The First 60 Minutes of a Disaster

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SECURITY

10/3/20244 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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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.

Conclusion

The first 60 minutes of a disaster or SHTF situation are the most crucial for ensuring your safety. Keeping calm, assessing your situation, and executing a well-thought-out plan are essential to survival. By preparing in advance and knowing what to do in these critical moments, you increase your chances of making it through the chaos intact.