What should you do immediately after SHTF? This is a common question that keeps getting asked and will depend on your particular situation. One of the most important things you can do is to stay calm and assess the situation before taking any action. You also need to stay alert and aware of what is going on around you. A prepper has a plan and more than one to fall back on.
Things change and there is a never-ending list of things that could occur when a disaster comes your way. These are some ways to help increase your chances of surviving, even when things do not go to plan.
You have to stay calm
This can be easier said than done, but if you implement controlled breathing exercises that can help. In my former career, the use of combat breathing was something that always helped me. If you find yourself in an overwhelming type of situation and SHTF you need to control your breathing. This will result in a calmer state of mind and increase your overall chances of survival.
When faced with an emergency or something else, you have to remain calm. I have seen many people in my life, not thinking clearly when in a critical incident. It can happen to the best of us, when in a life-threatening situation. If you do not have experience in a military or law enforcement background it will be typically harder to maintain your composure. That being said it is not an impossible thing to achieve, regardless of who you are.
Breath In And Out
The very first thing I would do, if I realized I was getting worked up is through breathing. I would take a breath in and hold it for a four-count slowly. Then repeat this for a few times. You could close your eyes to focus on your breathing if that would help. Do not close your eyes if that could impact you and your family’s chances of survival.
The power of breath control may seem simple and something people have always said to do. It’s because it works if done correctly. Your heart rate will slow down and your mind will become so much more clear. You want a clear mind when SHTF.
Control Your Thoughts
If a SHTF situation occurs, negative thoughts will want to flood your mind. This happens in general and even more when things are escalated. This is why you have to recognize those negative thoughts but push them to the back corner. You need to focus on the positive and not on the negative.
Think of how strong you are as a person. The abilities that you have and your capabilities to overcome whatever is thrown at you. This is when you need to have a singular focus on what your next move will be at the moment. Cast out those negative thoughts and move forward. Never backward!
Maintain Attention
When SHTF you can not lose your eye on the ball. You must be resolute in your plan of action and have a backup plan if things do not work out with your plan A. Things will be happing around you and can easily make you lose this focus which will be your undoing. So, stay focused, so that you can survive and keep safe.
Once you have a clear mind and are sticking to your plan you have to recognize what is going on around you.
You Must Assess The Situation
If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation you have to know what’s going on around you. You can not allow yourself to, become distracted. This is why you must assess what is going on in the situation around you in a calm collected manner. Only then can you determine the best course of action for you and your family.
This can happen in so many situations. Let’s say for example you are in a car accident. You will have to assess the damage and what the best course of action is to take. Either get out of the vehicle or stay in it based on different factors. The point is you must recognize what has occurred and put safety at the top of your priority list.
The ability to assess what has happened in the SHTF scenario is key, such as identifying any potential threats. Then take action on the best way to protect yourself and your family. The small details matter, as they can lead to bigger problems if not addressed.
Staying Alert
Things will be happening quickly and you must not fall asleep at the wheel. You have to stay vigilant! If you are able try to get enough sleep if conditions allow. The next best thing that you could do if getting enough sleep is not on the cards is to eat high-energy foods. Things that are healthy and are high in proteins as well as fats. You will need the energy to stay awake.
A common reason people are not as alert as they should be is being dehydrated. Try to drink enough water so you can be functioning at your highest capabilities. I would avoid energy drinks as if you are in a prolonged SHTF, you do not want to crash. If you crash after the energy wears off, it did help you in the long term. But what would happen if when you passed out, something bad happened. I would only drink water and coffee for energy.
The Best Way To Stay Alert
It is being in shape and exercising regularly. When you exercise consistently you are increasing your ability to handle whatever comes your way. If someone else or your family will be with you then take breaks. This way whoever is not on a break can take time to rest. This is the best practice when it comes to getting sleep in a potentially hostile environment.
Have A Safe Place
If you do not already, you should have a designated place that will be safe. You and your loved ones should know about this place if anything were to happen. If you were to be separated or not able to reach each other for some reason having a set, location is key.
Safety is at the heart of what you should do immediately after SHTF. You will need a place that provides security.
Supplies
You must have supplies ready ahead of time. If not you will need to be able to acquire the supplies you need to survive. These supplies should be primarily food-based. So have the supplies now to last you, as that will be one worry that you do not have to think about. The less you have to think about the better when SHTF. You will have more focus on other more pressing issues. If you have the foresight now.
Help Community Or People In Your Survival Group
Many preppers have groups or communities in which they are a part of. This could be one neighbor or two friends that share the same values as you do. They prepare and would be an asset to have. These are the type of people who will help you and other people who were not as prepared as you.
There is safety in numbers, but there are always cons to everything as well.
First Aid
Make sure that you have first aid. Injuries can pop up very quickly which is why having first aid is so important. I would advise you to know how to use everything in your first aid. It is the same thing if you have a spare tire but do not know how to change it. It is always better to have knowledge and experience then be caught out in the cold without it.
Personal Protection
This one needs no introduction. You need to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from any potential threat. It is essential you can defend yourself from looters, thieves, and the like. When SHTF people change and you must be ready.
Opportunites
Look for opportunities that will present themselves to you. Do not become complacent but look for ways to better strengthen your position. Either with food, water, manpower, and such. Seize the opportunities after a SHTF. The stronger you and your group are the better your chances. If you are going it alone the same applies as well.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that you need to be prepared for whatever happens when SHTF. It is essential that you stay calm, assess the situation, and stay alert. A prepper needs to be ready with supplies and have a safe place to go. You should also seek out opportunities to help out your community or people in your survival group. Injuries can happen and even a small one can get infected fast.
This is why having first aid ready to go and the ability to protect yourself are key! Things will not work out exactly as you thought which is why it is a good idea to look for opportunities to increase your chances of survival. This is a good starting point for what you should do immediately after a SHTF.
