How to Prep & Staying Safe During Martial Law (With Expert Tips)

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Prepare for martial law and protect your family from harm
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The idea of martial law is scary for many people—especially if you've lived your life in a relatively peaceful region. The biggest key to surviving martial law is to be prepared . That's why we talked to survival and security experts to find out the best ways for you to prepare for martial law or any other emergency situation. If martial law has already been declared in your area, unfortunately, it's too late to prep. But there's still plenty you can do to stay safe until the crisis has passed. We also spoke to survival experts and firearms instructors for tips on surviving under martial law.

What to Do If Martial Law Is Declared

  • Comply with all regulations, including curfews or travel restrictions, immediately.
  • Get your family or core group together in one place.
  • Secure your home and inventory supplies.
  • Avoid any unnecessary travel or movement.
  • Organize go-bags with documents and essentials for each person in case of evacuation.
Section 1 of 5:

What is martial law?

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  1. Martial law allows the government to use the military to restore order. It's a bit hard to say exactly what martial law is, because different leaders in different places at different times have used it to mean different things. Generally, though, martial law is used to describe a situation in which the military takes over civilian government, particularly for law enforcement. [1]
    • In democratic countries, martial law is typically used as a temporary measure to restore peace and order after a catastrophe (natural or otherwise).
    • The head of government typically has the power to declare martial law. Your government may have laws that lay out the circumstances under which that can happen.
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Section 2 of 5:

Prepping for a Possible Declaration of Martial Law

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  1. 1
    Get valid identification for every member of your family. Under martial law, your identification documents will become the most important thing you own. They can literally be the difference between going home and curling up in your own bed for the night or being detained and sent to prison or worse. Make sure all documents for everyone in your family are up to date and that you have both physical and digital copies stored in a safe place. Depending on your circumstances, you'll likely need the following: [2]
    • Driver's license, state, or national ID
    • Military ID
    • Passports
    • Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and any other court documents that relate to you or anyone in your family
    • Deeds, titles, registrations, and other property documents
    • Any other licenses or identification documents
  2. 2
    Get to know your neighbors. In times of crisis, there are lots of good reasons to know your neighbors. Neighborhoods typically come together and help each other naturally, but if you can put the groundwork in place ahead of time, it'll be a lot easier if and when disaster strikes. [3]
    • With neighbors you know and trust, make inventories of tools, vehicles, and other materials you all potentially have available. You can use these if you run into problems and need help. [4]
    • You can even make neighborhood evacuation plans, which would be helpful in cases of natural disaster or conflict where the whole area is in danger. For example, you could all carpool to evacuate, decreasing the number of cars on the road.
  3. "There's something that we call the rule of threes," explains outdoor skills expert Scott Fitterman. "You can go 3 minutes without air, you can go 3 hours without shelter in a harsh, inclement environment. You can go 3 days without water, and you can go 3 weeks without food." This can take some time and money to build, so just add to your stores gradually, maybe a day at a time. Ideally, you want to have enough supplies to live in your home for 2 weeks without going anywhere. [5]
    • While you only need about 3 days' worth of supplies if you're planning on leaving, you have no way of knowing in advance if you're going to stay or go, so it's best to plan for both.
    • Remember that food isn't as essential because you can survive longer without it. If you don't have a lot of room in your budget for extensive prep, just buy a little extra of things you always buy anyway.
    • Rotate your stores regularly using the "first in, first out" rule so you're not unnecessarily wasting food.
    • Survival and outdoors expert Ky Furneaux recommends that you "carry a water filter, like a LifeStraw, which is lightweight and effective against bacteria and viruses." You can also stick it in a go-bag or even in your pocket and take it with you anywhere.
    • As far as tools, "multi-tools are great for urban environments," Furneaux advises, "where you might need various tools like screwdrivers or saws."
  4. 4
    Fortify your home against intruders. "There [are] all sorts of ways you can fortify your home," advises firearms instructor Scott Thompson. He discusses a student who has a large bookcase close to the front door, noting that "it is strategically located to use… against a home invasion [where] somebody's coming in the front door. You can do that in all sorts of different rooms," Thompson notes, "and it looks good. So much easier to do that."
    • "Lock your doors with deadbolts, put long screws in the doorframe… in the door jambs and the deadbolts," advises Thompson. "You can use deadly force to protect your home in most states against forcible entry," he continues, "and the easiest way to force entry is a broken door jamb." As for personal defense, "in today's day and age, unless you're a convicted felon, there's no reason not to have a firearm," Thompson comments.
  5. Once you start building up stores, you might find that you want to free up some space at home. Besides, it's a good idea to have supplies stored in a secondary location in case your home is invaded. Self-storage facilities might provide a solution, provided it's somewhere that you would be able to access quickly in the event of a prolonged survival situation. [6]
    • If you have the time and the resources, you might want to build an underground bunker for increased security. But "if you're putting a lot of work into something like digging out a bunker," Wilderness and survival expert Doug Flinders notes, make sure "you either own the land or it's a very private and well-thought-out spot. Otherwise, you might end up wasting your effort."
    • "Plan for it to take a while," Flinders adds. "Building an above-ground shelter might only take an afternoon, but for a bunker—digging it out, adding a roof, and building support beams—you'll likely need heavier lumber and a few weeks of work at least."
  6. 6
    Develop a family emergency plan and review it regularly. Practicing what you'll do if martial law is declared (or in the event of any emergency) can make all the difference in keeping yourself and your family safe. Drilling your escape plans ensures that when something happens, no one has to think—you just immediately do what you know you need to do. [7]
    • Practicing your plan regularly also allows you to update it as circumstances change. For example, if you were originally planning to bug out to your grandparents' house, but they moved far away, you would likely want to change your plan.
    • Look up longitude and latitude coordinates for important locations (also available through most GPS apps), such as your home and the homes of family members. If roads are destroyed, addresses will be useless.
    • Keep emergency numbers and the phone numbers, addresses, and coordinates for close friends and family members in a safe place.
  7. Under martial law, you have no idea what will be available to you and what you'll have to do on your own. Knowing how to do as many basic things as possible with limited power and technology can make all the difference when it comes to surviving under martial law. At a minimum, it's a great idea to know basic first aid , how to sew, and how to read a map . If you anticipate being out in the wilderness, you should also learn how to build a fire and how to build a shelter . [8]
    • "People often ask how to prepare for the mental challenges of survival," Furneaux relates, "and my advice is to practice being uncomfortable. Whether it's taking an ice bath or running a little farther than usual, getting comfortable with discomfort helps you stay mentally sharp in tough situations."
    • You also want to make sure you're familiar with and know how to use any survival gear or multi-tools you've bought. There's no point in having these things if you don't know how to use them well!
  8. 8
    Monitor trusted news sources to stay updated on the situation. Stay away from alarmist or reactionary media, which likely won't help you stay rational and even-keeled. Read or listen to factual reports so you can stay abreast of developments. Knowing what's going on means you might be able to move to a better location before martial law starts. [9]
    • If your primary goal is to leave the area until the crisis is over, talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about what possible developments could trigger you to leave. Then, keep an eye out for those things to happen.
  9. 9
    Adjust privacy settings on your WiFi network and devices. Increased government surveillance is typically a major part of martial law—this just helps you stay under the radar. Even if you support the government that declared martial law, you can still get in trouble for saying something that the government feels is threatening. [10]
    • Use a VPN to keep your home WiFi network safe and secure. Set up firewalls and enable encryption on your electronic devices.
    • If you're traveling—especially if you're leaving the country—plan on taking a burner phone if you have a lot of personal data and information saved on your phone.
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Section 3 of 5:

Survival & Safety Under Martial Law

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  1. 1
    Do what you can to stay calm and positive. This can be difficult, especially if martial law drags on for weeks or even months. "If you sit down and assess your surroundings, your needs, and what resources or challenges you face, you're more likely to make the right decisions," Furneaux explains. "I believe mindset is about 80% of survival," she continues. "I have a saying: survival is 80% mental, 15% skills, and 5% luck. People often underestimate the mental side."
    • "Stay positive," Furneaux continues. "Even when things go wrong, the faster you can shift from being upset to being proactive, the more likely you are to survive."
  2. Your government might have a specific channel or text message service for alerts. Find out what radio frequencies they're broadcasting on in case you can't get an adequate cell phone signal. Official alerts straight from the source are always the most reliable. [11]
    • A basic AM/FM radio is a good source of official information, whether you're hiding out at home, on the run, or in a camp or other transitional shelter.
  3. "Most states here in the United States have what's called a castle doctrine," Thompson explains. In other words, you have as much of a right to defend your home as a king does their castle. Under martial law, this is likely still true when it comes to other civilians, although you probably no longer have the right to keep law enforcement or military out. Regardless, you're still safest if you stay at home as much as possible. [12]
    • "Be mindful of your calorie expenditure," Flinders advises, noting that "people often overestimate what they can handle. Sometimes, it's better to stay still and conserve energy."
    • Protect your stores as well. If you're well-stocked, don't let anyone know about it—you increase the risk that people will try to steal from you or that the military may come and seize your stores, especially if there are nationwide shortages.
  4. You don't want to attract attention to yourself, which could draw the eye of military or other law enforcement personnel. At home, avoid unnecessary outdoor lighting that might draw attention to your house. When you're out and about, keep your head down and go about your business, then get back home as quickly as possible. The less you have to interact with the military, the better. [13]
    • Try to wear plain, nondescript clothing without any obvious slogans or graphics when you're out—nothing that could be used to easily identify you.
    • Avoid wearing clothes in camouflage or other colors associated with the military, especially if you're in an active conflict situation.
    • Don't take photos or videos while you're out in public or linger for very long in a public place. Simply do your business and get out.
  5. Governments typically declare martial law during chaotic times, which means you might be forced to leave your home at a moment's notice. Having a go-bag (also called a bug-out bag) already packed by the door means you won't have to run around the house trying to find the things you need while soldiers are breathing down your neck to hurry up. Make a go-bag for everyone in your home, even kids! [14]
    • Keep all of your identification and legal documents in a sealed plastic bag along with any prescriptions and prescription medications.
    • While you don't necessarily need to carry several days' worth of food and water, make sure you have portable snacks, such as granola or protein bars, and bottled water or a portable filter .
    • Include basic hygiene items, a flashlight, and a basic first aid kit. The Red Cross has a full list of other items you might include.
    • "We advise everyone to carry a 10,000 milliamp charger for their phone," notes Fitterman, "because a lot of people, unfortunately, rely on their phone for their map, for their light, for calling 911, for pretty much everything that they do."
    • "So it makes sense to carry a lightweight battery charger," Fitterman continues, "so that when something goes pear-shaped, you're able to recharge it and use those features."
  6. 6
    Adapt your routines follow military orders. When you're under martial law, that means the military is telling you what to do and that's what you're doing. Typically, the usual civilian laws are still considered to be in effect—but the military orders are likely to be strict enough that they won't really matter. You'll likely have to substantially adjust your daily routine to accommodate these orders. [15]
    • For example, the military might set a civilian curfew for 6 p.m., which means you can't run any errands in the evening, meet your friends for a drink after dinner, or pop out for a snack when you've got the late-night munchies.
    • There will likely be orders that control how you travel anywhere, the places you're allowed to go, how many people you can travel with, and what you can carry with you.
    • Expect any online shopping or delivery services to be unreliable at best (or simply unavailable, depending on travel and movement restrictions).
    • Try to get cash and conduct transactions in cash whenever you can. Electronic transactions may not be available and you might not be able to access your bank account easily.
    • If you're working during this period, talk to other employees and organize solutions to your collective problems. For example, you might start a carpool to reduce the number of you driving to work alone.
  7. 7
    Travel in pairs whenever you go anywhere. There's safety in numbers—you're less likely to be bothered by anyone if you have a companion. Plus, if something happens to one of you, the other can help. Just watch what you say to each other while you're out and about—avoid saying anything that could reveal your identity or home. [16]
    • If you're seen by military or law enforcement while you're out and about, don't run—they're likely to assume you're causing problems and shoot after you. Just keep moving in the same direction at the same rate of speed unless they tell you to stop.
  8. You might not agree with everything the military says or does during martial law. But during martial law is also not the time to challenge them. Questioning authority could get you locked in jail or worse. Remember: you're not trying to be a hero—you're trying to make it through this. [17]
    • If your rights are violated under martial law, document the situation as best you can. You might be able to seek relief through the courts once this is all over, or the government might have a fund available for those who can prove violations.
  9. Being surrounded by good people you trust can make all the difference in surviving life under martial law. Depending on the situation, you might need to help less mobile neighbors evacuate, provide first aid, or share food and other resources. [18]
    • If someone is acting suspicious or doesn't seem trustworthy, go with your gut! It's your choice whether to report them to authorities, but you definitely don't have to go out of your way to help them.
  10. 10
    Lock down your Wi-Fi and communications. Keeping your communications encrypted and secure means you won't have to worry about inadvertently saying the wrong thing or revealing too much information. During periods of martial law, expect there to be increased government surveillance of all online activity. [19]
    • Keep all of your networks secure and change your passwords often.
    • Remove any biometrics from your devices and use complex passwords to unlock your device or access apps or other data.
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Section 4 of 5:

Signs Martial Law Might Be Likely

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  1. 1
    A recent natural disaster, foreign attack, or civil unrest In the most basic situation, a government might declare martial law in the wake of an urgent crisis that has caused the complete collapse of normal societal order. In these situations, civilian control of the areas under martial law is typically restored as quickly as possible. After that, military personnel might stay on to assist civilian law enforcement. [20]
    • In the wake of a natural disaster, governments are far more likely to declare a state of emergency than to declare martial law. While these might look similar on the ground, the key difference is that in a state of emergency, the civilian government remains in control.
  2. 2
    Increase in government surveillance and crackdown on dissent Typically, the government will seek to criminalize those who speak out against it. Initially, the government will justify these limitations on freedom of expression by claiming they are necessary for security. The government will likely encourage people to believe that they shouldn't be worried about the surveillance because as long as they aren't breaking the law they have nothing to hide. [21]
    • This can be digital as well as physical. For example, the government might start requiring everyone to carry proof of citizenship with them everywhere they go.
    • They might also ban content that's critical to or runs counter to the government's policies and goals. This can include denying access to reporters from specific news organizations that are critical of the government.
  3. 3
    Significant breakdown in infrastructure or essential services The military has a lot of resources that civilian law enforcement doesn't have. Members of the military are also used to building shelters, camps, and infrastructure in rough, wartorn areas. If large areas lose access to essential services, the government might temporarily hand over the reins to the miliary so it can get things going again. [22]
    • This is most likely the situation that would lead to a declaration of martial law after a natural disaster. Such declarations are typically extremely short-lived, with martial law lasting only a few days up to a couple of weeks.
  4. 4
    Government emphasis on law and order Absent some really dangerous circumstances on the ground, it takes a certain kind of government to be willing to declare martial law and turn its military on its own citizens. Typically, this government is one that's virtually obsessed with law and order. Listen to the rhetoric: if your government leaders are always talking about how your country is being taken over by criminals and lawlessness and they need to get things under control, they're likely the type of leaders who would consider martial law.
    • Martial law is a tool of fascism, which is itself a political doctrine that emphasizes law and order. Governments that prioritize law and order over other values tend to be more fascist in nature. [23]
  5. 5
    Deep political polarization or division If there is significant opposition to the government and protests in the street are getting violent or destructive, the government might declare martial law to restore order. In this situation, martial law gives the government more tools to clear protests than it would normally have—but democratic governments are typically reluctant to use martial law against protestors for this very reason. [24]
    • Governments that declare martial law to deal with protestors often face a huge backlash globally as well as from their own citizens.
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQs about Martial Law

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  1. 1
    Could the US president declare martial law? Yes, although there are no laws about it. While US presidents have historically declared martial law at various times, it's always been in a limited area—never nationwide. The Constitution doesn't grant the president the explicit power to declare martial law. There also aren't any federal laws that grant the president that power or define the scope of that power. [25]
    • State governors have the power to declare martial law, unless their state constitution specifically prohibits it.
    • Declarations of martial law, at either the state or federal level, can be challenged in the US courts (assuming the courts are functioning).
    • US presidents are typically hesitant to declare martial law, even in a small area for a limited time, because there's always tremendous public backlash. [26]
    • Troops are often deployed within the US to assist civilian law enforcement, but that isn't martial law as long as civilian leadership remains in control.
  2. 2
    When was the last time martial law was declared in the US? The most recently martial law was declared in the US was 1963, by Maryland governor J. Millard Tawes. The city of Cambridge, Maryland lived under martial law for over a year as a result of violent clashes between segregationists and anti-racists. At the federal level, martial law has not been declared since Hawaii after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. [27]
    • The US government didn't even recognize martial law as an option until the mid-19th century. Since then, martial law has been declared at either the state or the federal level 68 times.
    • The Brennan Center for Justice compiled a comprehensive guide to every time martial law has been declared in the US and why.
  3. 3
    Do you lose rights if martial law is declared? In the US, you technically don't. The federal government is still bound by the Constitution, which guarantees certain rights. Those rights are recognized as inalienable —that means you don't lose them. [28] But during times of martial law, the government will likely restrict your exercise of those rights.
    • For example, the right to assemble is a right recognized in the First Amendment. While you don't lose that right, during martial law, there will likely be orders in effect that prohibit gatherings in public places.
    • Under the Constitution, only Congress has the power to exchange civil courts for military tribunals, and even then only in a state of wartime (after an official Congressional declaration of war). [29] This means that you retain the power, in theory, to sue the government for violations of your rights during a period of martial law.
    • Typically, it's not worth pushing it on these issues if you're living under martial law. If the military tells you to disperse, simply disperse.
  4. Keep in mind that if you have the right to own firearms in your country, that's a civil right. Many civil rights are suspended during martial law, and gun rights might be one of those. If you're not willing to hand over your weapons to the government, it's generally a good idea to hide them somewhere before martial law is declared and not take them out. The Giffords Law Center is a great source of information on the gun laws of each state in the US.
    • For example, in Mississippi, the governor can declare martial law but cannot confiscate or seize lawfully owned firearms or ammunition from anyone. [30]
  5. 5
    How long does martial law usually last? Martial law is usually declared as a temporary measure and only lasts a few weeks. Sometimes, it only lasts a few days—but it can also last for several years, depending on the circumstances. Typically, martial law lasts until civilian order is restored, but when that might happen is anybody's guess. [31]
  6. 6
    Who has the power to end martial law? Typically, whoever declared martial law also has the power to end it. Occasionally, that power is ceded to a military commander once martial law is in effect. If your country has laws defining martial law, those laws typically lay out the circumstances under which it ends. [32]
  7. 7
    If you're under martial law, can they force you to leave your house? Absolutely. You can still think of your house as your fortress—but if the military knocks on your door and tells you that you have to leave, you have to leave. For example, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the state of Hawaii was under martial law and anyone of Japanese nationality or descent was forced to leave their homes and stay in an internment camp. [33]
    • If you're forced to evacuate, make sure you have any documents related to your property with you, such as your deed or lease. It will help you regain access to your home if it's still there when you return.
  8. For the average citizen, life goes on. Unless there's been widespread destruction, people will likely still go to work and school. But you can expect people to be very paranoid and reluctant to talk to you—and for good reason! Living under martial law can be incredibly stressful, and incredibly lonely. [34] This is why it's important to shelter with friends and family you trust so you can support each other.
    • Expect your rights to be significantly limited, especially your rights to travel freely and your rights to assemble in public. For example, under martial law in Ukraine in 2024, men between the ages of 16 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country. [35]
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  • Question
    What if you run out of food?
    Community Answer
    You'll want to have hunting and gathering skills. Ideally you should have a book about plants that tells you which ones are safe to eat.
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  • Question
    Would people still work their jobs and pay their bills?
    Community Answer
    No, more than likely they would not because currency will be devalued or nonexistent so there would be no motivation to do so. Not to mention, people will probably be busy focusing on whatever has caused martial law to be implemented.
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  • Question
    What happens to government funds we are sent when money loses its value?
    Community Answer
    Money lost its value years ago. Get into bartering your skills and talents, and grow plenty of food and be prepared to dig toilets and clear sewage, all much needed skills people will barter for.
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • No matter how intimidating the military may be, follow protocol. Running from military personnel or disobeying a direct order will more than likely get you killed or detained. Even though the military is there to help, they have less patience and worse people skills than rough cops when it comes to disobedience.
      • You should learn the military rank titles and rank insignias. That way, you can tell the difference between a sergeant, a lieutenant, and major, a colonel, a general, and so forth. This will make it easier to identify the source of orders you are given.
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      Warnings

      • If you're under martial law, don't approach the military or members of law enforcement and ask them to help. They are there to restore order, not to help citizens, and drawing attention to yourself might result in you or your family being detained.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-explained
      2. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
      3. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      4. ↑ https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/
      5. ↑ https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/
      6. ↑ https://theprepperjournal.com/2015/03/21/self-storage-survival-cache-option-for-preppers/
      7. ↑ https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/
      8. ↑ https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/
      9. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      1. ↑ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/10/ten-steps-against-surveillance
      2. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      3. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      4. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      5. ↑ https://theprepared.com/prepping-basics/guides/emergency-preparedness-checklist-prepping-beginners/
      6. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      7. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      8. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-explained
      9. ↑ https://www.gov.pl/attachment/ac2c8078-d67f-4d07-a10e-15da398df799
      10. ↑ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/10/ten-steps-against-surveillance
      11. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-united-states-its-meaning-its-history-and-why-president-cant
      12. ↑ https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/freedom-of-expression/
      13. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-united-states-its-meaning-its-history-and-why-president-cant
      14. ↑ https://education.cfr.org/learn/reading/what-fascism
      15. ↑ https://www.military.com/history/martial-law-everything-know.html
      16. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-explained
      17. ↑ https://www.military.com/history/martial-law-everything-know.html
      18. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-united-states-its-meaning-its-history-and-why-president-cant
      19. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/martial-law-united-states-its-meaning-its-history-and-why-president-cant
      20. ↑ https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artII-S2-C1-1-14/ALDE_00013476/
      21. ↑ https://giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/preemption-of-local-laws-in-mississippi/
      22. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/guide-declarations-martial-law-united-states
      23. ↑ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/guide-declarations-martial-law-united-states
      24. ↑ https://www.nps.gov/articles/historyinternment.htm
      25. ↑ https://www.taiwangazette.org/news/2019/7/9/life-under-martial-law-i-was-on-my-classmates-blacklist
      26. ↑ https://ua.usembassy.gov/message-for-u-s-citizens-elimination-of-residence-abroad-exception-to-dual-citizen-departure/

      About This Article

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      To survive under martial law, treat your new leaders with respect and obey their directions and orders. Be a friend to the regime by helping out military personnel and spreading information you have permission to disclose. To hide from the new government, stock a survival bunker with food, water, medicine, a radio, and other supplies. Enter the bunker as soon as possible and stay there until it is safe to leave. Remember that you put yourself at risk of capture every time you leave the bunker. For advice on resisting martial law, scroll down.

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