current location is still safe or whether it’s time to relocate. Is your shelter secure, or are there growing threats around you? At this point, your next steps should be based on available intelligence. Have you found a safer location, or is it still better to stay put and defend what you’ve already secured? The situation will be fluid, and decisions will need to be made quickly and decisively.
Preparing for the Worst
Surviving the aftermath of a societal collapse is no small feat, but with a clear plan and decisive action, you can significantly increase your chances of making it through. While no situation will ever be predictable, having a set of established steps to follow can help you stay focused and avoid panic.
From securing your location to gathering intelligence and observing operational security, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring your survival. By thinking ahead and preparing for various scenarios, you’ll give yourself, your family, and your team the best chance to navigate whatever comes your way.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.
