I’m not going to pontificate on the atrocities of war or the conspiracies that are floating around the internet in regards to the recent attacks in Israel and Gaza (there’s enough of that in the news, on YouTube, etc). So far, there are several lessons that can be learned from the events of the last several days…
- If you live in a historical war zones–they have been battling in that area for centuries–move elsewhere. There is nothing an individual can do to safeguard themselves and their family in such an area but leave.
- Have a bug out bag at the ready At. All. Times. When the bombs unexpectedly start flying, there is no time to figure out what you should take with you; everything should be packed and ready to grab and go on a moment’s notice.
- Have multiple evacuation plans. You need multiple ways to leave (direction-wise), multiple ways to leave (transportation-wise), multiple places to go (in your city, away from your city, the next country over, etc). And leave IMMEDIATELY, the longer you wait, the more people will be trying to leave on the same roads at the same time.
- Have several forms of currency, safely hidden, when you evacuate. Local currency, foreign currency, some silver, some gold, some jewelry, etc. Money makes things happen more quickly and more effectively during a disaster.
- Beware misinformation/disinformation when seeking information on an emergent situation (examples here, here, and here). Also be aware that since only a handful of companies own nearly all mainstream media sources, biased news towards the favored party is alive and well in medialand.
- For people who remain in a war zone, often the first things to go are food, fuel, and in the case of isolated Palestine/Gaza, water, medicine, medical care, et al. Plan accordingly if you could find yourself in such a situation.
- If you must remain in a war zone, research “how to survive in a war zone” (there are numerous articles on the topic online).
- And if you must remain in a war zone (or any other area of conflict, or any major American city for that matter) always be prepared to defend yourself. With a firearm. If you can’t flee and you can’t hide, fighting might be your only option and the only way to fight someone coming for you with a firearm is with a firearm.
- Train, practice, learn…then learn some more. The more skills you have, the better your odds of survival in any situation. Medical skills, fighting skills, covert operation skills, outdoor skills, navigation skills…the list is endless but if you put aside time each day to learn and practice useful skills you will be miles ahead of the average person.
- Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.