Have you ever seen the movie “The Purge” or its sequels? These movies explore a dystopian society where, for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is perfectly legal. They delve into how people behave when there is no rule of law for 12 hours, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The movies pose the question of whether violence is an intrinsic part of human nature and highlight the divisions between Americans along socioeconomic lines. The films seem to show just how fragile the veneer of civilization really is and how quickly societal norms break down when the thin layer of order is temporarily removed. Although the movies are fiction, are they wrong about human nature and our capability to commit evil in desperate situations?
I firmly believe there is just a thin veneer of civilization in U.S. society. If you disagree with this point of view, consider the riots we’ve seen in the past few years and how easily they are set off. It doesn’t take much to remove the thin veneer of civilization. Once it’s gone, you see the very ugly side of humanity. What will a person do when they are desperate and fighting for survival? What will they do for their loved ones? What will a parent do to protect their children from starvation? What happens when the grid goes down and the lights turn off?
I’ve worked in a state prison for most of my adult life. I often wonder what would happen to our state prison population if the lights went off permanently. What would the population do? Corrections officers will have their own families to protect and won’t be inside the facilities policing these felons when the grid goes down. Without corrections officers, prisoners will escape and find their way back to our communities. They will be ruthless and will organize into gang-style groups, becoming raiders looting homes and families for food and supplies. Once the food and supplies run out, they’ll start eliminating each other in competition over dwindling resources. The raider gangs that survive will be the toughest and most ruthless. This new way of life will harden them as they learn to survive in a harsh new reality. They will be a dangerous foe, and likely your problem to deal with when the grid goes down. So, what can the average family man or woman do to prepare for such a future?
Preparing for this grid-down scenario and societal collapse is a serious matter and not easy. Here are some steps to help you prepare for such a scenario:
Emergency Supplies and Food: Stock up on non-perishable food, dried food (noodles, beans, rice, etc.), dehydrated food, canned goods, bleach, water purification tablets, MREs, water, medical supplies, and essential supplies. Start with at least a three-month supply per household member, then increase from there.
Security Preparations: Harden your home with security cameras, locks, fences, hard cover to shoot from, and, if you have the money, a safe room or an underground bunker. Learn self-defense skills such as Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, and Muay Thai. More importantly, buy guns and ammunition. You will want an AR15 in .223 and a reliable handgun (I recommend Glock). Get weapon lights for your rifle and handgun, like the Streamlight TLR1 for Glocks, and a Surefire flashlight with replacement batteries.
Community Networking and Team Building: Build an inner team of trusted individuals such as family, close friends, and neighbors. Your inner team should be close enough that you could live with them if society collapses. A diversity of skills is essential. For example, if your sister is a nurse, you will likely want her in your group. Connect with neighbors and vet their skills. In a crisis, having a trusted community around you can provide security and resources.
Skills and Knowledge: Learn essential survival skills such as first aid, navigation, foraging, hunting, gathering food, making water potable, shelter building, primitive fire, and other outdoor survival skills. In Michigan, you can learn these skills at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute (survivalschoolmichigan.com). Learn homesteading skills like growing food, repairing equipment, and raising animals.
Energy and Power: Purchase generators, solar panels, solar chargers, battery banks, and fuel reserves. Knowing how to start a fire and use manual tools is also useful.
Communications: Obtain the ability to communicate with family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Consider buying walkie-talkies, CB radios for your vehicles, and ham radios for your homes.
Bug-Out Bag: Prepare a bug-out bag with essential items in case you need to leave your home quickly. This bag should include food, water, clothing, medical supplies, a gun, ammo, and a change of boots and socks.
Mental Preparedness and Tactical Training: Prepare mentally and emotionally for high-stress situations. Get as much tactical training as you can. Learn how to clear your house alone and as a member of a tactical team. Remember, attitude is everything.
Financial Preparation: Keep some cash and American Silver Eagles on hand, as digital transactions may not be possible. Diversify your assets to protect your finances. Cash and silver can help you through the start of the emergency and preserve your wealth.
Practice Drills: Conduct regular drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. This includes evacuation plans, meeting points, and survival protocols.