Sometimes, being prepared means being able to move from where you are to where you want to be. Disasters and emergencies don’t always wait until you are safely home, and even if you are sheltering in place, you may need to move around-to obtain supplies or services, to render aid, or any number of reasons.
We all hope that during times of crisis, people will rise to their better nature, band together and help each other, and in many emergencies this has been the case. But it is a sad fact of life that some people, usually driven by desperation, will commit acts that they would not dream of under normal circumstances. Your object is to avoid becoming one of their victims.
The general idea when on the move in the hours and days after an emergency is to:
-Look like you belong in the area,
-Don’t look like you are more prepared than most (even though you are),
-Don’t come across as a potential victim.
First, your appearance. If you have to leave your car and you are wearing a suit or dress, OK. But be sure to keep a comfortable pair of sturdy shoes in the trunk with your “get home” bag. If possible, wear plain, dark neutral clothing that does not catch the eye. Worn and even a little scruffy is good, but don’t try to look like a homeless person. You want to come across as a working class guy or lady just heading down the street. An inexpensive hat will not only shield your head from the sun and weather, but obscures your face, making it less likely that you will be focused in on.
Now, your supplies. It’s imperative that you have an emergency kit with you, especially in a car or if you have to travel a considerable distance. But if you are going to share your supplies, you want it to be voluntary, not forced on you by a frantic citizen turned robber. I had never thought of this, but found this useful tip on the internet: The worst way to carry your kit is in that bright red bag that says “Emergency Kit” right across the back. If you are a businessperson, pack your supplies in a satchel that looks like it has your papers in there. For many, a plain duffel bag works great. One person took their 72 hour kit out of the red backpack after having had it stolen twice out of their car and stuffed it in a Hello Kitty backpack. No more problems.
Finally, confidence makes a lot of difference. If you don’t feel confident, fake it. If possible, know the area you will be traveling in, including alternate routes if the first option is blocked or dangerous. Look like you have a reason to be walking down that street. You may not always have a choice, but avoid both crowded and deserted areas with the same passion. Just enough people around that any incident would be witnessed. If you can, traveling in a small group adds an extra level of security.
You can’t predict everything that might happen in an emergency, but you can improve your odds with a little common sense and simple precautions.
Photo credit : Weburbanist.com