How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Maine

On June 13, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Maine, Maine Homestead Lifestyle, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Let me start by telling you this—when society cracks, it doesn’t do it politely. Riots are fast, chaotic, and unforgiving. I’ve trained for all kinds of emergencies, from economic collapse to grid-down scenarios. But civil unrest? That’s a whole different beast. You don’t need to be paranoid to be prepared. When things spiral out of control—like what we’ve seen across the country and even small towns in Maine—being ready isn’t optional. It’s survival.

Riots can spring up anywhere, even in places where you think, “Not here. Not us.” But unrest doesn’t ask for permission, and it won’t send a warning. You have to be ready. Below, I’ll walk you through self-defense tactics, real-world prep tips, and how to build survival weapons from scratch. This isn’t theory. It’s what works.

8 Self-Defense Skills Every Prepper Needs During a Riot

1. Situational Awareness
Before you even need a weapon, your first line of defense is your awareness. Know your exits, observe crowd energy, and scan for erratic behavior. Stay off your phone. Keep your head on a swivel and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

2. De-escalation Techniques
Avoiding a fight is smarter than winning one. Speak calmly, don’t posture aggressively, and use body language to show non-threat. Your goal is to vanish into the background, not be a hero.

3. Basic Striking
Learn palm strikes, knee strikes, and elbow blows. These are high-impact, low-effort moves that work when you’re in tight spaces. You’re not in a movie—keep it simple and effective.

4. Escape From Grabs
If someone grabs you, you need to know how to break free fast. Practice wrist release techniques and elbow leverage moves. Every second counts when you’re restrained.

5. Improvised Weapon Use
Know how to turn what’s around you into a tool. A belt with a metal buckle becomes a flail. A flashlight can be a bludgeon. A pen? A lethal force multiplier.

6. Crowd Movement Navigation
Learn how to move with a panicked crowd without being trampled. Stay near walls, keep your arms up for space, and go with the flow until you can break out sideways. Don’t go against the current—it’ll swallow you.

7. Tactical Retreat
There’s no shame in running. A retreat is a strategic repositioning to preserve your life. Practice quick exits and safe fallback points around your home or work area. Know your alleyways, fences, and escape paths.

8. Ground Defense
If you fall, you’re vulnerable. Learn how to break your fall and defend from the ground. Practice kicking from your back and using your legs to create space until you can stand or escape.

3 DIY Survival Weapon Builds for Emergency Defense

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Materials: 1.5” PVC pipe (18-24”), duct tape, metal nuts or bolts, sand or concrete mix.
Build: Fill the pipe with sand or bolts, cap the ends, and wrap the handle with duct tape for grip. You’ve got a durable, hard-hitting baton that’s light and concealable.
Use: Strikes to joints or collarbones. Aim for disabling, not showmanship.

2. Survival Spear from a Broomstick

Materials: Old broom handle, steel knife blade, paracord.
Build: Lash a fixed-blade knife securely to the broomstick using paracord in an X-wrap pattern. Reinforce with duct tape if needed.
Use: Defense against multiple threats at distance or as a deterrent while retreating.

3. Weighted Slingshot with Marbles or Bearings

Materials: Y-shaped tree branch, surgical tubing, leather patch, marbles or steel ball bearings.
Build: Attach surgical tubing to the branch, with the leather patch in the middle. Practice tension for consistency.
Use: Quiet, reusable, and surprisingly powerful. Aim for head or knee-level targets.

Survival Mindset During Civil Unrest

A riot is chaos incarnate. Looters don’t care who you are. Some folks get swept up in group hysteria and act in ways they never would on their own. Your focus must be: avoid, defend, escape.

Don’t participate. Don’t record. Don’t engage. You are not law enforcement. You are not a hero. You are a survivor. That’s your job, and it’s a full-time commitment once SHTF (S*** Hits The Fan).

Bug-Out vs. Bug-In:
If you’re caught near a riot, your first choice is always to bug out. But sometimes roads are blocked, or you’re safer inside. If you have to bug in, reinforce your doors, shut off lights, and make your home look uninviting. No lights, no sound, no visibility from the street. Stack furniture or sandbags behind doors. Keep quiet and keep watch.

Escape Routes:
Always have two: one primary, one backup. Know which streets get congested and which backroads lead to open areas. Keep your gas tank half full at all times. Map out safe houses—friends or family at least 10 miles out.

Personal Loadout (Minimum Riot Kit):

Compact multi-tool or utility knife
Tactical flashlight (with strobe mode)
N95 mask (for smoke/gas protection)
Leather gloves
Safety glasses
Light body armor or padded jacket
Emergency radio
Concealed pepper spray or stun device (where legal)

Preparedness Checklist: Know It Cold

Food & Water: 3 days’ worth, per person.
Communication: Battery radio, burner phone, walkie-talkies.
Medical Supplies: Trauma kit with gauze, tourniquet, pain meds.
Documents: Keep IDs, emergency cash, and important papers in a waterproof bag.
Community Contacts: Know who you can trust locally. Lone wolves don’t last long when chaos drags on.

Closing Thoughts from a Veteran Prepper

Riots are not just “big city” problems. Maine, with its quiet towns and tightly knit communities, is no exception. The second you think “It can’t happen here” is the moment you become most vulnerable.

Preparation isn’t paranoia. It’s the mindset of those who live to tell the tale. Be calm, be smart, and be two steps ahead. When the fire rises and the streets fill with fear, you won’t have time to “figure it out.” You’ll either be ready or you won’t.

Train now. Build now. Plan now.

When society breaks, there’s no reset button. Only those who kept their edge survive!

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Pennsylvania

On June 12, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Survival PreppersLeave a comment

When civil unrest erupts, the rules of normal society get tossed out the window. If you find yourself in Pennsylvania during a riot—whether in Philly, Pittsburgh, or a small town—you need to shift from civilian mindset to survivalist instinct fast. I’ve lived through hurricanes, blackouts, and civil unrest. Let me tell you: chaos doesn’t send a warning text.

If you’re caught unprepared, you’re a target. But with the right mindset, skills, and tools, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how a seasoned survival prepper handles a riot scenario.

First: Situational Awareness is Your Survival Bedrock

Before you ever have to throw a punch or swing a bat, your awareness will keep you alive. Monitor your surroundings constantly. Know the difference between a peaceful crowd and a mob ready to burn everything in sight. Stay updated on local news, and if something starts brewing, trust your gut. Don’t wait. Get out early if you can.

Install police scanner apps and follow local emergency channels. If you’re on foot, avoid bottlenecks like alleyways or fences. If you’re in a vehicle, keep your gas tank above half at all times and know at least three alternate routes out of town.

8 Self-Defense Skills Every Prepper Should Master

In a riot, 911 is likely overwhelmed or unavailable. That means you are your own first responder. Whether you’re defending yourself or your family, here are the self-defense skills that matter most:

Situational De-escalation
Learn how to defuse tension verbally and with body language. Sometimes not fighting is the smartest fight you’ll win.
Krav Maga Basics
This Israeli martial art was designed for real-world violence. Focus on neutralizing threats fast—groin strikes, eye gouges, and throat punches are not dirty; they’re smart.
Palm Heel Strikes
Avoid hurting your own hand. A palm heel to the nose or jaw is devastating and easy to learn.
Elbow Strikes
In close quarters, nothing beats the elbow. Short, fast, and bone-breaking.
Improvised Weapon Training
Know how to turn a flashlight, pen, or belt buckle into a weapon. A sturdy tactical pen can be life-saving.
Ground Defense
If you end up on the ground, know how to protect your face and get back up. Jiu-jitsu fundamentals are invaluable here.
Escape From Grabs
Practice breaking holds. A wrist grab can lead to a beatdown—or a quick reversal if you’ve trained properly.
Weapon Retention & Disarmament
If someone pulls a weapon on you, your goal is either to flee or disarm fast. Learn the basics of redirecting a knife or firearm—timing and confidence are everything.

3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Make at Home

Even if you don’t own firearms or they’re not accessible, you can arm yourself legally and discreetly with DIY tools that pack serious deterrent value.

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Materials: 1-inch diameter PVC pipe (2 feet), sand or BBs, duct tape.
Instructions: Fill the pipe with BBs or sand to give it weight, seal both ends, wrap with duct tape for grip. It hits hard and won’t attract as much attention as a metal bat.

2. Improvised Spear

Materials: A broomstick, kitchen knife, duct tape, paracord.
Instructions: Lash the knife to the end of the stick tightly. Works for both defense and deterrent purposes, especially if you’re defending your home.

3. Slingshot with Metal Ammo

Materials: Commercial slingshot, ball bearings or marbles.
Instructions: Practice accuracy. A slingshot can take down small game or discourage an aggressive attacker without the noise of a firearm.

How To Fortify & Escape Your Home During a Riot

If a riot is headed your way, bugging in is your first line of defense. Fortify your home with these quick strategies:

Block ground-floor windows with furniture or plywood. You’re not trying to win a war, just discourage entry.
Turn off all lights at night to avoid drawing attention.
Create a safe room. If intruders enter, you need one locked, fortified space to regroup and plan an escape if needed.

If the situation escalates and you must bug out:

Don’t take major roads. They’re likely jammed or under police/military lockdown.
Move at dawn or dusk. Less visibility, less risk.
Dress like a grey man. Neutral colors, no tactical gear that screams “prepared.” You want to blend in, not stand out.

Quick-Access Riot Survival Kit

Here’s what every Pennsylvanian should keep ready when unrest flares up:

Tactical flashlight with strobe
Filtered water bottle or Lifestraw
Multi-tool or fixed blade knife
First aid kit with blood clotting gauze
Smoke mask or N95
Sturdy gloves (for climbing or dealing with debris)
Copies of ID in a waterproof bag
Map with marked safe routes out of town
Cash in small bills
Energy bars or MREs

Mindset: The Ultimate Survival Tool

If you panic, you lose. Stay calm, focused, and decisive. Panic is contagious. So is confidence. Your demeanor will influence your family and those around you. In a riot, fear spreads like fire. Be the firebreak.

Trust your instincts. Don’t hesitate. If you see things are spiraling, don’t wait for permission to act. It’s always better to leave too early than one minute too late.

Final Thoughts From a Seasoned Prepper

Riots in Pennsylvania aren’t just a big-city problem anymore. With social tension boiling across the country, even rural towns can become hotspots overnight. You don’t need to be a doomsday bunker-dweller to be prepared. You just need to take your safety seriously.

Train your body. Train your mind. Prepare your home. Learn to defend yourself and protect what matters.

Because in the end, when the system fails, you’re all you’ve got.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in New Jersey

On June 12, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn New Jersey, New Jersey PreppersLeave a comment

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in New Jersey
By a Skilled Survival Prepper

When chaos hits your doorstep, especially in a densely populated place like New Jersey, your survival depends on preparation, quick thinking, and decisive action. Riots aren’t just distant news stories—they can ignite in your neighborhood in a matter of hours. I’ve lived through civil unrest before. I’ve seen what happens when the power grid flickers, the police are overwhelmed, and people panic.

If you’re not prepared, you become a target. But if you take the time to train, plan, and stay sharp, you’ll not only survive a riot—you’ll come out stronger and more aware.

Let me walk you through what you need to know.

Understand the Nature of Riots

Riots are unpredictable, emotional surges of violence and destruction. They can start from political unrest, police incidents, or even after sports events. New Jersey’s urban centers—Newark, Jersey City, Camden, Trenton—can become flashpoints due to their population density and social dynamics.

When a riot breaks out, the goal isn’t to be a hero. Your only mission is to survive and protect your loved ones.

The 8 Self-Defense Skills You Must Master

Whether you’re caught on the street or defending your home, these skills are critical.

1. Situational Awareness

Your best defense is always being aware. Before a riot even starts, know your surroundings—routes in and out, crowd behavior, and potential threats. Listen, watch, and keep your phone charged with a scanner or citizen-reporting app.

2. Verbal De-escalation

You’d be surprised how far a calm voice and firm posture can go. Learn to manage a confrontation before it becomes physical. Practice phrases that redirect or de-escalate hostile intent.

3. Escape and Evasion

Can you disappear in a crowd? Do you know how to change your appearance fast? Learn basic disguise techniques, like using reversible jackets, hats, or sunglasses. Blend in or slip away unnoticed.

4. Basic Striking and Blocking

Train in boxing or Krav Maga. A solid jab, cross, and elbow strike can disable an attacker. Learn to block and deflect blows, especially from blunt weapons.

5. Joint Locks and Control Holds

If you’re grabbed, you need to know how to break free. Wrist locks, arm bars, and finger manipulation give you the upper hand without needing to be the strongest person.

6. Ground Defense

If you’re taken to the ground, many untrained people panic. Practice defensive ground positions like guard and shrimping. Learn how to get back up quickly without exposing your back.

7. Improvised Weapons

Know how to use what’s around you—keys, pens, belts, a rolled-up magazine. These everyday items can become effective weapons in a pinch. Practice using them safely and effectively.

8. Multiple Opponent Tactics

In a riot, you may face more than one threat. Never get surrounded. Use angles and movement to keep attackers on one side. Always look for escape routes, not victories.

How to React When Riots Break Out in New Jersey

Don’t Wait for the News
Have a trusted app or radio tuned to local law enforcement frequencies. By the time a riot is televised, it’s already too late.
Bug-In or Bug-Out?
If you’re in a high-risk area like Newark or Paterson and live in an apartment building, it may be safer to bug out early. If you’re in a suburban or fortified home, bugging in and defending may be smarter. Know which option fits your environment and plan both.
Create a Safe Room
One room in your home should be fortified with strong locks, minimal windows, supplies, and communication tools. It’s where you regroup, rest, or make your last stand if needed.
Dress for Urban Survival
Wear muted colors, comfortable shoes, and bring a backpack with essentials: water, snacks, gloves, flashlight, and basic first aid. Leave no jewelry or flashy items on you.
Avoid Choke Points
Stay away from bridges, tunnels, and crowded highways. New Jersey has lots of them, and they’re the first places to clog or turn hostile.
Protect Your Vehicle
If you’re using your car to escape, fill the tank early, tint the windows, and remove any identifying bumper stickers. Keep a getaway kit in the trunk—tools, maps, jumper cables, and a fire extinguisher.

3 DIY Survival Weapon Builds

You don’t need to be a blacksmith to protect your home. Here are three practical DIY weapon builds:

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Take a 24-inch length of 1-inch PVC pipe, fill it with sand or lead shot for weight, and wrap the ends in duct tape or paracord for grip. It’s lightweight, concealable, and can deliver serious stopping power.

2. Nail Bat

Get an old wooden baseball bat. Drill holes through the top and hammer in large nails, then bend them slightly outward with pliers. It’s a brutal deterrent and sends a clear message: your home is not an easy target.

3. Slingbow

With a sturdy slingshot frame and some elastic tubing, you can convert it into a slingbow capable of firing arrows. Add a whisker biscuit to hold arrows in place and you’ve got a silent, reusable ranged weapon. Perfect for defending at range without attracting attention.

Mental Strength and Leadership

During civil unrest, panic is as deadly as violence. You must stay calm. Your family or group will look to you for strength. Build trust before the crisis. Establish a communication plan. Give roles to each member—guard, lookout, medic, communicator.

And remember: self-defense doesn’t end when the threat passes. There’s often looting, fires, and injuries that come after the riot. Be ready for prolonged instability—especially if supply chains get disrupted or law enforcement is pulled back.

Post-Riot Recovery and Threat Assessment

Once the initial riot is over, don’t assume it’s safe. Stay alert. Some of the most dangerous moments happen in the aftermath when emergency services are stretched thin, and criminals feel emboldened.

Check perimeter security: Barricade broken doors, replace locks, and create noise traps.
Assist only if safe: Help neighbors or others only if you can do so without exposing your group.
Debrief and improve: After it’s over, review what worked and what didn’t. Sharpen your weaknesses.

Final Words from a Fellow Prepper

New Jersey is no stranger to unrest—between political protests, economic tensions, and dense population centers, the potential for riots is real. You don’t have to live in fear, but you do have to live prepared.

Take the time to build skills, gather tools, and fortify your mindset. When the storm comes, you won’t be just another person running scared. You’ll be ready. You’ll lead. You’ll survive.

How Not to Die During a Riot in Minnesota

On June 11, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Defense Skills, home defense, Minnesota, Minnesota Preppers, self defense, Survival DefenseLeave a comment

Let’s get this straight: when chaos hits your backyard—whether it’s a protest gone rogue or full-scale urban collapse—you don’t get second chances. Riots are loud, chaotic, fast, and unforgiving. I’ve walked through enough civil unrest zones, from Minneapolis to Atlanta, to know that what saves you isn’t luck or brute strength. It’s preparation, awareness, and controlled aggression.

In this guide, I’ll break down the real skills that’ll keep you alive during a riot in Minnesota—or anywhere else it kicks off. And we’re not talking theoretical fluff here. I’m giving you 8 street-proven self-defense skills and 3 DIY methods to rig up survival weapons if you’re caught empty-handed. You’ll walk away with the mindset of a hardened prepper, not a scared civilian.

🛡️ 8 Self-Defense Skills to Survive a Riot

Situational Awareness (The Most Important Skill)
Before you even throw a punch or grab a weapon, train your eyes and brain. In a riot, you need 360-degree awareness—who’s moving, who’s armed, where the exits are, where the bottlenecks are. Practice “war-gaming” situations in your head when walking down a street. Anticipate trouble before it explodes.
Verbal De-Escalation
Not every threat needs to be neutralized with force. Sometimes, the best win is walking away. Learn how to use your tone, body language, and words to defuse aggression. A low voice, non-threatening posture, and firm tone can buy you the seconds you need to slip away.
Palm Heel Strike
Forget Hollywood punches. The palm heel strike is fast, powerful, and won’t break your knuckles. Aim for the nose, chin, or solar plexus. It’ll stun your attacker and give you the opening to escape.
Elbow Strikes in Close Quarters
If you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in a dense crowd, fists won’t work. Use elbows—downward, across, or upward strikes. These are short-range power tools for busting jaws and breaking free.
Knee Strikes to Thigh or Groin
When there’s no space, your knees become battering rams. Slam them into the thigh to deaden the attacker’s leg or go for the groin to drop them instantly.
Escaping Holds
Whether it’s a bear hug from behind or someone grabbing your arm, learn how to break out. Drop your weight, twist your body, and use leverage. If you train in anything, make it Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which both excel in real-world escapes.
Improvised Weapon Use
Bottles, pens, belts, keys—learn to use what’s around you. A pen jammed into a neck artery or a belt swung like a flail can buy you time or space. Train with random objects at home. Make it muscle memory.
Team Movement and Buddy Cover
If you’re with friends or family, never separate. Move like a team. One person watches the rear, another scans forward, the rest guard the flanks. Practice this in your house or yard. During a riot, unity is survival.

🧰 3 DIY Survival Weapon Skills (Urban Guerrilla Edition)

You might find yourself unarmed. You still need to defend. Here’s how to rig up protection on the fly:

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Materials: 1.5″ thick PVC pipe, duct tape, sand or nails.
Fill the pipe with sand or metal bits, then seal both ends with duct tape. This adds weight and turns it into a club that hits hard.
Grip the handle area with paracord or tape for extra traction.
Use: Cripples limbs, breaks glass, and fends off attackers in close combat.

2. Tactical Slingshot

Materials: Y-shaped branch, rubber tubing (bike inner tube), leather pouch.
Carve the branch into a slingshot frame. Tie rubber tubing to the forks, attach leather in the middle. Use stones, ball bearings, or hex nuts as ammo.
Use: Long-range defense, distractions, disabling threats from a distance.

3. Canister Mace (Chemical Defense)

Materials: Small spray bottle, vinegar, black pepper, hot sauce.
Mix ingredients, shake well, and fill a spray bottle.
Aim for the eyes and face. It’s non-lethal but incredibly disorienting.
Use: Crowd deterrent, escape tool, surprise countermeasure.

🧠 Mental Game: The Unseen Weapon

Weapons and fighting mean nothing without the mindset. You’ve got to decide—before the riot breaks out—that you’re not going to freeze. Train your instincts, rehearse your escape plan, and practice drills in your garage or backyard. The goal isn’t to fight for fun; it’s to neutralize and escape.

📍Minnesota Specific Riot Survival Tips

Know Your City Grid
Minneapolis and St. Paul have river divides, skyway systems, and alley loops. Use them to vanish fast. Train yourself to know at least three escape routes from any location you frequent.
Avoid Major Intersections
Riots love to choke traffic and trap civilians in intersections. Use side streets, parks, and bike trails to move unseen.
Cache Supplies
In riot zones, access to gas, food, and clean water gets cut quick. Store mini survival kits in your car, garage, and backpack. Include: multitool, flashlight, pepper spray, emergency phone charger, protein bars.

🏕️ Final Thoughts from a Seasoned Survivalist

Look—I’m not writing this to scare you. I’m writing this because I’ve seen good people get chewed up in bad situations because they thought it would never happen in their town. Riots move fast and break things, and if you’re not thinking three steps ahead, you’ll be the one on the pavement while others walk away.

Train your body. Train your mind. Learn to use what’s around you. Build your team. Run drills. Think like a predator but act with discipline.

Minnesota isn’t exempt from unrest. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that even the most peaceful cities can become war zones overnight.

So here’s the mission: Get ready now. Because when the streets go hot, you won’t have time to read a guide.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in California (Especially LA)

On June 10, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn California, California Preppers, California RiotsLeave a comment

Riots are unpredictable, chaotic, and fast-moving. In a place like California—where cities are densely populated and political tensions run high—things can spiral out of control in an instant. I’ve spent years honing my survival and self-defense skills, not just for wilderness emergencies, but for exactly these kinds of urban disasters. If you’re reading this, you’re likely looking to protect yourself and your loved ones. You’re in the right place. Let me walk you through how to stay safe and survive during a riot in California, using practical strategies, real-world self-defense techniques, and a few DIY weapon skills that could save your life.

1. Stay Informed – Before It Hits the Fan

The first rule of survival is awareness. Riots don’t usually just explode without warning. There are always signs: heated protests, political turmoil, viral videos igniting public anger. Monitor news outlets, police scanners, and social media feeds. In California, apps like Citizen, Nextdoor, and local Reddit threads can give you real-time updates.

Keep a Get-Home Bag in your vehicle, especially if you’re traveling into a city like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Sacramento. It should include essentials: water, energy bars, N95 mask, eye protection, gloves, a flashlight, multitool, and a burner phone with emergency contacts.

2. Avoid the Chaos If You Can

Let me be clear: your #1 strategy is to avoid confrontation. Don’t be a hero. Get out before things escalate. If you’re at work and see unrest brewing downtown, leave early. If you’re at home, fortify your entry points and stay inside.

Do NOT try to “watch” the riot or record it for social media clout. That kind of foolishness can get you targeted in seconds.

3. Situational Awareness is Your Best Defense

I can’t stress this enough: stay alert. Keep your head on a swivel. In a riot, threats don’t always come from the angry crowd—you could be ambushed by opportunists looting, mugging, or looking to cause harm.

Watch for exit points, safe zones (like police stations or fire departments), and stay away from choke points like bridges or alleys. Always have an escape route.

4. Learn and Master These 8 Self-Defense Skills

When escape is no longer an option, you’ll need to defend yourself. These eight self-defense skills could make the difference between life and death:

1. Situational De-escalation

Before you engage physically, try to de-escalate. Calm voice, hands visible, avoid aggressive posture. Many confrontations can be avoided with the right words and tone.

2. Palm-Heel Strike

Simple, effective. Aim for the nose or jaw. The base of your palm is strong and unlikely to injure you. Practice striking upward from a neutral position.

3. Elbow Strikes

If you’re in close quarters, elbows are powerful tools. Strike the side of the head, temple, or collarbone.

4. Escape from Wrist Grabs

Always pull toward the thumb. Practice breaking free from various grips. Pair it with a strike and run.

5. Knee Strikes

Deliver a strong knee to the groin or solar plexus. Even large attackers will drop if you hit with force and precision.

6. Tactical Flashlight Usage

A sturdy tactical flashlight can blind, distract, and serve as a blunt weapon. Shine it directly into the eyes and follow with a strike if necessary.

7. Ground Defense

If you’re taken down, protect your head and get to your feet quickly. Learn how to shrimp and kick upward if pinned.

8. Improvised Weapon Defense

You won’t always have a knife or baton—learn to defend using what’s around you: a backpack, a belt, a pen, or a water bottle.

Pro tip: train regularly. Muscle memory can save your life when adrenaline spikes.

5. Blending In – The Gray Man Strategy

Dress to blend. If you’re walking through an angry crowd, don’t stand out. No flashy clothes, no political logos, no bright colors. Go full “gray man”—neutral clothing, low profile, calm demeanor.

Avoid eye contact, keep your head low, and walk with purpose but without fear. Confidence without aggression makes you less of a target.

6. DIY Survival Weapons – When You Have to Improvise

In some riot situations, police and security are overwhelmed, and 911 might as well be out of service. You may need to build and arm yourself with improvised tools. Here are three DIY survival weapons you can make at home or in a pinch:

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Take a 1.5 ft length of 1-inch PVC pipe.
Fill it with sand or gravel for weight.
Seal both ends with duct tape.
Wrap the middle with paracord for grip.

It’s non-lethal but effective for crowd control or breaking windows in an emergency.

2. Tactical Sling Weapon

Use a strong sock or paracord pouch.
Fill it with heavy coins, ball bearings, or small rocks.
Whip it like a medieval flail.

Compact and silent, this weapon can deliver serious pain and force attackers to back off.

3. Makeshift Spear

Duct tape or lash a kitchen knife or sharpened stick to a broom handle or metal rod.
Use zip ties, paracord, or sturdy tape.

Great for defense at a distance and keeping attackers out of arm’s reach.

Note: these are last-resort tools. Don’t bring a weapon into a crowd unless you’re absolutely sure you need it—and understand the legal consequences under California law.

7. Shelter in Place – Fortify Your Home

If the riot is near your neighborhood, stay home and lock down.

Reinforce doors with a security bar or heavy furniture.
Close blinds and curtains to prevent visibility inside.
Keep lights off in front rooms.
Fill bathtubs with water (in case of power or water loss).
Charge all devices and power banks.
Have your defensive tools within arm’s reach.

And don’t answer the door for anyone except law enforcement, and even then, verify credentials if possible.

8. Know When and How to Bug Out

If your home becomes unsafe—fires spreading, mobs looting homes—you need to bug out fast.

Have a Bug Out Bag ready:

Copies of ID
Cash in small bills
Water and purification tablets
Lightweight food
Knife/multitool
First-aid kit
Change of clothes
Flashlight
Emergency radio

Pre-plan multiple evacuation routes. Avoid highways if they’re clogged. Think like a scout: move silently, stick to the shadows, and trust no one unless you know them well.

9. Post-Riot Recovery

Even after the chaos dies down, danger still lingers—downed power lines, fires, civil unrest, and desperate people. Stay alert, continue monitoring communications, and only return home if it’s safe.

Document any damage for insurance, but be ready to defend your property if looters return. And take mental health seriously—what you experience in a riot can leave psychological scars. Talk to someone if you need to.

Final Words from One Prepper to Another

Surviving a riot in California—or anywhere—comes down to mindset, preparation, and adaptability. You don’t have to be a Navy SEAL to make it out alive. You just need to stay smart, stay calm, and be ready to act when others panic.

Remember: You are your own first responder.

Train. Prepare. Stay safe. And may you never need to use what you’ve learned—though it’s better to know it and not need it than the other way around.

Stay sharp out there.

North Dakota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 3, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn North Dakota, North Dakota Survival Prepping, orth Dakota's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

North Dakota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: Survival Driving Skills & DIY Hacks

Having logged thousands of miles in some of the most unforgiving terrains on the planet—from the slick mountain passes of the Rockies to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara—I’ve learned that no matter where you are, the roads you travel can make or break your chances in a disaster scenario. North Dakota, with its sprawling plains and unpredictable weather, offers a unique challenge that many overlook until they’re caught in the thick of it.

When disaster strikes—whether it’s a blizzard, flash flood, or wildfire—some roads become downright deadly. The sparse population and vast stretches of rural landscape in North Dakota can quickly turn familiar routes into traps. This is a survival guide for those who find themselves behind the wheel on North Dakota’s worst roads during a crisis, and it’s peppered with practical survival driving skills and hacks you can rely on when you’re running on empty—literally.

North Dakota’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

1. Highway 85 through the Badlands
This stretch cuts through rough, eroded terrain with narrow lanes and sharp turns. In a disaster, it’s a nightmare—rockslides, sudden flooding, and poor cell reception make it a last-resort route.

2. County Road 6 near Devils Lake
Prone to flooding and ice during winter storms, this road can vanish under water or ice in hours. It’s a trap for the unwary and easy to get stuck on.

3. US-2 between Minot and Grand Forks
This main artery often faces winter whiteouts and heavy ice. The long stretches without rest stops or safe pull-offs make it dangerous during disasters.

4. ND-22 near the Missouri River
The proximity to the river means flood risks are high, and the road can get cut off quickly. Mud and debris wash onto the pavement during storms, hiding potholes and sinkholes.

5. ND-50 in the southwestern counties
This rural route is lightly maintained and often dotted with deep ruts and washouts after heavy rains or snowmelt.

Survival Driving Skills for North Dakota’s Worst Roads

I’ve distilled my experience into 15 survival driving skills that can help you navigate these treacherous paths safely.

1. Pre-Trip Recon
Always research your route before heading out. Use satellite maps and local weather reports to avoid roads prone to flooding or landslides.

2. Adjust Speed for Conditions
Speed kills, especially on icy or muddy roads. Slow down to maintain control and increase your stopping distance.

3. Use Low Gear on Slopes
On steep hills or slippery descents, use a low gear to control your speed without over-relying on brakes, which can cause skidding.

4. Avoid Sudden Movements
Steer and brake gently. Sudden jerks can cause loss of traction on ice or loose gravel.

5. Understand Traction Zones
Know which tires have the best grip depending on your vehicle type. For 4WD, front tires often steer, so keep them clean and clear of snow or mud.

6. Look for Alternative Routes
If a road looks unsafe, backtrack or take a detour—even if it means driving an extra 30 minutes. It’s better than getting stranded.

7. Maintain Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires are a liability in mud and snow. Check tire pressure frequently, especially before driving on rough roads.

8. Use Sand or Gravel for Traction
Carry a small bag of sand or gravel to pour under tires if you get stuck.

9. Know How to Rock Your Vehicle Free
If stuck in mud or snow, gently rock the vehicle back and forth by shifting between drive and reverse to gain traction.

10. Keep Momentum on Slippery Roads
Don’t stop suddenly on ice or snow. Maintain a steady pace to avoid losing traction.

11. Use Engine Braking on Descents
Let the engine slow the vehicle on downhill stretches instead of brakes to avoid skidding.

12. Keep Headlights and Taillights Clean
Visibility is everything during storms and dust clouds. Clean your lights regularly to be seen and see better.

13. Always Wear a Seatbelt
Simple, but often overlooked in emergency driving. It could save your life if you hit an obstacle.

14. Know How to Handle Hydroplaning
If you hydroplane, don’t slam on brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer gently into the skid.

15. Communicate Your Location
Use a CB radio, GPS tracker, or satellite messenger to keep someone updated on your route and location.

DIY Survival Driving Hacks for Running Out of Gas

Now, what if disaster hits and you run out of fuel on these unforgiving roads? Here are three DIY survival driving hacks that have saved my skin more than once.

Hack #1: Use a Gravity-Fed Fuel Transfer
If you’re stuck near another vehicle or a fuel container, create a siphon with a clean hose or sturdy tubing. Start a slow flow of gas by sucking gently on the end until fuel begins to move through the tube, then place the hose end in your tank. Gravity will do the rest. Always be careful with fumes and avoid swallowing fuel.

Hack #2: Convert Your Vehicle to Run on Alternative Fuels (Temporary Measures)
Many vehicles can run on a mixture of gasoline and certain alcohol-based fuels (like ethanol or methanol) if gasoline runs out. If you can find small amounts of these alternative fuels at farms or remote stations, mixing them carefully can keep you moving. Research your vehicle’s tolerance ahead of time.

Hack #3: Use a Makeshift Hand-Push Starter
If your battery dies or you have no fuel to start the engine, you can sometimes push-start your vehicle. Get help from others to push the car uphill or on a flat surface, and then quickly engage second gear while releasing the clutch to start the engine. This works best on manual transmissions.

The Final Word

Driving North Dakota’s worst roads during a disaster demands respect, preparation, and calm nerves. The endless skies and wide-open spaces can lull you into a false sense of security—until a blizzard or flash flood changes the landscape overnight.

Survival on these roads means more than just brute driving skill. It’s about knowing the terrain, anticipating nature’s fury, and having the right survival driving skills up your sleeve. You have to be ready to switch gears—literally and figuratively—and keep a survival mindset through every mile.

Remember: If you don’t need to drive, don’t. Sometimes the best survival tactic is to stay put and wait out the storm. But when the road calls, let these tips guide you safely through North Dakota’s wildest roads.

Stay sharp, stay prepared, and above all—keep the rubber on the road.

Rhode Island’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 2, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Rhode Island, Rhode Island's Worst Roads to DriveLeave a comment

Rhode Island’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster – and How to Survive Them

By a man who’s broken down in the Rockies, outrun a wildfire in California, and once crossed a frozen lake in Manitoba with nothing but a CB radio and a prayer, let me tell you something straight: driving during a disaster is a whole different beast. And if you’re in Rhode Island—small in size, dense in people, and loaded with pothole-riddled nightmares—you better be ready to adapt, react, and survive.

I’ve been through hurricanes, blizzards, and blackouts. And trust me, when the highways jam and the backroads crumble, knowing how to drive to stay alive is as vital as food and water.

Rhode Island’s Road Hazards in a Disaster

Rhode Island might be tiny, but it packs a punch in terms of infrastructure risk. Here’s a survivalist’s breakdown of the worst roads to avoid (or approach with extreme caution) during a disaster scenario:

Route 95 through Providence – Traffic bottlenecks, overpasses, and congestion mean you’re sitting ducks in a bug-out situation. If it’s not gridlocked, it’s flooded.
Route 10 Connector – Often under construction, and with poor visibility ramps, it becomes a chaos corridor during emergencies.
Route 6 (Huntington Expressway) – Riddled with sharp curves and sudden exits, this road is a nightmare during high-stress evacuations.
Post Road (Route 1) – Flood-prone and filled with commercial strip malls. Great for scavenging, terrible for escaping.
Route 146 into North Smithfield – Lined with industrial traffic and overloaded bridges. Avoid it when supply trucks panic.
Broad Street in Cranston/Pawtucket – Narrow, dense, and chaos incarnate when people start fleeing in masses.
Hope Street in Bristol – Coastal, and the first to flood in a Nor’easter or storm surge.
Putnam Pike (Route 44) – Beautiful, rural… and isolated. When tree limbs drop, you’re boxed in.
West Main Road in Middletown – Connects to Navy installations, making it a prime security choke point during martial law or military lockdowns.
Reservoir Avenue, Cranston – Urban traffic, tight intersections, and vulnerable power lines make this area high-risk.

15 Survival Driving Skills That’ll Save Your Life in a Disaster

When the time comes and you’re behind the wheel while the world burns, floods, or freezes, these 15 survival driving skills could make the difference between life and death:

Situational Awareness – Constantly scan mirrors, gauges, and surroundings. Awareness buys time.
Emergency Braking Control – Learn how to brake hard without skidding. Threshold braking on dry ground; pumping on wet.
Navigating Without GPS – GPS dies, cell towers drop—so know your route by memory or use an offline map app.
Driving with Blown Tires – Steer straight, ease off gas, don’t brake until speed drops. Then guide to a stop.
Night Vision Tactics – Avoid high-beams in fog; use low beams and follow reflective markers or fog lines.
Fuel Efficiency Driving – Feather the throttle, avoid sudden stops, and coast when safe. Every drop counts.
Hand Signals and Horn Codes – In a convoy or with other survivors, use lights or horn taps to communicate.
Underwater Escape – Unbuckle, roll down windows fast before electronics die. Kick windshield if submerged.
Snow & Ice Maneuvers – Turn into the skid. Never slam brakes. Use snowbanks for controlled stops.
Off-road Evasion – Know how to spot soft ground, use momentum to climb hills, and shift to low gear on declines.
Avoiding Road Rage & Panic Drivers – Stay calm. Predict erratic movements. Don’t engage—evasion is your friend.
Barricade Navigation – Reverse precision. Know how to three-point turn in tight quarters or go off-shoulder without getting stuck.
Silent Movement – If needed, coast with the engine off on downhill terrain. Avoid noise to stay unnoticed.
Improvised Lighting – Red LED headlamps or dimmed cabin lights help preserve night vision and avoid detection.
Driving Through Floods – No more than six inches of water unless you know your air intake height. Go slow, steady—don’t create a wake.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

You’re out of gas. Maybe siphoning stations got shut down, maybe your fuel cache got looted, or maybe you just pushed too far. Don’t panic. You still have options if you’ve got a brain, a toolkit, and a bit of know-how:

1. The Denatured Alcohol Boost (Alcohol Stove Fuel Hack)

If you have denatured alcohol (used in marine stoves or camping gear), you can use a small blend (ONLY in emergencies) to extend the remaining gasoline in a carbureted engine. Do not attempt this with fuel-injected or modern engines—older vehicles only.

Caution: This is extremely risky. Use only to limp to safety. Never exceed 10% mix. Filter everything.

2. Siphon from Lawn Equipment, Generators, or Boats

Emergency fuel isn’t just in cars. Mowers, snowblowers, backup generators, boats—all carry gasoline. Use a hand-siphon pump (avoid mouth siphoning) and a catch can. Keep a fuel transfer kit in your bug-out bag—small, cheap, priceless in a pinch.

3. Create a Gravity-Fed Drip Tank

If your vehicle fuel pump fails or you want to bypass a contaminated tank, rig a gravity-fed drip tank using a clean water jug, clear tubing, and a fuel filter. Mount it above the engine and feed it into the carburetor or fuel intake. This is makeshift, not efficient, but it can get your rig a few miles out of hell.

Surviving the Drive in Little Rhody

Driving through a disaster in Rhode Island is about threading the needle between panic, geography, and infrastructure failure. You’ve got bridges, tight urban corridors, a coastline that floods faster than your bathtub, and a population density that ensures traffic the minute the sirens wail.

So what do you do?

Pre-scout alternate routes—especially rural cut-throughs, utility paths, and even bike trails.
Keep a printed map in your glovebox. Mark fuel stations, water sources, and chokepoints.
Drive light. Weight kills speed and fuel economy. Strip non-essentials from your bug-out vehicle.
Keep a vehicle go-bag: Include fix-a-flat, siphon kit, battery jumper, headlamp, tire plug kit, and a collapsible fuel container.
Fill up every time you hit ¾ tank. Don’t wait till you’re low in a crisis zone.
Maintain your ride. That rusted-out ’98 Tacoma might be ugly, but if it runs clean and has high clearance, it’s better than a dead hybrid with a cracked battery.

When you know the roads like a survivalist knows his terrain, and you’ve trained behind the wheel as much as on the trail, you won’t need to hope—you’ll just drive. Smooth, quiet, and smart. Get out of Dodge—or Providence, in this case—and live to see another sunrise.

You’re not just driving. You’re surviving.

Nebraska’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 2, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Nebraska, Nebraska's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Nebraska’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: A Survivalist’s Hard-Learned Lessons

I’ve driven across deserts where the air could melt rubber, crossed frozen mountain passes where one wrong turn meant an icy death, and crawled through swamps that swallowed tires whole. But nowhere tests your nerves in a disaster like the flat, deceivingly gentle landscapes of Nebraska. It’s a land that hides danger in its simplicity. When the storm hits or the grid goes down, the Cornhusker State becomes a maze of impassable roads, blackouts, and waterlogged ditches.

I’ve spent years on the move, teaching myself how to survive behind the wheel. So take it from someone who’s had a few too many close calls—if you’re trying to get out of Dodge when all hell breaks loose in Nebraska, there are certain roads you’d do best to avoid. But even more importantly, you need to know how to drive when the rules no longer apply.

Let’s dig into the worst roads in Nebraska to be caught on during a crisis, then I’ll walk you through 15 survival driving skills to keep you alive, and 3 emergency hacks when the gas runs dry.

Nebraska’s Disaster-Prone Roads to Avoid

These roads might seem fine under clear skies, but when things turn south—floods, storms, civil unrest, or fuel shortages—they become traps.

1. Highway 275 (Between Norfolk and Fremont)

Flood-prone with poor drainage and aging bridges. One good storm and you’ll find yourself in a watery grave or stuck in an endless reroute.

2. Interstate 80 (Especially Omaha to Lincoln)

It’s a straight shot through the state, and that’s the problem. In a disaster, it’s a magnet for traffic jams, accidents, and panicked evacuees. You’ll be a sitting duck.

3. Highway 6

This two-lane route clogs quickly in emergencies and floods in spring storms. Visibility drops, and the ditch depth can flip your vehicle if you’re not careful.

4. Highway 20 (The Bridges to Nowhere)

In northern Nebraska, the infrastructure can’t handle a deluge. Rural bridges get washed out, and there’s nobody coming to fix them during a statewide disaster.

5. Highway 2 through the Sandhills

Beautiful terrain but treacherous when wet or snowy. No cell service for miles, and breakdowns here mean you’re truly alone.

6. Loup River Valley Roads

These scenic byways turn into mud pits. You’ll sink before you see a soul. Not worth the risk unless you’re packing a winch and 72-hour rations.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Can Save Your Life

If you’ve ever driven in chaos—roads crumbling, people panicking—you know it takes more than guts. It takes skill. These are the moves that have saved me time and again.

1. Threshold Braking

Keep your tires just at the edge of locking. Perfect for wet, icy, or loose gravel situations.

2. Skid Recovery

Turn into the skid, don’t fight it. Let the tires catch naturally. Fighting it just sends you sideways into a ditch.

3. Situational Awareness

Constantly scan your environment. Don’t fixate. One eye on the road, the other on potential threats or alternate exits.

4. Low-Speed Maneuvering

When debris or stalled cars block your path, crawling through tight spaces with precision becomes your ticket out.

5. Hand Signals for Low Visibility

When tail lights are useless in smoke or blackout conditions, knowing and using hand signals for convoy communication is vital.

6. Driving Without Headlights (Stealth Mode)

You don’t always want to be seen. Learn to drive with just enough dash light and moonlight when needed.

7. River Crossing Assessment

If you have to ford water, check depth with a stick and look for current. Never cross a flowing stream above your axle unless it’s life or death.

8. Run-Flat Tire Management

Learn how to keep rolling on compromised tires, and pack tire sealant and an air compressor.

9. High-Centering Recovery

Get off the hump by letting air out of your tires slightly and using traction aids like sand ladders or even floor mats.

10. Using Terrain for Cover

Avoid ambushes or flying debris by hugging terrain contours or parking behind natural barriers.

11. Rearview Bluff

Make your vehicle look like it’s been stripped or burned to deter looters—blackened windows, fake smoke damage, or broken glass on the dash.

12. Car Barricade Breaching

Know how to slowly push aside a stalled vehicle (or other obstruction) without damaging your radiator. Go low, push near the rear quarter panel.

13. Fuel Conservation Driving

Drive in high gear, avoid rapid acceleration, and coast when possible. Every drop counts when the pumps are dry.

14. Defensive Driving Under Fire

Not metaphorical—real bullets. Zigzag, use obstacles as shields, and never stop in the open. Reverse can be just as fast as drive.

15. Escape Route Mapping

Always know three ways out: one obvious, one hidden, one crazy. Think fences you can smash, alleys, or even train tracks.

3 DIY Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

Now let’s talk worst-case: you’re stranded. No gas, no AAA, just a quiet Nebraska road and a long night ahead. Here are three bushcraft-meets-automotive tricks I’ve used in the field.

1. Siphon Every Drop (Even From Yourself)

Keep a siphon hose and fuel-safe container. You’d be shocked how much fuel’s left in “dead” cars, lawn equipment, even abandoned tractors. Pro tip: rural properties often keep fuel tanks near barns. Respect private property, but survival is survival.

2. DIY Ethanol Booster

Corn country, right? If you’re desperate, ethanol or moonshine can work in small doses for older vehicles (pre-2001). Never run it straight, but you can mix it 10–20% with existing gasoline to eke out a few miles. Don’t try this in modern fuel-injected vehicles with sensors—they’ll hate it.

3. Roll and Glide Technique

Find a decline and coast. Seriously. Every foot helps. Push the vehicle onto a slope, shift into neutral, and use that to gain distance or even line of sight to rescue or fuel. Gravity never runs out.

Final Thoughts from a Road-Hardened Nomad

Nebraska’s beauty is deceptive. It looks like open country, a straight shot to safety. But under the pressure of disaster, those long roads twist into traps. With water rushing over bridges, winds flattening fields, and desperate people doing desperate things—you need more than horsepower. You need skill, planning, and a cool head.

I’ve driven out of wildfires, riots, and once, a Category 4 hurricane. But the loneliest and scariest escape I ever made was in the Nebraska Sandhills, with only a half tank of gas, a busted alternator, and the radio dead from EMP interference. I made it out by knowing when to drive, when to hide, and when to ditch the road entirely.

So next time you’re topping off your tank or checking your map, ask yourself: If the world went dark today, would I know how to drive my way out?

If you’re not sure, start practicing. Because in a real disaster, Google Maps won’t save you. But your skills just might.

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Missouri, Missouri Preppers, Missouri's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: Survivalist Guide to Driving Your Way Out

I’ve been around the globe and faced more than a few hairy situations where a vehicle was my lifeline. Whether it’s dense jungles, blistering deserts, or urban chaos, driving out of trouble requires more than just a license and a full tank. Missouri, with its diverse terrain and unpredictable weather, can become a battleground during a disaster. When roads deteriorate or nature turns hostile, only the prepared and skilled can make it through unscathed.

This isn’t just about knowing where the potholes are; it’s about understanding which routes can trap you, which roads will test your mettle, and how to handle your vehicle when everything is stacked against you.

Missouri’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

Missouri may not have the reputation of coastal storm zones or mountain passes, but when disaster strikes — whether it’s floods, tornadoes, ice storms, or the aftermath of a man-made event — certain roads become death traps.

Route 66 through the Ozarks: Once the iconic American highway, many stretches of Route 66 here are narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. During floods or heavy storms, these roads can wash out quickly or become slick and impassable.
Highway 36 near Kirksville: This stretch can become a mud trap during heavy rains. It’s a vital east-west artery, but flooding often turns it into a quagmire.
The Mark Twain National Forest backroads: These gravel and dirt roads are tricky in the best conditions. After storms or ice, they’re nearly impossible without proper off-road skills and vehicles.
I-44 through St. Louis suburbs: The traffic congestion combined with the potential for multi-car pileups and flooding means this interstate can gridlock fast during emergencies.
Highway 160 near the southern Missouri Ozarks: Known for steep inclines and sharp curves, the rain turns it into a slide zone.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge approach: This bridge is a choke point during floods along the Mississippi River, with narrow shoulders and limited escape routes.
Mississippi River floodplain roads: Low-lying and prone to rapid flooding, these rural routes can trap you miles from help.
Highway 79 near Clarksville: This highway hugs the Mississippi and can become slick with ice or floodwaters.
I-70 in rural eastern Missouri: Often neglected in winter storms, ice patches here have caused serious accidents.
Highway 21 near Festus: Curvy and with poor lighting, this route can be treacherous after dark or in storm conditions.

Why Knowing These Roads Matters

If you’re trying to evacuate during a disaster, knowing the weak points in your planned route can save your life. Roads prone to flooding or landslides can leave you stranded or force you into dangerous detours. Traffic snarls on main arteries might push you to take secondary roads where your skills need to be sharp.

15 Survival Driving Skills to Drive Your Way Out of Disaster

If you want to come out alive and whole, here’s the survivalist driving skill set you need locked and loaded.

Vehicle Control on Slippery Surfaces: Learn to modulate throttle and braking to avoid skidding on ice, mud, or wet leaves.
Emergency Braking Techniques: Know the difference between ABS and non-ABS braking and how to use threshold braking if needed.
Hill Climb and Descent Mastery: When dealing with steep or slick inclines, controlling your speed and braking without locking wheels is key.
Tire Placement Precision: On narrow or rocky roads, knowing exactly where to place each tire can prevent rollovers or getting stuck.
Mud and Sand Recovery: Recognize when you’re stuck and how to rock the vehicle out safely without digging yourself deeper.
Water Crossing Assessment: Identify safe ford points in flooded areas—depth, current, and bottom composition.
Basic Off-Road Navigation: Use natural landmarks and maps when GPS is dead or misleading.
Driving Without Traction: Utilize low gears and momentum to power through loose gravel or snow.
Quick Evasive Maneuvers: Swerving effectively without losing control can help avoid sudden obstacles or debris.
Fuel Management and Conservation: Drive efficiently and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption in extended evacuation scenarios.
Night Driving with Limited Visibility: Master low-beam use and avoid high beams in fog or heavy rain.
Vehicle Inspection and Quick Repairs: Know how to check tire pressure, fluids, and basic repairs on the fly.
Towing and Recovery: Use ropes or winches effectively if you or a convoy member gets stuck.
Vehicle Communication: Use CB radios or walkie-talkies to coordinate if you’re traveling with others.
Mental Resilience Under Stress: Staying calm and methodical prevents panic decisions that lead to accidents.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You Run Out of Gas

Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere is a classic survival headache. But a few hacks can keep you moving or get you out of tight spots.

1. Gravity-Fed Fuel Transfer Using Clear Hose

If you have a spare container of gas, use a clear plastic hose or tubing to siphon fuel into your tank. Insert one end into the container and the other into your tank’s fuel filler, then create suction carefully by mouth or use a small pump. The clear hose lets you see when fuel flows.

2. Use Cardboard or Cloth to Improve Traction

If you stall on a slick patch with no fuel to restart, place cardboard pieces or fabric under your tires to gain traction and try to push the vehicle to a safer, more accessible spot.

3. Convert Manual Transmission Push-Start Technique

If you’re driving a manual, you can sometimes push-start the vehicle. With a little push from people or gravity (rolling downhill), put the clutch in second gear and release it quickly to start the engine without fuel injection—this can work if residual fuel is in the system or to jump a dead battery.

Final Thoughts

Missouri’s roads might not look like the wildest terrain on a map, but disaster reveals their true danger. If you’ve studied these routes, sharpened your survival driving skills, and learned a few hacks for when things go sideways, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of getting out alive.

Don’t underestimate the power of preparation and practice. Disaster driving isn’t just about speed or power—it’s about control, patience, and knowing your environment like the back of your hand. Take care, stay sharp, and keep those wheels turning.

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Vermont, Vermont's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Vermont’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster — And How to Survive Them Behind the Wheel

By: A Well-Traveled Survivalist

Let me be clear—when disaster strikes, roads become more than routes. They become lifelines, battlegrounds, and bottlenecks. I’ve driven through hurricanes in Florida, wildfire evacuations in California, and flash floods in Texas. But Vermont? Vermont’s got a whole different beast when it comes to bad roads during bad times.

Between its winding mountain passes, frost-heaved asphalt, and dense tree cover, the Green Mountain State turns into a trap when the lights go out or the weather gets mean. Whether it’s a Nor’easter burying Route 100 under three feet of snow or a flash flood taking out bridges in Windham County, if you’re not prepared to drive like your life depends on it—you’re already a victim.

Let me walk you through the worst roads to avoid (or conquer) and then arm you with 15 crucial survival driving skills. And for those who really find themselves neck-deep in trouble, I’ve got three DIY hacks to keep you moving even when the tank runs dry.

Vermont’s Worst Roads During a Disaster

Here’s a short list of Vermont roads that’ll break your spirit (or your axle) in a disaster:

Route 100 (from Killington to Waterbury) – Winding, narrow, and one rockslide away from being impassable. Gorgeous in fall, deathtrap in winter.
Route 9 (Bennington to Brattleboro) – Prone to flooding, steep inclines, and black ice. This one gets shut down regularly in Nor’easters.
Interstate 89 (Montpelier to Burlington) – The main artery in and out of Central Vermont. In a mass exodus, this becomes a clogged mess.
Route 107 (Stockbridge area) – Mountain passes and not enough guardrails. One good rainstorm and you’re on mud.
Route 17 (App Gap) – Twists like a snake and climbs fast. A driver’s nightmare in snow or fog.
Kelly Stand Road (Searsburg) – Dirt and isolation. You’ll lose cell service and possibly your undercarriage.
Route 108 (Smugglers’ Notch) – Seasonally closed, but people still try to push through. Don’t be one of them.
Lincoln Gap Road – Just avoid it. It’s basically a hiking trail someone paved.
Route 15 (Hardwick to Morristown) – Flooding danger, especially during late spring thaw.
Danby Mountain Road – Off-grid and often washed out. The sort of place AAA won’t find you.

15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Conditions

You can have the best 4×4 on the market, but without the skills to match, you’re still a target. Here’s what every survivalist driver needs to master:

Off-Road Navigation – Learn to read terrain and use topographic maps. GPS is unreliable in power outages or remote terrain.
Throttle Feathering – Control your gas pedal in slippery conditions. Over-acceleration leads to spinning out or getting stuck.
Tire Patching and Plugging – Know how to plug a tire on the fly. Keep a kit in your glove box, and practice before it matters.
Field Tire Inflation – A hand pump or portable compressor can save your ride. Drop PSI on snow; boost it back for gravel.
Braking in Skid Conditions – Don’t slam the brakes. Learn threshold braking and cadence braking for older vehicles without ABS.
River and Flood Crossing Judgment – Never guess depth. A 12-inch current can float most vehicles. Know when to turn back.
Spotting Hazards Ahead – Train your eyes to read the road 15 seconds ahead. It buys you time to react or reroute.
Driving in Reverse at Speed – Sounds crazy? Try navigating a narrow escape route in reverse without stalling or crashing.
Using Mirrors Like a Pro – Your mirrors are your sixth sense. Check every 10 seconds. Blind spots kill in disasters.
Utilizing Low Gears – Downshift for better control in snow, mud, or downhill slopes. Don’t burn your brakes.
Driving in Convoy Formation – Stick to 3-second gaps, signal intentions, and never bunch up. Panic leads to pileups.
Navigating Without Lights – Cover tail lights with tape if you’re bugging out at night. Stay under the radar.
Knowing When to Ditch – If your car’s stuck and burning gas, abandon it and hike. Your life is worth more than your ride.
Distraction-Free Driving – Silence the phone. Every second counts. Your focus is your strongest survival tool.
Fuel Conservation Techniques – Coast when you can. Idle as little as possible. Draft behind large vehicles (safely) to reduce drag.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

When the needle’s on E and there’s no gas station for 50 miles, ingenuity keeps you moving. Here are three tricks I’ve used or witnessed in the field:

Siphon and Filter
If you’re in a pinch and spot an abandoned vehicle, you can siphon gas with a tube and gravity. Just make sure to filter it through a shirt, coffee filter, or even moss to catch debris before pouring it into your tank.
Alcohol-Based Emergency Burn
In a gasoline shortfall, denatured alcohol or isopropyl (91% or higher) can be used sparingly in older engines. This is for carbureted engines only—fuel-injected systems may not tolerate it well. It’s risky, but it can get you a few extra miles.
Pressurized Bottle Fuel Pump
Repurpose a soda bottle with a tire valve stem and a bit of hose. Pressurize the bottle with a bike pump and gravity-feed fuel into your engine. This works best with lawn equipment fuel tanks but can keep an old ATV alive in a pinch.

Final Thoughts From the Road

Survival is about preparation, skill, and knowing when to go and when to stay put. Vermont’s roads don’t forgive ignorance or indecision. In a disaster, they get slick, jammed, or vanish altogether. I’ve seen Subarus stranded and lifted trucks washed out. It’s not about what you drive—it’s how you drive it.

Know your routes. Scout secondary options. Keep maps printed and waterproofed. Fuel up before a storm, not after. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t trust your GPS when the sky’s falling—it doesn’t know that the bridge on Route 9 washed out last night.

Disasters favor the prepared and punish the reckless. Be the first, not the second.