Most people have never lived in an area that has suffered the effects of war. They do not have a clue about the disasterous consequences that may occur. A war is not like a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake.As strange as it may sound, natural disasters are more predictable. While you’ll not know the impact of the event, the results are usually the same. Catastrophic damage, power failures, food shortage, etc.
Most preppers who have food supplies and all the other stores prepared for such situations will be able weather the proverbial storm relatively confidently because they’re prepared for it and have the necessary skills. However, during a war, the human element that’s involved is highly unpredictable. Invading troops may raid your house and confiscate your stores.
A military checkpoint may be set up just 2 blocks from where you live. You may be forced to hurriedly evacuate to another place and leave all your supplies behind. All these are possible scenarios that no amount of planning can prepare you for. In situations like these, you’ll need to think on your feet.
Your best course of action when there’s conflict is to pack up all your supplies, stores, etc. and get out of Dodge. You want to travel to a place that’s far away from the fighting and action. Do not wait till it’s too late. In the event the area you’re living in is overrun by enemy forces, here are a few tips to take note of. These go beyond the usual ‘common sense’ tips of staying safe, situational awareness, etc.
These tips will give you an edge in surviving in a war zone. It’s the stuff that no one mentions because they probably don’t know.
* Bribery
When done right, this is a very powerful technique that can make your life much easier. Bribery doesn’t have to only involve cash. It could be watches, jewelry, mobile phones, cigarettes, etc.
Anything of value could be a bribe.
Here’s the catch – you must only bribe the right people. For example, if you’re getting medicine and supplies that are being rationed strictly, bribing the correct person will allow you to get more of such items.
If you’re at a checkpoint that you need to go through, bribing the right soldiers might expedite the process. Of course, you need to be very discreet at all times. Do not attempt to bribe disciplined soldiers or you’ll end up in deep trouble.
Generally, you can ascertain the discipline of the troops by looking at their behavior and turn out. If they look neat and behave in a professional manner, avoid bribing them. If their uniforms are shabby, if they have different types of firearms and if their behavior is generally loutish, they can be bribed.
* Don’t attract attention
Looks must be deceiving when you’re in a war zone. Dress down and avoid wearing military-styled clothing. Wear dull colors and old clothes. You want to look like you’re poor and unworthy of attention.
Do not use your mobile phones in public or be seen taking photographs or videos. This can be construed as spying. Don’t use flash photography. It might be mistaken as the glint of light from a sniper scope at a distance and you may find people firing at you.
* Be aware of surveillance
This is a given. When enemy troops occupy a place, one of the first things they do is start surveilling the area and the people. Get rid of any incriminating material that might put you in trouble.
Propaganda by resistance groups or opposing troops must not be in your house. Clear your laptops of all communication and make sure your email accounts are clean.
Do not follow a fixed routine. Be unpredictable. Take different routes to work. Go out at different times, etc. If you think your house is bugged, play loud music before making your call. Avoid using landlines, and if possible, use several disposable sim cards.
If meeting anyone you don’t really know too well, do it in a public place. Make sure the contacts in your phone have different names. Do not use real names. Always assume you’re being watched and act cautiously.
* Be ready to flee
Always have a vehicle that’s working and ready to go. It should have supplies, be full of gas and have central locking. If you’re renting a car, choose a car that everyone else has, so that you blend in.
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you need to escape with your family in the middle of the night. Having a car that’s ready to go just might save all your lives.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many other war zone tips that you can pick up with good research. What you must know is that this is an event that’s unpredictable, dangerous and will require you to think on your feet because the situation is fluid. Your success at surviving will depend on your ability to be fluid and adapt to the different scenarios with a calm and cool head.
“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless — like water. Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.” – Bruce Lee
