BOSNIA! Without giving you the history lesson, i think we all know how the general situation played-out, if not - 'DuckDuckGo' it! - https://duckduckgo.com/
As preppers we should all consider a Bug Out option for your location/abode no matter how safe you think you are, but when do you actually bug-out? Reflecting back on the situation that occured in Bosnia may add another strand of information to your decision making process. You may think you would not Bug-Out unless your abode is uninhabitable right? HOWEVER in the early 1990's, in Bosnia, timing was everything and their houses were still habitable.
Watching The Signs - In the early 90's there was NO INTERNET! (omg). Informaiton flow was limited and slow! One basically depended on Governmental controlled T.V./Radio or word of mouth. As the situation developed, social cohesion and neighbourhood intelligence were the only methods of determining the safety of your locale. Nothing's gonna happen here right? WRONG, As the agressors moved in, Isolated and rural village locations had little or no time to react. The cleansers, came to KILL you, burn down your house and eliminate every trace of your existence!
We're Staying - Now What? Hunker down and try and ride it out? In this case the army moved into town..... It was too late..... Overpowered and outgunned by an organised military force, the town occupants were then left at the mercey of the attackers.... Governmental backed forces moved from house to house, systematically eradicating/imprisoning everyone - NO amount of 'preps' would have helped them!
Bug-Out? But where do you go? If you have an alternative location already set up and organised then you will be relocating. If you have no alternative location to go to, you are now a Refugee.
In Bosnia, the key was to get out early. Those who left it too late? Well, there was no where to go! The main highways were blocked off early with military checkpoints and even though many villages were rural, most if not all of the surrounding countryside were full of MINES.
MY POINT - Although Bosnia is used as my main example, in recent times there have been similar situations and include the recent Ukraine and Myanmar situations.These types of situation do NOT happen overnight! Unrest, lawlessness and violence generally have a tendency to escalate. Starting within the big cities and centred around Government buildings, demonstrations turn quickly to 'lock-down' scenarios, followed more often than not with the Police losing control then.... Martial-Law. The collapse and failure of a State and or Region/Nation can be identified early. Denial of the situation can be dangerous and can result in your town in the same situation as those in Bosnia.
Societal Collapse is induced and or caused by people/residents. Throughout history there are common trends. All of these trends eventually indicate a time-critical decision point. This is the point you should ask yourself
- Practice that plan.
- Monitoring current political unrest.
- Making use of information sources.
- Have a good decision making system.
- Ensure you have an effective Bug Out plan!
History has also shown that IF you do stay in location, you need to be set up for a long time! Failed states tend to last years before some form of stability returns. Whatever your situation is, keep calm, keep vigilant and stay within the law.GOOD LUCK Questions or comments welcome (Don't be shy).