Ok, I have to say it: “Most people are stupid. Especially when they’re panicked.” This can easily be evidenced by the many sheeple still among us. They’re everywhere. Worse, they’re really going to be EVERYWHERE during an emergency which also means that they’re most likely directly in YOUR way when you know darn good and well what needs to be done!
The good news is that people–especially the unprepared–are predictable. In fact, they’re either going to attempt to live life as if everything is normal until forced to do otherwise or they’re going to outright panic when perhaps panic is the wrong answer. You can and should use this knowledge to your advantage.
What do I mean?
Well, specifically, I’d advocate that you do exactly the opposite of what everyone else is doing during an emergency. I’d double-down on that advice assuming you’re even remotely prepared.
Granted, there are some very specific instances where you SHOULD do what everyone else is doing, such as running away from an incoming tsunami wave while napping on the beach but, by-and-large, do the opposite.
Here’s some examples what I mean:
- If everyone else is choosing to evacuate, stay home… assuming you don’t have something like an imminent wildfire approaching your home. Certainly the roads and highways will become jamb-packed in a New York minute! Your odds of getting out will be slim to none UNLESS you’re among the first out. Granted, you can increase the odds of a successful evacuation by planning alternate and out of the way routes but I’d suggest that even less busy roads will become a mess relatively fast if there are enough people trying to escape.
- On the other hand, if everyone else is staying put, maybe it’s time to get out while you still can. You might call these “windows of opportunity” where others don’t yet see the s**t storm that’s approaching. Remember that preparing is every bit about being aware of what’s going on–and acting upon that knowledge–as it is about having the supplies to see you through.
- Don’t travel the easy pathways. Specifically, don’t use the highways or other major thoroughfares that “normal” people use. Look for back roads, odd ways to get from point A to point B, even take the really long way around. No doubt, this may necessitate bringing gasoline along with you to cover the extra miles; even caches along your route may be a wise choice if possible. I would also advocate always ensuring your vehicle(s) have a half-tank of gas at all times… it’s hard to do all the time but may save your life one day.
- Avoid last-minute runs to the store. Obviously, you should already have everything you will likely need to survive whatever it is you’re trying to get through but Walmart and your local grocery stores are the WRONG places to be when the proverbial s**t is about to hit the fan. Instead, try places most people may not go initially such as convenience stores or Dollar stores if you must stock up at the last minute.
- Don’t stand in lines, especially government lines. People have–and always will–stood in lines for a loaf of bread, a few gallons of water, and even idled their cars while waiting for gasoline in times of crisis. This is a brilliant way to waste your day. There are far better ways to get these items including collecting water, making bread, and scavenging fuel if you must.
- Don’t congregate in FEMA camps or other refugee camps… ever. I can’t think of a worse place to be during an emergency. You’re told what to do, stripped of anything useful (like firearms), among 100% completely unprepared people, and wholly dependent on somebody else at all times. Choose to depend upon yourself first and foremost!
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your comfort levels. Sometimes what seems like the right decision ends up being the wrong one but, in my humble opinion, the majority opinion is usually wrong or, at least, bad timing. More importantly, if you’re even remotely prepared for an emergency by following any of the advice I’ve purported over the years you at least have options that the unprepared do not. Take this as an opportunity to do something useful for your survival which is likely the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing.
Sure you may be able to survive doing what everyone else does but to what extent, I ask? Will you simply stay alive or thrive? That’s a question only YOU can answer.
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