This article will only make sense if you have read the Introduction < click here to read >

This question is probably the single most important one since it carries the most risk, the highest threat…and can affect not just you, but your entire family. The question is “Are you ready to protect your family from violence?”

Silly question? I think not. When people are in emergency/disaster situations I’ve found the top 10 reason people turn violent are:

1. Fear and Survival Instinct – When people feel their life is at risk, the brain shifts into “fight-or-flight.” Violence can come from a raw survival response rather than deliberate intent.
2. Protection of Loved Ones – People will most likely become violent if they perceive a threat to family or group, even if the threat is not clear and not absolute.
3. Mistrust of Others – Uncertainty about others’ intentions (“Are they going to take what I have?” or “Are they going to hurt my family?”) can lead to preemptive violence.
4. Misinformation and Rumors – False information or intentional disinformation can escalate fear into desperation…which then usually leads to aggression..which will probably escalate into violence.
5. Scarcity of Resources – Shortages of food, water, fuel, or shelter can trigger conflict, especially if people believe supplies are running out. Especially true is they think their kids will go hungry.
6. Breakdown of Social Order – When normal rules and/or authority (i.e. law enforcement) disappear, some individuals feel less constrained and may act more aggressively.
7. Group Behavior / Crowd Dynamics / Mob Mentality – In crowds/mobs, individuals may lose a sense of personal responsibility making aggressive behavior more likely which can quickly escalate into violence.
8. Frustration and Helplessness – Blocked or delayed escape routes, delayed assistance, or situational confusion can quickly turn into anger leading to violence.
9. Panic and Loss of Rational Thinking – High stress can overwhelm decision making, leading to impulsive, irrational actions…including aggression/violence.
10. Exhaustion and Physical Stress – Lack of sleep, hunger, dehydration, and injury reduces control of a person’s emotions and clear thinking. Tunnel vision is a natural result and could almost immediately result in aggression/violence to “resolve” the perceived issue.

I’ve not placed those ‘top 10’ in any particular order, I kinda grouped them into similar concepts. Also, it is highly likely that in any given situation there will multiples of reasons present. The more “reasons” that are present, the more likely violence will occur and the more extreme it will be. And do not underestimate a source of violence coming from an unlikely source…such as a teenager or soccer mom.

What is the best way to handle violence, or even the threat of violence? Don’t be present in the above situation. Yup, simple as that. Okay, maybe not so simple. But, consider this:

• Fear and Survival Instinct – If you have prepared for emergencies you eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, “fear”. Example: If there is a shortage of food in an incident but you have 6 months of food stored…you probably won’t panic because you know you can feed your family.
• Protection of Loved Ones – If you have properly armed yourself and your family you have a high degree of confidence that you can protect yourselves. That confidence can go up considerably if you remove threats from the situation (i.e. don’t associate yourself with those that are a potential threat) and/or do associate yourself with like-mined people.
• Mistrust of Others – Know who you are dealing with. Don’t deal with, associate with, or even communicate with anyone you don’t know. While we need to be charitable, be very prudent with whom you help. Don’t let anyone know of your preps. Develop and maintain a high degree of situational security.
• Misinformation and Rumors – Don’t believe any information from any source unless you can verify it yourself…or you are 100% confident in the information source. Never trust rumors.
• Scarcity of Resources – Keep your preps situation to yourself, do not tell anyone from any organization, including churches, and especially any government anything. If you choose to be charitable, fine. But don’t reveal the extent of your preps to anyone ever. And yes, if you have prepared as you should have, you are less likely to become violent since you have confidence that you are providing for your family.
• Breakdown of Social Order – This is often the first thing to go in disasters and especially grid-down. Internalize this…”No one is coming to save you or protect you.” Do not depend on police, fire, EMS, FEMA, or any other group is coming to help your situation. Be prepared as a family to take care of yourselves. If you have similar-minded folks around you…work together to establish your own social order.
• Group Behavior / Crowd Dynamics / Mob Mentality – This can get out of hand very quickly! Mobs can go from mildly frustrated to lynching in just a few minutes. Avoid groups, crowds, and mobs…just don’t be there. If one forms, leave.
• Frustration and Helplessness – An easy one…if you have prepared and food is short, there is no power, and the only water are puddles and a stream…no problem. You won’t feel helpless or frustrated…because you have what you need to take care of your family. Don’t get sucked into feeling sorry for someone who is helpless. You can be charitable if you wish…but they are responsible for their situation.
• Panic and Loss of Rational Thinking – I’ve seen panic and have panicked. It’s ugly and quickly taps into our primitive core. Your preps should help you stave off panic. Do not associate with, or even be around, those who are panicking. If you are, watch closely for escalation to aggression and violence…even from friends and/or neighbors.
• Exhaustion and Physical Stress – This can be a tough one. If you don’t take care of yourself you ability to function physically will dramatically decrease; something as simple as mild dehydration can cloud thinking. Lack of sleep is another killer…rotate responsibilities to ensure everyone is getting enough rest. Lack of proper food will dramatically decrease physical abilities…eat enough, eat regularly. Consider this when doing food sorage.

The risk of violence is always present in any emergency/disaster situation. There is always someone that is ready, willing, able, and depraved enough to take your stuff and hurt you or your family doing so. The severity, and potential finality, of the end result. In a matter of seconds your stuff could be taken and/or your life ended. A year’s worth of food storage is worthless if someone steals it or kills your family over it. You must be able to prevent violence from happening to you and your family.

Problem: If you can’t defend yourself, your family, and your stuff…anyone can come along and take everything you hold dear in this life.

Solution: Don’t be seen, don’t be found, and properly arm yourself with the correct weapons and have proper training on how to use those weapons to defend yourself and your family.

For me, I will:

• Review all my appropriate tools, clean them, ensure they are in working order, batteries as needed, and inventory all accessories. Update shortage as needed.
• Make sure that not all of my tools are in one location.
• Practice appropriately with each tool.

What do you need to do?

<- Previous article in this series    |

Articles in this Series –

• Project ’26 – Introduction
• Project ‘26 – Question #1 (Priorities)
• Project ‘26 – Question #2 (Violence)

Related Articles –

• Layering & the Common 7: Part #2 – Violence
• Grid-Down House Security : Strengthen your door…
• Tactical Vests
• Choosing the Right Gun
• Choosing the Right Pistols
• Choosing the Right Shotgun
• Choosing the Right Carbine/Rifle
• Aimpoint Micro T-1 Red Dot Optic
• Konus SightPro 7216 Red Dot Optic

Checklist –

• Check List – Violence

Good Series Related to this Subject –

• Days of September – 9/5/2019 Day #1 Threat of Violence

Send me some ideas and thoughts…

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