The Imperative of Preparedness in the Face of Uncertain Times

PREPAREDNESS
Written By Stephen Knezovich

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A Wake-Up Call

It's a chilly February morning, and you wake to a house that’s way too cold. The heat is off, and the lights are out.  No lights, no heating, and a sinking feeling that something isn't right. You reach for your phone to call for help, but there's no signal. This is more than a routine power outage… Your gut tells you something is really wrong.  With no TV, radio, internet or communications, it’s hard to find out what’s going on, and when you do find out, panic sets in. Damage to our critical infrastructure has caused a widespread power outage, and there is a communications blackout affecting tens of thousands. 

What would you do?

This scenario may sound like a scene from a dystopian novel, but as we have seen very recently, it's not at all far-fetched. Hurricane Helene has left millions in the southeast dealing with exactly this scenario, and even as I write this, the Gulf coast of Florida is preparing for what looks like it will be an even bigger disaster.

These terrifying scenarios aren’t always due to weather either. Sometimes, we have even less advance warning. In fact, on February 4, 2023, the tranquility of Moore County, North Carolina, was shattered by gunshots aimed at power substations. This attack left 45,000 homes and businesses in darkness, signaling the stark reality that our power grid is vulnerable, and extremist groups are taking notice.

Widespread service outages of AT&T earlier this year, and most recently Verizon serve as additional reminders of the fragility of our modern systems and the importance of self-reliance and preparedness in the face of this kind of adversity.

Risks to the Power Grid

If the threat of major storms weren’t enough, data from government reports and news outlets reveal a troubling trend related to physical and cyber attacks. In 2022 alone, there were 25 physical attacks reported on power facilities across the US, with incidents of sabotage on the rise. These attacks, often perpetrated by domestic extremist groups, aim to exploit vulnerabilities in the power grid, potentially causing widespread chaos and disruption.

The ongoing border crisis adds another layer of complexity to the equation. Concerns about national security and the potential border-crossing infiltration of organized terrorist cells have escalated dramatically. The nightmare scenario of a dirty bomb, a Hamas-like 10/7/2023 terror attack, or another catastrophic event orchestrated by terrorists exploiting border vulnerabilities is not just a hypothetical scenario—it's a genuine concern at the highest levels of government, and in the private sector.

In the face of such threats, what are people like you and me to do?

The 72-Hour Scenario 

It’s often said that civilized society is only 72 hours from chaos. What this means is that most families don’t have more than a few days’ worth of food, diapers, and other necessities in their homes, and most don’t have more than a day’s worth of water, should the faucet not work.  

And in any catastrophe, whether an act of nature or man-made, where the “just in time” supply chain grocery stores rely on breaks down, there will be no supply, for an ever more desperate demand.  

So, how long can you and your family survive with no power, no electricity, or other supplies? 

How prepared are you as a family, if the government isn’t there to help you?

Building Resilience Through Preparedness

I don’t consider myself a doomsday prepper, nor am I here to instill fear or sensationalize what might happen if the power grid fails in your part of the country, or God-forbid, nationwide. I’m here to emphasize the importance of proactive measures and personal responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of ourselves and our families in the event of an emergency. When we see warning signs and potential threats, it’s imperative to take action rather than wait for a crisis to unfold, and in today’s age, family emergency planning needs to extend beyond securing the perimeter of our own houses; it must also take into consideration a loss of critical infrastructure.

Here's a practical plan to consider:

  1. Assess Your Vulnerabilities
    Conduct a thorough assessment of your home and surroundings. Start by evaluating the potential risks in your area, whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, or infrastructure vulnerabilities.

  2. Build an Emergency Kit & Stockpile Essentials
    Build a supply kit with food, water, medical supplies, flashlights, and essential tools.  Consider a battery, or hand-crank radio to receive news, and consider freeze-dried food with a 20+ year-long shelf life, water filtration systems or water storage, and backup power sources like generators or solar panels.

  3. Develop a Communication & Family Emergency Response Plan
    Establish clear communication protocols with family and friends, including backup methods in case traditional communication channels fail. In the event of a communication blackout or breakdown, establish alternative means of communication (e.g., if calls don’t work, sometimes text messages will; if not, try email). If none of the above work, consider equipping yourself with satellite phones for critical communication. Additionally, outline clear steps and protocols for different scenarios, including evacuation routes, rendezvous points, and responsibilities for each family member. Ensure that college-age children who are not living at home full-time are equipped and informed about your emergency plans and procedures.

  4. Have an Evacuation Strategy
    Outline and memorize multiple evacuation routes, and have a designated meeting point for family members in case of emergencies.  Make sure you and your college-age kids, have “old fashioned” paper maps and know how to use them.

  5. Stay Informed & Trained
    Keep abreast of current events, local threats, and emergency protocols. Consider training in first aid, self-defense, and basic survival skills to enhance your preparedness.

Recent events have provided a wake-up call for all of us to prioritize self-reliance, situational awareness, and preparedness. By taking proactive steps to assess vulnerabilities, stockpile essential supplies, establish communication protocols, and develop a comprehensive emergency response plan, we empower ourselves to navigate uncertain times with resilience and confidence.

In this context, living ready requires not just that we embrace practical measures to enhance our ability to thrive in uncertain times; it also requires us to prioritize self-reliance and preparedness, and take personal control of our own safety and well-being. It's about being proactive rather than reactive, a mindset that can make all the difference in times of crisis.

Are You Prepared for the Unexpected?

It’s time to take action and ensure that you and your loved ones are ready for whatever challenges may come our way.

Everyone’s situation is different. Get started on your own plan:

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Stephen Knezovich
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Cyber Self-Defense