The unimaginable scenario of war can become a terrifying reality for civilians. In such dire circumstances, knowing how to survive a war as a civilian can be the difference between life and death. This guide provides actionable steps and crucial considerations to help you prepare, react, and endure during armed conflict, focusing on safety, self-reliance, and humanitarian principles.
Understanding the Threat
War poses multifaceted dangers to civilians, including direct violence, displacement, disruption of essential services, and psychological trauma. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) offers some protection to civilians, but adherence can vary. It’s crucial to understand that your safety and well-being will largely depend on your preparedness and ability to adapt.
- Pre-Conflict Planning: Preparing for the Worst
Even if war seems distant, proactive preparation can significantly increase your chances of survival.
- Develop an Emergency Plan:
- Family Communication Plan: Establish clear communication methods and designated meeting points if separated. This includes out-of-area contacts.
- Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple primary and alternate escape routes from your home, neighborhood, and city. Practice these routes.
- Rendezvous Points: Designate safe, secure places to meet family members, both within and outside your immediate area.
- Prepare a “Go-Bag” (Emergency Kit):
- This bag should be easily accessible and ready for immediate evacuation. Aim for enough supplies for at least 72 hours, ideally more.
- Documents: Copies of passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, property deeds, insurance policies, medical records, and cash. Keep them in a waterproof bag.
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day. Include purification tablets or a portable filter.
- Food: Non-perishable, high-energy foods like energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, canned goods (with a manual can opener).
- First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply), any personal medical necessities (e.g., inhalers, insulin), and essential over-the-counter drugs (anti-diarrhea, antacids).
- Shelter/Warmth: Emergency blankets, sleeping bags, a small tent if space allows.
- Tools: Multi-tool, knife, flashlight (with extra batteries or hand-crank), small radio (battery-powered or hand-crank, preferably NOAA weather radio), lighter/matches.
- Hygiene: Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, soap, feminine hygiene products, garbage bags.
- Navigation: Local maps (paper copies), compass, whistle for signaling.
- Communication: Fully charged power bank for your phone, satellite phone (if accessible), or two-way radios for short-range communication.
- Clothing: A change of sturdy, comfortable clothes suitable for the climate.
- Secure Your Home (If Staying):
- Reinforce windows with tape to prevent shattering.
- Identify the safest parts of your home (e.g., basement, inner rooms away from windows) for shelter during attacks.
- Stockpile non-perishable food, water, and medical supplies.
- Learn how to shut off utilities (gas, electricity, water) in case of damage.
- During Conflict: Immediate Actions and Safety
Once conflict begins, your priorities shift to immediate safety and resource management.
- Seek Shelter Immediately:
- When shelling, gunfire, or aerial attacks begin, fall to the ground and cover your head with your hands.
- Move to the designated safe zone in your home (basement, interior room, or a pre-identified shelter).
- If outdoors, seek cover behind substantial structures (thick walls, ditches, concrete barriers). Avoid windows and exposed areas.
- Public shelters, if available and announced by authorities, are designed to offer protection.
- Stay Informed from Trusted Sources:
- Rely on official government broadcasts, established news outlets, and verified humanitarian organizations (e.g., Red Cross, UN agencies).
- Avoid rumors and unverified social media, which can cause panic or spread misinformation.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is vital if electricity and internet are cut.
- Conserve Resources:
- Water: Ration water strictly. Use purified rainwater or collected water for non-drinking purposes (hygiene).
- Food: Prioritize calorie intake and ration food supplies. Cook efficiently to conserve fuel.
- Electricity: Conserve battery life on devices. Use flashlights over candles (fire risk).
- Understand and Adhere to Curfews/Instructions:
- Listen for and follow instructions from authorities regarding curfews, movement restrictions, and designated safe corridors. Disobeying can put your life at risk.
- Identify Yourself as a Civilian:
- Avoid wearing camouflage or military-style clothing.
- Do not carry weapons or objects that could be mistaken for weapons.
- If stopped by armed personnel, remain calm, keep your hands visible, and follow instructions. Do not make sudden movements.
- Avoid Conflict Zones:
- Steer clear of military installations, checkpoints, and areas of active combat.
- Do not approach unexploded ordnance or suspicious objects; report them to authorities if possible.
- Minimize movement, especially at night.
- Protect Vulnerable Individuals:
- Children, the elderly, and those with disabilities require extra care and attention.
- Ensure they have access to their medications, are kept warm, and are psychologically supported.
- Evacuation and Movement
When staying becomes too dangerous, or ordered by authorities, evacuation is necessary.
- Be Ready to Move:
- Your “go-bag” should be constantly prepared.
- Inform trusted contacts of your intentions and destination if possible.
- Travel Light and Smart:
- Carry only essentials. Every extra pound will become a burden.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
- Blend in with the civilian population; avoid drawing attention.
- Move During Lulls in Fighting (if safe):
- If not part of an organized evacuation, try to move during periods of relative calm, usually dawn or dusk.
- Stick to Known Routes (if safe):
- Avoid shortcuts that might be mined or lead into dangerous areas.
- Look for signs of recent civilian movement.
- Seek Humanitarian Aid:
- Look for signs or information about humanitarian corridors, aid distribution points, or refugee camps.
- International organizations (ICRC, UNHCR, UNICEF) and NGOs provide crucial support.
- Maintain Family Unity:
- Stay together as a family. If separated, remember your pre-arranged meeting points.
- Teach children their full names, parents’ names, and a contact number if they get lost.
- Medical Preparedness and First Aid
Medical infrastructure often collapses during war, making self-sufficiency vital.
- Learn Basic First Aid:
- Knowing how to stop bleeding, treat burns, splint fractures, and address shock can save lives. Consider taking a basic first aid course.
- Manage Chronic Conditions:
- Ensure you have a sufficient supply of any necessary prescription medications. Store them safely.
- Carry your medical history, allergies, and contact information for your doctor.
- Recognize Symptoms of Common Illnesses:
- Crowded conditions and poor sanitation can lead to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Be aware of symptoms of common illnesses like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.
- Be Resourceful with Medical Supplies:
- Learn improvisational first aid techniques using readily available materials.
- Prioritize treating life-threatening injuries first.
- Psychological Resilience and Mental Well-being
The psychological toll of war can be immense. Maintaining mental health is as important as physical survival.
- Acknowledge and Process Emotions:
- Fear, anxiety, anger, and grief are normal reactions. Do not suppress them.
- Talk to trusted family members or friends.
- Maintain Routines (where possible):
- Familiar routines can provide a sense of normalcy and control in chaotic situations.
- Maintain hygiene, regular meal times, and sleep patterns if feasible.
- Engage in Calming Activities:
- Reading, drawing, simple exercises, or prayer can help manage stress.
- Limit exposure to distressing news.
- Support Children:
- Children are particularly vulnerable to trauma. Provide comfort, reassurance, and maintain a sense of safety.
- Encourage play and creative expression.
- Seek Support:
- If available, connect with mental health professionals or support groups.
- Helping others can also foster a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Important Legal and Ethical Considerations
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Civilians are protected under IHL, which requires combatants to distinguish between military targets and civilians. However, this protection can be violated.
- Neutrality: As a civilian, maintaining neutrality can be critical for safety. Avoid taking sides or engaging in hostile acts.
- Humanitarian Aid: You have the right to receive humanitarian assistance. Organizations providing aid operate under principles of neutrality and impartiality.
Surviving a war as a civilian is an immense challenge. By taking proactive steps to prepare, acting decisively during conflict, and prioritizing your physical and mental well-being, you can significantly increase your chances of enduring such an ordeal.
