SOS General Store

This is a case study example happening now in Haiti. An expert on disasters has said you have 72 hours from the time the “event” happens till a complete breakdown of society occurs. You have 72 hours to get out. It has now been 48 hours since the quake in Haiti. Crime and thugs are starting to get the idea that they can get away with pretty much anything. If order isn’t restored in 72 hours, the situation will become severe. (Again, this according to the expert)

Here are the main points of the article:

• widespread looting and fights breaking out over dwindling water supplies
• Inmates escaped from the damaged main prison in Port au Prince on Tuesday when it collapsed in the earthquake
• Thieves were blamed for starting at least one mass panic in the city’s central square during the night, spreading rumours that a tidal wave was coming so they could steal the belongings left behind by hundreds of fleeing people
• “All the policemen are busy rescuing and burying their own families,” said tile factory owner Manuel Deheusch. “They don’t have the time to patrol the streets.”
• Heavy dependence on the U.N. and international organizations to provide security and aid
• “What is happening is that, if food doesn’t arrive, eventually the people will start looting houses. The gunshots are constant and we have the impression that its families trying to protect themselves from attackers.”
• A local Red Cross official warned that the organisation’s ability to help people would be “weakened” if the disaster spawned a new crime wave. (in another 24 hours)
• Martial law provided by foreign nations is the only avenue Haiti has to combat a complete social meltdown.

Here is the complete article. It’s worth reading.
http://www.globalnewspost.com/redir.cfm?id=3725

Now take a few moments and reflect on your own preparations. Do you have food, water, portable shelter and means to protect yourself? Psychologists call these the three basic human needs. (Food, Shelter and Protection). If these needs are met, you can maintain social order. If they are not, desperation sets in and then it’s anyone’s guess what happens. If you can tell that your local community is lagging in this area, perhaps preparations to “bug out” in less than 72 hours should be on your todo list as well.

Yep it’s a sober topic, but it must be thought through. Luck, favors the prepared.