Martial law is a measure of last resort. When declared, you can be certain that the world as you knew it has changed irrevocably. Governments are not disposed toward declaring martial law due to its cost and potential for creating panic and lawlessness, and because it’s an unpopular move, governments like being popular.
Martial law also means that the authorities have realized that the level of catastrophe or threat is beyond the ability of normal law enforcement to handle.
Simply stated, sh*t has hit the fan, and local cops and other first responders are overwhelmed and unable to handle whatever is happening. Danger abounds, and the best you can do is stay under the radar and go unnoticed.
In this article, we will explore the actions you need to take against the backdrop of a timeline, providing practical tips on what you need to do immediately, within the first hour, day, or week, and also looking at martial law in the long run.
The First Hour: Immediate Response
Secure Critical Assets
The initial stages of martial law promise to be chaotic. The army has been deployed and is still figuring out exactly what to do. As a seasoned prepper, you will be ready for this. But the first hour after a declaration of martial law is a time to take drastic and effective action. Make sure your supplies are well secured. Take the time to hide crucial assets like firearms, ammunition and other high-value items.
While hiding assets, remove any evidence of habitation or other possessions that may lead authorities or looters to your location.
Cars should not be parked in the driveway, and windows and doors should be locked.
Nothing in your vicinity should draw unwanted attention.
When martial law is declared, having the ability to protect yourself and your home becomes more critical than ever. In moments like these, when the usual systems of law and order collapse, it’s crucial to be prepared for anything—from looters and opportunists to worse.
That’s why I personally turned to the Special Forces Home Defense Academy for practical, battlefield-tested strategies. The simple yet effective techniques I learned, like setting up makeshift looter traps and securing vulnerable entry points, gave me the peace of mind that I could protect my family if things got out of hand. It’s not just about having supplies—it’s about knowing how to keep them safe, no matter what comes your way.
Go Dark on Digital Footprint
We already live in a surveillance state. Even if it’s not the state surveilling you, it’s Zuckerberg, Msuk, or any tech companies selling your attention. You need to stop creating a digital footprint.
These people are reading your direct messages, so don’t invite your buddy to come over because you have more meat and beer you know what to do with. You need to disconnect from networks or devices that can eavesdrop or reveal your location.
Also, wipe data that may indicate the amount of supplies you have. If you keep track of your stockpiles digitally, ensure the devices are not networked and remain well hidden.
You need to switch to analogue or other non-digital methods of communication.
The First Day: Adjusting to the New Reality
Concealment of Supplies and Weapons
Depending on the type of threat, you could find yourself in a situation where authorities are conducting door-to-door searches under the guise of a threat assessment or some other fabricated reason to gain access.
Remember, soldiers are also people, and could be criminally inclined.
You do not want strangers or the military to know first-hand what you have stockpiled. If you neglected to address this during the normal course of prepping, now is the time to create multiple storage locations and move supplies into hiding, secret compartments, etc.
But don’t hide your stockpile in your basement. It might sound like a good idea, but here’s why you should actually never do that.
Establish Early Warning Systems
You need to secure your perimeter and set up an early warning system. The last thing you want is soldiers running around your house or property without warning.
Knowing what is on its way helps you decide the appropriate action response. This will also warn you against possible looters or scavengers who could threaten your safety or jeopardize your stockpiles. Motion sensors, tripwires, and even dogs will help you avoid being caught unawares.
The First Week: Adapting to New Rules
Stay Under the Radar
After the initial chaos, the military wants to maintain law and order, and curfews and other rationing (fuel, electricity, water, etc.) will help them maintain control. If you paint yourself as a target by being uncooperative or disregarding new rules and regulations, you may come to rue the fact that you drew attention to yourself.
Predators and prey alike are more successful when they don’t stand out and maintain a low profile. Avoid scrutiny by complying and not displaying signs of wealth or abundance of resources.
Engage in Information Gathering
Having knowledge that others don’t have gives you an edge. The advantage can be used to your benefit.
You need to ensure that your information-gathering techniques are discreet.
When moving about, keep your eyes and ears wide open.
Related: This Is What Your Neighbor Might Already Know About You
People also love to talk, so listen, but be careful when asking questions so you don’t seem nosy. Drones, security cameras, or just old-school eavesdropping can help you know what is happening around you.
The information could prove invaluable, helping you to decide when and where to move, which areas to avoid when you should stick around, go to the ground, or run for your life.
Long-Term Living: Thriving Under Martial Law
Barter
Under martial law, especially if it’s long term, cash may become useless. You need to know how to barter, and you need to ensure that you have some items with which to barter.
Be very careful when bartering that people do not know, for instance, that you have 200 chickens, and that’s why you want to exchange ten for a bag of grain. You just may find that those friendly folks who changed your chickens for grain come to fetch the rest of your flock in the dead of night, armed to the teeth.
Folks will almost always place a high value on addictive items like cigarettes and coffee and items like alcohol, medical supplies, and sweets.
Have some ready to exchange, but always remember that people must not know the extent of your possessions.
Adapt to a New Economy
Under prolonged martial law, the economy as we know it will change, and practical skills will increase in value.
Equip yourself with the skills needed for self-sufficiency, but be ready to exchange repair work for a hot meal or a bag of potatoes.
Skills that can feed your family and keep your environment running and maintained will help you adapt to the economic realities of martial law.
Despite a well-stocked pantry, your ultimate resilience lies in getting really good at being self-sufficient, particularly in food production.
For those who are serious about surviving whatever comes their way, I strongly recommend this comprehensive guide. It offers invaluable insights and practical advice for transforming your backyard into a self-sustaining homestead.
I’ve been using it to help me on my property, and it’s already made a huge difference in how I manage my resources and plan for long-term sustainability. With step-by-step instructions, it’s designed for beginners and experienced preppers alike.
Remember, while stockpiling food serves as a temporary fix, learning how to grow your own food ensures you can keep going for the long haul.
Maintain a ‘Normal’ Routine—Even if It’s Ridiculous
Monotony is dangerous as it erodes self-worth and creates stress that can become overwhelming. Maintaining a normal routine will help overcome this.
Get up early and do stuff. Not only do you sleep better when you are tired, but confronting your situation and being proactive will help keep your mind at ease and your soul positive.
Outmaneuver Psychological Warfare
Martial law is not just about physical control but also about controlling your mind. We are all aware of various psyops and see daily how smart people believe all kinds of rubbish the media spreads.
Question everything. Don’t take anything at face value. Treat all information as suspicious or unverified until you are sure. Remember that governments have departments working to spread misinformation. Be ready to trust no one but God and yourself. And maybe not even yourself. Street smarts will be one of your most valuable assets.
Certain states are likely to be among the first to face the harsh realities of martial law, given their historical patterns of unrest and governmental control. If you find yourself living in one of these red zones, your preparation strategy should be even more discreet and meticulously planned.
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Nice header, then some basic concepts, then another promotion for an academy, (just one more sales pitch to separate me and my money). NO THANKS
The recent UN speeches from China Joe giving the power reigns over to Marxist Harris-Walz is totally nutty propaganda. We are in trouble with Harris backed by Obama, Soros and other elitist involved of treasonous acts.
The Argentina president made a speech at the UN promoting freedom of speech and the basic Constitution of America in his country that American politicians. Are fleeing from and aligning with the evil United Nations form of UN depression. https://www.reuters.com/world/argentinas-milei-criticizes-leviathan-un-speech-pledges-agenda-freedom-2024-09-24/
How long can America last with open borders giving free stuff to illegals and giving Venezuela gangs free ride to take over American Demoncrat run cities?
Recently there has been evidence of tactical weapons found on the southern border mostly Mexico. What has not been found since the Biden-Harris puppet administration has been guided by Obama. What is in store for America if God forbid Harris-Walz were in charge under Obama’s guidance?
NOK still has weapons trained mostly at the west coast region. The flooding of military age male and female mixed in with the illegals, you can imagine what hell on earth could be. Like the past and future mass shooters, law enforcement agencies have these people on the radar. How many of these imported cells are linking up with the domestic ones we know of?
What about these MC bikers dealing in drugs, will they side with the cells or defend their turf against outsiders taking over their livelihood, such as the Venezuela gangs already taking over parts of major cities run by useless Demoncrats.
When will the southern border be breach by Afghanistan Withdrawal bungle that left 83 billions of high tech weapons behind sold to many terrorist. Say these weapons are being staged on the southern border ready to be used. You think “Red Dawn” was a fantasy, well this can happen with the sellout traitors we have in our state and federal governments.
We the people, the public didn’t start this coming disaster, but many did voted for these corrupt elites in power, who want to keep in power.
These illegals may change the outcome of this election if many Americans stay home and not vote. I plan to vote for a landslide election these minions are trying to rig for another questionable mail in ballot scam.
Time to take back and make America great again.
God bless America.
Cut off the head and the body dies.
Perhaps we should concentrate on trying and convicting their leaders – Obama and Soros?
Harris will just be the front man as it were.
I wrote this and published 2 weeks ago in Asheville (yes, THAT Asheville) Daily Planet:
“Almost every democrat in congress believes foreigners should decide who our leaders are. nearly 94% of democrats (198) voted against the save bill in july 2024 that simply required proof of citizenship before voting to assure that in america only citizens can vote. how racist!
There isn’t a country anywhere in the world that would allow non citizens to vote in their country. Democrats in America know damn well that illegals might believe that they can vote or are even citizens because in 19 states they may be issued a drivers license or asked if they want to vote (Clinton’s 1993 Motor Voter Law) when they get public assistance (i.e. free stuff) from taxpayers, a license or even a green card. If non-citizens simply believe they can vote and are not turned away at the polling place by not verifying citizenship, it’s not a punishable crime and the illegal vote will likely count. If there are 15,000,000 illegal aliens in America getting vote buying benefits many taxpayers would love, why wouldn’t you vote for more? “
The air, water, and soil is being poisoned at alarming rates.
I don’t care who will be in charge, THEY, the inner circle, will always have what they need. The rest of us are screwed. And totally screwed because they have successfully accomplished the “divide and conquer”concept. We, the people need to recognize this and work together.
If you’re voting for Democrats you can count on One thing you are part of the problem and no one will join with you for any reason
Wow, I’ve never seen so many scared right wingers in my life. It must really suck living with such paranoia and fear.
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean someone isn’t watching you. Or monitoring you. Or watching you on camera. Or reading emails. Monitoring your church if you go. AI does all that. If you think differently than that? You are part of the problem. Having all options and advice available to read, learn or discount is not a bad thing. Neither is paranoia. If you cannot see this? You are part of the problem. The troll whining about another pitch for money. Go somewhere else. Hook up with your California nimrods and have a blast. In the meantime, this was actually a decent article. In case you don’t know October 1, there may be many dozens of ports unavailable because they are on strike. If they do go on strike, there will be shortages of everything, weeks maybe months. Well intended articles are nice to have and read. Go live in your unicorn world. You will be the first begging for help.
not scared but informed and ready as we can possibly be. lisa blake, you will be one of the first to be left behind. good riddance. people like you are the reason that this country is in the shape we are in now.
Wow. Ever heard the phrase, “Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst?”. I wouldn’t want to be in your family. That would be a Death sentence from ignorance. In am bear Ground Zero in Western NC. Your Dem Gov was asked why the response was so bad – he responses just like you would – his response was (paraphrased): ” How can you plan for somehing that’s never happened?”
That’s the mind numbing stupidity of treasonous (and not until recently have I said that) Democrats.
Information and Source
You could graph it out with an x and y axis.
Reliability Rating
A. Completely- no doubt about the sources’ authenticity, trustworthiness
B. Usually- minor doubts, history of mostly valid information
C. Fairly- doubts, provided valid information in the past
D. Not Usually- significant doubts, provided valid information in the past
E. Unreliable- lacks authenticity
F. Reliability cannot be Judged
Information Credibility Rating
1. Confirmed by other sources
2. Probably True
3. Possibly True
4. Doubtfully True
5. Improbable
6.Truth cannot be Judged