The First 60 Minutes of a Disaster

Here’s a breakdown of what to do in those critical first 60 minutes to maximize your chances of survival.

SHTF & SECURITY

10/3/20247 min read

The First 60 Minutes of a Disaster or SHTF: A Step-by-Step Guide

When disaster strikes or a SHTF (Sh*t Hits The Fan) situation unfolds, your immediate actions within the first 60 minutes can drastically impact your safety and survival. Whether it's a natural disaster, civil unrest, or an EMP event, the chaos of the initial moments demands clarity, decisiveness, and readiness. Here’s a breakdown of what to do in those critical first 60 minutes to maximize your chances of survival.

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When you’ve spent years helping people prepare for the unthinkable, you develop a certain respect for the clock. I’ve worked with clients who thought they had all the time in the world—until they didn’t. The first sixty minutes of any disaster, whether it’s a natural calamity or a man-made crisis, are not just critical; they’re defining. I’ve seen those golden minutes shape outcomes in ways that no amount of resources or rescue efforts can fully undo once wasted. The stories I’ve gathered over the years, from seasoned preppers to first-time survivors, have all underscored one unyielding truth: what you do in the first hour sets the tone for survival.

When a disaster hits, chaos doesn’t politely knock on the door. It barges in, turning routines into rubble and demanding split-second decisions. Communication grids fail, emergency services get overwhelmed, and the average person is left grappling with an unfamiliar kind of silence. Those first sixty minutes are when instincts either sharpen or falter. And while preparation is the bedrock, execution during that narrow window is the linchpin.

The science of disaster response is as much about psychology as it is about logistics. In the immediate aftermath, the human brain struggles with denial and shock. It’s a cruel twist of biology: just when every second counts, your mind slows down, trying to process the unprocessable. This is why mental conditioning is just as vital as stocking up on supplies. I’ve coached clients to simulate scenarios, not to scare them, but to inoculate their minds against panic. The goal is simple: make the abnormal feel familiar enough to act decisively when it matters most.

Take the example of a family in the Pacific Northwest during a major earthquake. Their 72 hour home emergency kit was the stuff of preparedness legend—water filtration systems, non-perishable food for weeks, even a backup generator. But when the ground started shaking, they froze. It wasn’t until the five-year-old daughter screamed that the parents snapped into action. By then, they had lost precious minutes. Their preparedness wasn’t the problem; their inability to act swiftly was. I’ve seen variations of this story play out more times than I can count, and it always comes back to the same issue: training the mind to match the moment.

Disasters are unforgiving teachers, and time is their strictest lesson. If you’re lucky, you might get a warning—a hurricane looming offshore or wildfire smoke on the horizon. But more often than not, the event announces itself without ceremony. This is why the first ten minutes often decide the trajectory of the next fifty. Actions taken—or not taken—to secure shelter, access clean water, and stabilize injuries can escalate or mitigate the chaos. That’s the window when survival becomes a choice, not just a chance.

Then there’s the issue of communication. In those first sixty minutes, misinformation spreads faster than the disaster itself. People turn to social media, assuming it’s reliable. But in the scramble, even well-meaning updates can lead you down the wrong path. A client of mine once followed a false evacuation notice during a flash flood and ended up stranded on a road that became impassable within minutes. This is why I emphasize the importance of having pre-vetted, reliable communication plans such as with satellite phones and backup methods like hand-crank radios. The digital age may offer convenience, but in a crisis, analog often wins.

Another overlooked element is the role of the community. The first hour is when neighbors transform into first responders. During a tornado in the Midwest, one client’s survival hinged not on his own preparedness, but on the chain of assistance that his neighborhood spontaneously organized. These micro-communities act faster than external aid, which might take hours or even days to arrive. But even here, speed matters. The sooner a group mobilizes, the greater its collective strength.

In the end, the first sixty minutes are a proving ground. They reveal the cracks in your plans and the strengths you didn’t know you had. They strip away the unnecessary and demand focus. I’ve learned through my experiences that preparation is only as good as its execution when the clock starts ticking. Survival is never guaranteed, but in those precious first moments, it is still within reach—as long as you’re ready to seize it.

Minutes 1-10: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most crucial step in any disaster is to avoid panic. This is easier said than done, but keeping a level head will allow you to make rational decisions.

Identify the Threat: Determine the nature of the disaster. Is it a natural event (earthquake, flood, tornado)? Is it man-made (EMP attack, civil unrest, chemical spill)? Recognizing the specific threat helps guide your next moves.
Evaluate Your Immediate Surroundings: Check for immediate dangers such as fire, structural damage, or flooding. If indoors, look for signs of instability (falling debris, broken glass, etc.). If outside, find shelter if needed.
Take Stock of Resources: Quickly assess what you have on hand. Where are your emergency supplies? Do you have food, water, first-aid kits, and communication devices easily accessible? This will help you plan your next moves effectively.
Early decision to stay or go: During this time, if you are 50/50 unsure, begin to fill storage containers with public or well water. This will save time while you proceed to secure the rest of your plan should you decide to bug-in.

Minutes 11-20: Secure Your Location and Family

In most scenarios, securing your immediate location and ensuring the safety of your loved ones is paramount.

Gather Your Family or Group: Quickly check on the well-being of those around you. Make sure everyone is accounted for, and no one is injured. If someone is hurt, begin basic first aid immediately.
Secure Your Home or Shelter:
- Lock doors and windows to prevent unauthorized entry.
- If civil unrest or looting is a possibility, reinforce entry points and block access to visible valuables.
- If you're in an area vulnerable to natural disasters, evaluate your escape routes or designate a safe room, such as a basement or an interior room with minimal windows.
Turn Off Utilities (if necessary): Depending on the disaster, it may be critical to turn off gas, electricity, or water to prevent fires or contamination. If you're in a flood-prone area, shutting off utilities can prevent water damage or electrical shocks.

Minutes 21-30: Gather Essential Gear and Supplies

You may only have a few moments to grab your critical gear and evacuate, or you might be sheltering in place. Either way, now is the time to get your hands on essential supplies.

Bug-Out Bag: If evacuation is necessary, grab your pre-packed bug-out bag, which should include essentials such as:
- Water and water purification tools
- Non-perishable food
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Clothing and sturdy footwear
- Fire-starting materials
- Maps and a compass
- Multi-tool and knife
- Cash and copies of important documents
Stay or Go?: Evaluate whether it’s safer to stay put or evacuate. If the disaster is severe and staying in your home is dangerous (earthquake aftershocks, fire, flood), it’s time to get out. If it's safer to shelter in place, move to a fortified part of your home or shelter and stay low.

Minutes 31-45: Establish Communication

Communication is vital during any disaster. Getting information can save your life, and being able to reach others ensures you aren't completely isolated.

Monitor Emergency Channels: Use a hand-crank or battery-powered radio to listen to local emergency broadcasts for updates. Cell towers may be down, but radios can still provide life-saving information about evacuation routes, shelter locations, and the nature of the disaster.
Try to Reach Loved Ones: If phone lines are still operational, contact family and friends to check on them and relay your situation. Establish a communication plan and meeting point if needed.
Avoid Sharing Your Location on Social Media: In certain SHTF situations (like civil unrest or a hostile environment), announcing your location online could make you a target. It’s better to stay quiet and communicate directly with trusted people.

Minutes 46-60: Secure Your Long-Term Plan

The final stage in the first 60 minutes of a disaster is preparing for what might come next. Whether you’re bugging out or staying in place, now’s the time to lock down your plan.

Prepare for Evacuation (if necessary):
- Plan your route: Use maps to chart the quickest and safest path out of danger. Avoid main roads if you expect them to be clogged with traffic. Backroads and less-traveled routes are usually better for avoiding chaos.
- Get your vehicle ready: If you’re evacuating, make sure your vehicle is fueled and loaded with supplies. Keep a map handy in case GPS systems go down.
Secure Your Shelter (if staying):
- Reinforce security: Use makeshift barricades or reinforce doors with furniture. Keep curtains closed to minimize visibility into your home.
- Set up defense tools: Whether it’s firearms or other means of protection, make sure you’re ready to defend yourself if needed, especially in high-risk situations.
- Conserve power and supplies: Ration food, water, and fuel to make them last. If you have a generator, use it sparingly.
- Continue to store water: Store as much water as possible, get family to help. Once filled, begin sanitizing.
Make Your Next Move: Depending on the evolving situation, you’ll need to adapt. If the danger subsides, continue monitoring news and local updates. If conditions worsen, be prepared to evacuate even if you initially planned to stay. Flexibility is key.