When a crisis hits, chaos and confusion often follow. Whether it’s a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a large-scale power outage, the decisions you make in the first 72 hours are critical. These early hours set the tone for your survival and, more importantly, the survival of those you care about.

The media and mainstream sources often provide generic advice like “Stay calm” or “Have a flashlight,” but experienced survivalists understand there's much more to it. In this guide, we’ll go beyond the obvious and cover what you really need to know and do during those crucial first 72 hours.

Immediate Actions to Take

The first few minutes after a crisis begins are when most people panic. But panic leads to poor decisions, and poor decisions can cost lives.

What to Do:

• Assess Your Situation Quickly: Take 60 seconds to stop and observe. Identify the type of crisis and determine whether you’re in immediate danger or have time to plan.
• Secure Your Position: If at home, lock all doors and windows. Reinforce entry points if necessary. In public, identify the nearest exit or safe zone.
• Communicate Carefully: If systems are functional, contact your trusted network with brief updates. Avoid broadcasting unnecessary details on public channels or social media.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t Rush Out Blindly: Unless there’s an immediate threat, assess your situation first before acting.
• Don’t Waste Time on Non-Essentials: Focus on survival essentials, not valuables or sentimental items.

Establish Control

The first few hours after an emergency are critical for stabilizing your situation and preparing for what’s next.

What to Do:

• Gather and Protect Essentials: Retrieve your bug-out bag or go-bag with water, food, first aid, fire-starting tools, and defensive items.
• Secure Water Sources: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and large containers with clean water while it’s available.
• Monitor Information Sources: Use a hand-crank or battery-powered radio for updates. Look for patterns in the information and trust your instincts if reports seem overly optimistic.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t Trust Everyone You Meet: Be cautious when interacting with strangers and avoid revealing your supplies or plans.
• Don’t Overextend Yourself: Conserve your energy for the long haul, as the crisis may last longer than anticipated.

Prepare for Long-Term Survival

The first 24 hours transition into preparing for a prolonged crisis.

What to Do:

• Fortify Your Position: Reinforce weak spots using furniture or plywood. Maintain a low profile to avoid drawing attention.
• Plan for Light and Heat: Use battery-powered lanterns or LED flashlights for light. For heat, rely on portable propane heaters (in ventilated areas) or layers of clothing and blankets.
• Keep Morale High: Assign tasks to group members to reduce anxiety and improve decision-making.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t Consume All Your Supplies Too Quickly: Ration carefully to ensure long-term survival.
• Don’t Ignore Small Injuries: Treat even minor injuries promptly to prevent complications.

Adapt and Overcome

By the second and third days, the initial chaos may subside, but the crisis is far from over.

What to Do:

• Explore With Caution: If leaving your location is necessary, scout the area quietly, avoid main roads, and carry only essentials.
• Establish a Network: Connect with trusted neighbors or community members for mutual support, but remain cautious.
• Start Conserving Energy: Conserve fuel, battery power, and physical energy for critical needs.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t Let Your Guard Down: Stay vigilant, as calm does not mean the danger has passed.
• Don’t Waste Time on Non-Essential Tasks: Focus on maintaining clean water, food, warmth, and safety.

Conclusion

In the first 72 hours of a crisis, many people panic, make poor decisions, and deplete their resources far too quickly. Don’t let that be you. Start preparing now—strengthen your mindset, secure your home, and stock your supplies. Survival often comes down to foresight and readiness. Stay calm, stay smart, and remember: those who keep their wits about them are the ones who will come out on top.