Surviving Martial Law

We live in uncertain times. Threats like ISIS make the possibility of Martial law coming to your city more probable than in years past. And while we hope and pray that such a scenario doesn’t come to pass, it never hurts to be prepared.

Martial law is the imposition of military rule and consequent takeover of the government. It is declared during emergencies when peace and order are significantly threatened. Here are a few reasons Martial law may be declared:

• State of war
• Insurrection/rebellion
• Uncontrollable riots
• Overwhelming natural disaster

For many of us, the idea of being stripped of our rights is unthinkable. And although there may be adequate reason for the imposition of Martial law, it typically ends in further chaos.

During such a time, there are no questions asked. Everyone must follow the rules no matter if they are right or wrong. The military becomes the law. Here are a few rights you won’t have under Martial law:

• Right to privacy
• Right to make choices
• Right of Habeas Corpus
• Right of information
• Freedom of expression

To survive during Martial law, you and your family must be self-reliant.

Countless preppers throughout the nation are ready for natural disasters, zombies, a nuclear apocalypse – anything that cuts them off from common supply lines. Such will be the case during Martial law, when the government takes control of everything.

With your own food and supplies, you won’t have to depend on government rationing. Make sure you have enough food and water to keep you going for 30 days or more. Ideally, you should have enough to sustain your family for 1 year.

You’ll also need some way to generate electricity in order to cook and charge devices like lanterns and UV water filters. If you don’t own one already, look into purchasing one or more portable generators. They are easy to carry and relatively quiet.

Bartering may become the norm during a Martial law scenario. Keep supplies on hand that others may want, such as cigarettes, medicine, and batteries.

Have a Bug Out Bag Ready

If you start to see signs that point towards imminent Martial law, you have two choices: flee or hunker down. If you live in a highly populated area, you might want to head to a safer location. Keep a bug out bag ready in case you ever have to do so. Make sure your kit contains the following:

• First aid supplies
• Food and water for at least 24 hours
• Multi-weather clothing
• High quality boots
• Flashlight (and batteries)
• Navigation and cooking equipment
• Radio
• Protection items like a handgun

Click here to read more about what you should and should not have in your bug out bag.

Stay Safe

During a Martial law scenario, it’s vitally important to stay away from zones exposed to danger and social revolt. Keep your house locked and secured with an alarm system. Secure your proprieties.

It’s not a bad idea to follow the rules and keep a low profile – until you’re asked to do the unthinkable. Make decisions on a case-by-case basis before you decide to rebel.

There’s always a chance that your home storage will be invaded. All of your property becomes that of the military during Martial law, and officials will be able to search your house without a warrant.

All your efforts will go to waste if your supplies are seized. Make sure to store food and other supplies in an area that’s not easy to find. You can always try the “bait method,” – in which you leave a smaller cache of supplies out in the open for the feds to find. If you act outraged when they seize those supplies, they won’t think to look for more.

Information is Key

The media will be under the complete control of the federal government. In order to know what’s going on, you must listen to official broadcasts. Stay up to date on rules so you can better plan your next move. The rules will constantly change and you must be aware of them in order to survive.

Tap into HAM radio to communicate with those living off the grid and to gain access to “unofficial” news. It’s best to know both sides of the story before making a decision.

Stay in Shape

Preppers must stay in shape both mentally and physically. If you can hardly climb the stairs in your house, how do you plan on making days- or months-long journey to a safer location?

Just as important are your mental skills. All the gear in the world won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to use it. Constantly review and update your skillset. You should know how to make your own food, how to treat wounds, how to find and purify water, etc.

Take classes and practice so you’re ready for anything. And stay in peak physical condition. Surviving on your own takes a considerable amount of effort and the last thing you need is to be weak and tired.

Teamwork

Don’t try to go it alone. Desperate times require teamwork. Having an alliance of family and friends can be crucial when living under Martial law. More people = more skills (and hopefully more supplies). Working together and sharing supplies will benefit everyone – just make sure that a person is trustworthy before you bring him or her into the pack.

Stay Quiet

While the circumstances might make you want to scream, don’t speak out about what is going on around you – and NEVER brag about how prepared you are. All that will do is make you a target for thieves or hangers-on who don’t have any supplies themselves.

Keep to yourself and share your habits with close family and friends only. It might sound selfish, but sharing your supplies only with those close to you will keep you alive.

Stay Calm

Panicking will get you nowhere. Losing your cool during a crisis leads to mistakes that could prove fatal. That’s why it’s important to remain calm and think before you act. Even worse, soldiers see panicked people as a threat and will eliminate them rather than deal with them.

That being said, it’s important to time your actions. When the situation reaches a climax, you might have no option but to make a stand. After all, it is your right to choose a side. But before you do so, make sure your decision supports your personal principals and beliefs. Don’t let propaganda or the advice of others deter you from what you believe is right.

Taking a stand doesn’t mean you have to leave your home and join the resistance effort. There are alternative ways of fighting for your beliefs. The most important thing is to stay safe while making yourself heard.