Top 5 Places to Avoid During SHTF

Understanding which locations to avoid can significantly increase your chances of survival. Here are the top five places to steer clear of when a disaster strikes.

SHTF & SECURITY

9/1/20245 min read

Top 5 Places to Avoid During SHTF

In a SHTF (Sh*t Hits the Fan) scenario, chaos, confusion, and danger can spread rapidly. Understanding which locations to avoid can significantly increase your chances of survival. Here are the top five places to steer clear of when a disaster strikes.

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In my line of work, every second counts, and every piece of information can mean the difference between survival and catastrophe. One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned—and shared with those who trust me to guide them through disaster preparedness—is understanding where not to go when things fall apart. These are not abstract theories. They’re grounded in real experiences, real lives, and the hard realities of navigating through a world that’s suddenly turned hostile.

When society begins to fray, certain places become magnets for danger. Urban centers, with their dense populations and finite resources, can quickly spiral out of control. Within hours of a major event like a Chinese invasion or a localized grid-down event, these areas often transform into zones of desperation. People flock to stores, emptying shelves of essentials, and in the scramble, tempers flare. Law enforcement resources become stretched thin, and the safety nets that keep communities functioning begin to disintegrate. If you’ve ever stood in a line that’s spiraling into chaos, you’ll know what I mean—the tension becomes a tangible, oppressive force.

Then there are the roads. Highways and major thoroughfares, especially those leading out of cities, can become traps. Vehicles clog the lanes, movement grinds to a halt, and frustration mounts. It doesn’t take long for stalled traffic to turn into a powder keg. Beyond the practical concerns of mobility, these bottlenecks become prime targets for opportunistic predators who see stranded travelers as vulnerable. If you’re planning an escape route, understanding which roads are likely to become chokepoints can be as vital as knowing where to find fresh water.

Equally treacherous are places like government distribution centers or aid stations. While these locations might promise resources, they also draw massive crowds—each person as desperate as the next. The result is often a volatile mix of fear, anger, and competition. For those who are unprepared, stepping into such an environment can be a deadly miscalculation. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that resources handed out in a crisis can carry a hidden cost—the cost of being surrounded by people, you resort to having to survive a violent mob, people who will do anything to survive.

Infrastructure hubs, such as airports, train stations, and ports, also warrant caution. These locations are critical to maintaining order, but they’re also attractive targets for those looking to exploit the chaos. History has shown us that these places can quickly devolve into zones of conflict and instability. When systems fail, and tensions rise, even the most secure areas can become unpredictable. Essentially these area become combat zone.

Finally, it’s worth considering the psychology of disaster. People are drawn to what they perceive as safe—or at least familiar. Shopping malls, sports arenas, and other public gathering spaces often attract crowds during emergencies, even though they’re ill-equipped to provide security or resources. These locations become hives of uncertainty, with too many people and too little control.

Knowing which places to avoid is not just about survival; it’s about staying one step ahead of the chaos. The more you understand the dynamics of how disaster unfolds, the better equipped you are to navigate through it. This knowledge doesn’t come from guesswork; it’s forged in the crucible of experience, shaped by the harsh lessons of those who’ve faced the worst and made it through. Remember, survival isn’t just about being in the right place—it’s about knowing where not to be.

1. Urban Centers

Urban areas are often the first places to descend into chaos during a SHTF scenario. The high population density means that resources will deplete quickly, leading to panic, looting, and violence. Emergency services can become overwhelmed or entirely non-functional, leaving you vulnerable. Roads can quickly become clogged with people trying to escape, making travel nearly impossible. The lack of space and secure locations makes it difficult to protect yourself from both the elements and other desperate individuals.

Why to Avoid:

High population density increases the risk of violence.
Rapid depletion of resources like food, water, and medical supplies.
Increased likelihood of government lockdowns or martial law.

Alternatives:

Suburban or rural areas where populations are smaller and there’s more space to maneuver.

2. Shopping Centers and Grocery Stores

In the initial hours and days of a crisis, grocery stores, shopping malls, and big-box retailers will be overrun by people looking to stock up on supplies. These places can quickly turn into hotbeds of violence as people fight over the dwindling resources. The risk of encountering desperate, aggressive individuals is high, and you might find yourself trapped in a volatile situation with little means of escape.

Why to Avoid:

High likelihood of encountering aggressive and desperate crowds.
Rapid depletion of essential supplies, leading to dangerous situations.
Stores may become targets for looting and criminal activity.

Alternatives:

Pre-stock supplies and focus on home-based storage. Consider local, smaller stores if absolutely necessary.

3. Hospitals and Medical Centers

While it might seem logical to seek out medical help during a disaster, hospitals can quickly become overwhelmed with the injured and sick. The sheer volume of people seeking medical attention can lead to long wait times, reduced care quality, and even violent outbreaks as people demand treatment. Additionally, hospitals might run out of supplies or become targets for those seeking drugs and other resources.

Why to Avoid:

Overwhelming demand leading to inadequate care.
Increased risk of exposure to contagious diseases.
Potential for violence as tensions rise among the injured and desperate.

Alternatives:

Stock up on basic medical supplies and learn first aid to handle minor injuries at home. Identify and establish contact with local medical professionals who may offer help privately.

4. Government Buildings and Military Bases

Government facilities and military bases might seem like safe havens, but they can quickly become targets during a SHTF scenario. These locations may be under strict control or lockdown, making it difficult to access necessary resources. Additionally, they could become targets for attack by groups looking to disrupt order or seize control. The presence of armed personnel can also pose a threat, especially if martial law is declared.

Why to Avoid:

High risk of becoming a target for attacks or insurgencies.
Potential for being trapped in a government lockdown or martial law situation.
Restricted access and increased surveillance could lead to detainment.

Alternatives:

Stay informed through reliable sources and avoid these areas unless absolutely necessary. If needed, maintain a low profile when traveling near these locations.

5. Highways and Major Roads

During a crisis, highways and major roads can quickly become gridlocked with people trying to evacuate. These congested areas are prime targets for criminals looking to exploit stranded motorists. Additionally, travel becomes slow, and you may find yourself stuck in an exposed location with limited options for escape or defense. Fuel shortages can also turn highways into massive parking lots, leaving you stranded.

Why to Avoid: