Urban Survival Planning - When the Trucks Stop

UrbanSurvivalSkills.com received Anonymous has left a new comment on your post The Urban Threat – Why the Need for Urban Survival..."I love this site... ....Please consider a segment for the "spouse." As a male, former PSYOP guy, army brat, this come very naturally to me, but getting my wife to buy in has been a process of PSYOP.....drip, drip, drip...article here, emergency there…….Consider the recent Boston water main break, the impact on that….also consider articles like this one...this is an eye opener is used and got 'buy in," as a result."

UrbanMan replies: PSYOPS guy, great point. You can explain to your spouse about the “insurance aspect” of Survival Preparation,….you can prep by yourself in secrecy like the reader who sent me the previous post about a Bug Out rehearsal,……but in the end a constant drip of the “why” is probably your best bet.

When the military plans operations they consider what the enemy is likely to do and what enemy course of action is most dangerous to the friendly mission. This is a good lesson to take into Survival Planning. Consider what can happen, what is likely to happen and what is most dangerous to you and your family’s survival.

The trucking article link you sent me was an excellent “why” article. I am re-producing the highlights below. Everyone should consider reading the full, detailed article which you can access by clicking here. The below article is concerned about a trucking stoppage based on responses to and restrictions following an “incident of national or regional significance” such as a terrorist attack or panademic. Another scenario which could great affect trucking would be an acute shortage of fuel from a major war in the Middle East and subsequent export stoppages from our South American oil imports.

When Trucks Stop, America Stops

The unimpeded flow of trucks is critical to the safety and well-being of all Americans. However, it is entirely possible that well-intended public officials may instinctively halt or severely restrict truck traffic in response to an incident of national or regional significance.

Recent history has shown us the consequences that result from a major disruption in truck travel. Immediately following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, significant truck delays at the Canadian border crossings shut down several auto manufacturing plants in Michigan because

just-in-time parts were not delivered. The economic cost to these companies was enormous. Following Hurricane Katrina, trucks loaded with emergency goods were rerouted, creating lengthy delays in delivering urgently needed supplies to the stricken areas.

Although in the face of an elevated threat level, a terrorist attack, or a pandemic, halting truck traffic may appear to be the best defense, it actually puts citizens at risk. Officials at every level of government must recognize that a decision to halt or severely curb truck traffic following a national or regional emergency will produce unintended health and economic consequences not only for the community they seek to protect, but for the entire nation.

A Timeline Showing the Deterioration of Major Industries Following a Truck Stoppage:

The first 24 hours

Delivery of medical supplies to the affected area will cease. Hospitals will run out of basic supplies such as syringes and catheters within hours. Radio pharmaceuticals will deteriorate and become unusable. Service stations will begin to run out of fuel. Manufacturers using just-in-time manufacturing will develop component shortages. U.S. mail and other package delivery will cease.

Within one day

Food shortages will begin to develop. Automobile fuel availability and delivery will dwindle, leading to skyrocketing prices and long lines at the gas pumps. Without manufacturing components and trucks for product delivery, assembly lines will shut down, putting thousands out of work.

Within two to three days

Food shortages will escalate, especially in the face of hoarding and consumer panic. Supplies of essentials—such as bottled water, powdered milk, and canned meat—at major retailers will disappear. ATMs will run out of cash and banks will be unable to process transactions.

Service stations will completely run out of fuel for autos and trucks. Garbage will start piling up in urban and suburban areas. Container ships will sit idle in ports and rail transport will be disrupted, eventually coming to a standstill.

Within a week

Automobile travel will cease due to the lack of fuel. Without autos and bus’ many people will not be able to get to work, shop for groceries, or access medical care. Hospitals will begin to exhaust oxygen supplies.

Within two weeks

The nation’s clean water supply will begin to run dry.

Within four weeks

The nation will exhaust its clean water supply and water will be safe for drinking only after boiling. As a result gastrointestinal illnesses will increase, further taxing an already weakened health care system.

This timeline presents only the primary effects of a freeze on truck travel. Secondary effects must be considered as well, such as inability to maintain telecommunications service, reduced law enforcement, increased crime, increased illness and injury, higher death rates, and likely, civil unrest