National Guard Arrives in L.A. Amid Curfews and Looting Concerns Following Devastating Fires

Los Angeles is a multitude proper now. After devastating wildfires ripped by way of the realm, it’s not simply the flames inflicting chaos—it’s folks. Looters are hitting evacuation zones exhausting, and with tensions boiling over, the Nationwide Guard has been referred to as in to wash issues up. If this doesn’t scream “you’re by yourself,” I don’t know what does.

Looters Are Taking Benefit—Don’t Let Them Take Benefit of You

Over 20 arrests have already been made as scumbags have been utilizing the chaos to prey on hearth victims. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna says the Nationwide Guard’s arrival ought to ship a transparent message: keep out of those neighborhoods or face the implications. Curfews are in place from 6 p.m. to six a.m., however let’s be actual—curfews solely work if folks comply with them.

Nationwide Guard troops arrived in California on Friday to help in restoring order as “despicable” looting disrupted some areas, leading to at the least 20 arrests and prompting a strict in a single day curfew.

The guardsmen had been noticed patrolling streets and offering support to residents in neighborhoods impacted by the devastating fires, now thought of essentially the most damaging in Los Angeles historical past.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Division has formally requested the help of the California Nationwide Guard for each fires,” mentioned LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. “They are going to be aiding us with site visitors management and important infrastructure safety.”

You may’t depend on the Guard or the cops to maintain your stuff protected. For those who dwell in a disaster-prone space, you’d higher have your house locked down and able to defend. Alarms, cameras, strengthened doorways, and sure, one thing for private safety, are your finest bets.

False Alerts Add to the Chaos

As if issues weren’t unhealthy sufficient, the emergency alert system is screwing up left and proper. Individuals in areas miles away from the fires bought evacuation warnings—seems it was a “technical glitch.” Nice. Simply what we want, extra confusion.

Right here’s the takeaway: don’t belief the system to get it proper. You want your individual plan. Whether or not that’s a ham radio, a CB, or simply realizing what’s occurring in your neighborhood, you’ve bought to remain knowledgeable with out counting on authorities screwups.

Water System Fails—What a Shock

Then there’s the water drawback. Whereas properties and hills had been burning, firefighters had been caught coping with low water strain as a result of the Santa Ynez Reservoir was offline for repairs. Yeah, you learn that proper—offline throughout a significant wildfire. This sort of failure isn’t simply silly; it’s lethal.

If this doesn’t make you need to stockpile water and prep your individual filtration techniques, I don’t know what is going to. You could be able to dwell with out utilities as a result of historical past proves they’ll fail if you want them most.

It also shows the need for a solid Bug Out Plan!

The Backside Line: Authorities Will Let You Down

This complete state of affairs is one other reminder of a tough reality: assist isn’t coming. From looters to unhealthy emergency alerts to water failures, the cracks within the system are in all places. Positive, the Nationwide Guard displaying up is one thing, however by the point they roll in, the injury is finished.

The unfolding catastrophe underscores a recurring theme: authorities techniques FAIL in instances of disaster. From water shortages to mismanaged emergency alerts, many residents really feel let down and are questioning the state’s capability to guard its residents throughout emergencies. Former President Trump weighed in, blasting state and federal management on Fact Social, saying, “NO WATER IN THE FIRE HYDRANTS, NO MONEY IN FEMA. THIS IS WHAT JOE BIDEN IS LEAVING ME. THANKS JOE!”

These points spotlight why people must prioritize private preparedness. As we’ve beforehand mentioned in The Aftermath: Preparing for Post-Disaster Problems, survival relies on planning for prolonged intervals with out utilities, entry to meals, and even security from looters.

For these watching the chaos, now’s the time to evaluate your preparedness for future disasters. Whether or not it’s stocking up on emergency meals and water, securing your house towards potential looters, or understanding your rights within the face of government-imposed curfews, being self-reliant is not only clever—it’s important.

Prepping for a catastrophe is simply half the battle—what occurs after may be much more harmful. Right here’s what it is advisable know:

1. Residing With out Utilities

• Anticipate prolonged outages. Energy, water, and gasoline may very well be out for weeks and even months.
• Stockpile water. Have at the least two weeks’ price of consuming water, extra if potential.
• Plan for sanitation. With out sewer techniques, sanitation turns into essential—improper waste administration can kill extra folks than the catastrophe itself.
• Have off-grid cooking choices. With out electrical energy or gasoline, you’ll want methods to arrange meals.
• Get equipped. Take into account photo voltaic mills and water filtration techniques.

2. Grocery Retailer Shutdowns

• Refill on meals. Grocery shops will empty out quick, and restocking can take weeks or months.
• Be taught meals safety. Searching, fishing, foraging, and gardening are very important abilities.
• Survival backyard. Even a small one can present much-needed sources.

3. Publish-Catastrophe Violence

• Social unrest will occur. Riots, looting, and residential invasions are nearly assured, particularly in city areas.
• Be able to defend your self. Be taught self-defense and contemplate proudly owning a firearm.
• Fortify your house. Make it tougher for criminals to interrupt in.
• Put together for determined neighbors. Even “regular” folks can turn into a menace once they’re determined.

4. Authorities Threats

• Don’t depend on officers. Many authorities actions, like evacuation orders or martial legislation, make issues worse.
• Be cautious of crackdowns. Anticipate curfews, journey restrictions, and even gun confiscations.
• Act early. Don’t wait for presidency orders to depart or put together.

The Fact Hurts—However It Saves Lives

Disasters like this present how unprepared most individuals are. For those who don’t need to find yourself as one other sufferer ready for somebody to save lots of you, get your act collectively now. Begin with the fundamentals and construct from there.