If you ask a random person what is the most dangerous predator in the world, most people will mention animals wolves, bears, lions, sharks, and so forth. But we often forget that the most dangerous predator Earth is the human. They should not be underestimated.
When a long-term disaster such as an economic collapse occurs, the vast majority of people will not be prepared. A typical city only has about 3 days of food in the stores. After that, people with supplies will be targeted. I’m not saying every single person you encounter will rob you, but crime will definitely go up, especially if police are stretched to the limit.
If you have any fantasies of yourself as a Chuck Norris type hero who can kick three or four guys’ asses at once, stop dreaming. Even if you’re in great shape, you’ll be hard-pressed to win a fight with one thug, and thugs often travel in packs. And even if you do win the fight, what if you’re seriously wounded? Hospitals might be overcrowded or closed. So do your best to avoid combat. Here’s what to do:
1. Blend In. When out looking for supplies, materials or water, don’t look well-to-do. If you’re wearing your nice new jeans, hundred-dollar sneakers and Oakley sunglasses, people are going to assume you have a lot of stuff wherever you live and you will be followed home. Instead, wear torn jeans, old boots and a dirty T-shirt. Most criminals won’t waste their time with someone who looks as poor as they do.
2. Carry a Weapon. It’s a good idea to carry a gun with you, but it needs to be concealed. If it’s not, there’s the possibility that criminals might sneak up and jump you so they can steal it. Try carrying something like an axe or a shovel openly. Few people will care about stealing your shovel, and they’ll be less likely to rob you for fear of getting smacked in the face with it.
3. Look Confident. By this I mean stand tall, hold your head up, walk purposefully and confidently. Criminals prey on the weak, and if you look nervous or scared, they’re more likely single you out.
4. Stay Out in the Open. This might seem like the last thing you’d want to do, but it’s actually safer. If instead you sneak up and down alleys, you’ll be more likely to wander into a trap where you can’t call for help.
5. Avoid Large Crowds. Yes, you want to be out in the open where you can call for help, but being in the middle of a large crowd does not count as out in the open. It is too easy for someone to pick your pocket unnoticed.
6. Travel in Groups. The more people in your group, the less likely you’ll be robbed. Never travel alone if you can help it.
7. Know Where You’re Going. The less time you spend outside, the better, so don’t risk getting lost. Bring a map with you and study it carefully ahead of time. Make sure you know the quickest, safest way home, no matter where you might be.
8. Don’t Go Out at Night. This should be self explanatory. If you absolutely have to go out at night, bring a flashlight, but don’t use it. That would just make you a target. However, if some suspicious people approach you, shine the light on them. You’ll be able to see them and they won’t be able to see you. This way they’ll be more likely to back off.
Remember, humans are the most dangerous predator of all.
Steve Hammill says
March 25, 2016 at 12:34 amBetter than most articles in this vein. Thugs do travel in packs; out in the open can be good or not; running into the woods won’t work out very well unless you really know the woods; alleys are very dangerous unless you know the ground because you are trapped; carrying a shovel or an axe around with you would really attract attention to you even out here in the country and that’s bad; even walking with too much confidant can get you into trouble. Attracting attention to yourself is bad; being aware of your surroundings and the situation is good. If you are followed into your safe zone, shoot first and ask questions later. We have not faced terrible times in this country so that seems really harsh, but if things fall apart as they have in Syria and elsewhere, it will be do or die. Very hard to believe it could happen here.
M Hamilton says
March 24, 2016 at 4:51 pmGenerally a common sense article, but it’s obvious that no real research was made in the final tip. Holding a flashlight out to one side sounds logical, except to those trained in handguns and tactical handgun techniques. Most people will shoot low and to the left (given that most people are right handed), especially in a responsive situation. Standing at the range taking your time does not apply here. Thus, if you hold the flashlight out to your left to keep your firearm hand free, you will be where? Low and to the left of their target, the flashlight. The FBI trained agents this way back in the 50s before leaning the consequences. Now the technique has changed to center of body in weak hand behind firing hand. Basically back of hand to back of hand with the flashlight hand below the firing hand. Next time do a little research and you won’t lead people into harms way.
Gogu Steliade says
March 29, 2016 at 7:48 amPlease explain why, in a general “without rule of law” situation, is it more likely to encounter trained people, who would shoot low and to the left, than people who will shoot directly to the light and around it?
mhamilton says
March 30, 2016 at 9:35 pmI believe you misread my comment. Generally, non-trained individuals will shoot low and to the left. The average person you may come into contact in a “without rule of law” will not be formally trained.
Rene says
October 27, 2015 at 6:01 pmCut up big ticket item cartons, boxes, containers – into much smaller chunks and stuff them into the plastic bags full of wet – paper garbage. I just did that with couple of things I bought. I also could burn things in my fireplace if I wanted too.
papa bear says
December 25, 2010 at 2:56 pmJust a thought about Christmas trash. For those of you fortunate enough to have received “High Ticket” items for Christmas DO NOT put empty boxes out for the trashman. Theives will be crusing, Looking for these advertisements, To come back later and break in to steal them.
Papa Bear says
September 10, 2010 at 7:36 amWhile at home ,during “normal” times or disaster times, a good dog is helpful for security. If you have to go out to look for supplies, having a dog with you will help. A potential attacker will think twice about taking on both a person and a dog. also a dog may provide you with enough of a warning and distraction to arm yourself Papa Bear
G Hunt says
July 12, 2010 at 3:00 pmLocation, location, location. Long before disaster strikes, choose a dwelling site that is easily defensable and has natural resources to provide food and shelter. An island lake site is good as well as an isolated penensula. Cities are basicly traps. Preparation,is esentail. Begin now. The end of the world is not the thing to prepare for. Rish assesment is taking stock on how to prepare for the unexpected. Loss of employment,earth quakes, floods, and ice storms are yearly events. Cival riots are periodic happenings even in our USA.
It such event money does not mean anything more than printed paper. Food, water, light and shelter do not come from money. One can not buy gas, food and other suppplies when the propriators of these shops are closed or supplies are not existant. Yes, the people in towns will riot, steal and kill in short order. I have personaly wittnesed fights in the streets over battries. I have wittnessed broken highways and people hiking a hundred miles to the coast because transportation was broken after earthquake. Prices will rise sharply in the first few hours as there is a rush of the unprepared for stores in towns. Exaustion of supplies comes quickly. Theft, robbery, and murder follow in quick order. People traped at home and dependant on electricity sit in darkness and cold. Those dependant on mechines for repiration and life support are the first to die. Hospitals will board up their emergency rooms and entrances. Law enforcement will ceace. So prepare and find a reasonalbe defenceable location. How do I know this? I have lived in several natural disasters lasting weeks. Because of preparation and a good defencable location I did well and my local country neighbors ( a mile or two away) found I was able to provide water and food. I had heat where they did not. Was comfortable while others were on the edge.
Respectfuly. G. Hunt
Rene says
October 27, 2015 at 6:15 pmDuring all out chaos and lawlessness – Martial Law and Curfews will more or less mean nothing! Roving bands of thugs and thieves will use Martial Law and Curfews to cherry pick victims at home. All of those Mega Mansions and Gated Communities will be the first to be raided by groups of men 15 to 25 or more strong. They will not be looking to negotiate or reason with you – just blow down your doors, marching in guns blazing if needed and demanding anything they
can eat, use, sell, or trade. FOOD, GUNS & AMMO , Jewelry and gold or silver, gasoline- vehicles, drugs, booze, medical. etc.. Good luck thinking you’ll defend yourself against them. Many of them will be former military and police and they’ll know how to take you down and out.
Really_Old_Guy says
February 16, 2018 at 8:13 pmRene,
Former military are “more likely” to be an aid than a liability, especially the Marines (death before dishonor). The police could be another story.