Community security & mutual aid
The safest communities during a crisis are those with strong social bonds and mutual trust.
Organize neighborhood groups to share resources, watch for danger, and support the most vulnerable. Establish community safety protocols: who checks on whom, how to share supplies, and where to meet if communications fail.
Local networks of people in your community are a critical buffer when national response systems are overwhelmed. Resilience is not about isolation; your best security is often the people around you.
Avoiding conflict in crisis situations
Tensions rise quickly during emergencies, especially where resources are limited or misinformation spreads.
Stay calm, avoid confrontations, and de-escalate wherever possible. Walk away before things escalate. Use non-violent communication: listen actively, speak clearly, and focus on shared needs rather than blame. Prepare psychologically for encountering panic, aggression, or desperation. Practice role-playing with others ahead of time. If needed, designate neutral areas for group discussions or distribution of aid, and set clear boundaries with strangers.
Civil unrest, protests, & government crackdowns
Climate-related collapse may lead to unrest, curfews, or militarized responses to social instability.
Avoid large crowds and high-tension areas unless participating with purpose. Keep an exit strategy and never get boxed in. If attending protests or in conflict zones, wear non-identifiable clothing, protect your identity, and know your legal rights. Consider obscuring your face with makeup or masks and wearing plain clothes. Set your phone to airplane mode and disable facial / fingerprint recognition. Stay distant from your vehicle if license plate recognition is a concern. Carry saline solution and a cloth to help protect yourself from tear gas, chemicals and smoke.
Stay informed via reliable, official channels during civil events, but be cautious as digital blackouts or media suppression may occur.
In extreme scenarios, having alternate shelter options and knowing how to move undetected may be necessary.
Protecting resources & avoiding exploitation
In times of scarcity, visible supplies can attract unwanted attention. Practice discretion when storing or transporting goods.
Keep stockpiles well-hidden or spread across multiple locations to prevent total loss. Organize communal storage or guarded distribution points for shared resources when possible. Avoid boasting about your preparedness or sharing plans widely. Trust is earned, not assumed.
If you must defend yourself or your supplies, prioritize deterrence and avoidance over aggression. Security should never come at the cost of your humanity.