Civil Defense: Winning Practical and Tactical Steps
Civil Defense: Winning Practical and Tactical Steps
Civil Defense has been around since the Old Testament.
And for good reason.
It will save your life, your family members, your neighbors, your state, and your nation.
Look it up.
Here is my Civil Defense Radio interview that provides a good introduction the field of civil defense and how it can help you and your family prepare for and respond to natural and manmade disasters.
Here, I will explore practical and tactical steps to win in Civil Defense.
Brief Definition of Civil Defense
Civil defense as used here includes all the tasks taken to ensure the safety of citizens from attack (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) as well as from the negative impacts of natural disasters.
At the very core of civil defense is the protection of children. In the United States, it is mostly done by unpaid volunteers in support of front-line emergency personnel with oversight by the government.
For background, see the Wold War Museum and the Titan Missile Museum websites.
Civil Defense History: WWII to Today
Civil defense for children has been practiced from the beginning of time, but here we will briefly analyze civil defense from the end of World War II until today. I will then offer several ways to help children with various aspects of good civil defense planning, supplies, and tactics.
From the end of World War II through the 1950’s and 1960’s, the emphasis was on training children on how to “duck and cover” or find shelter from incoming nuclear weapons.
NORAD once took civil defense seriously. There was also an emphasis on building shelters, often in the basement or backyard. Fallout shelters were built because nuclear war at the time were a good possibility and they were one way to reduce the loss of life should the unthinkable happen.
For the Duck and Cover film that was widely shown to children in the 1950’s and 1960’s, see: . For fallout shelter videos, see: History Brief: For Family Fallout Shelters, see the History Brief at:
Today there are many YouTube videos mocking these videos, viewing them as laughable because the nuclear war they prepared for never happened or the shelters and supplies gathered were never going to save anyone.
I disagree.
Given the international tensions at the time and how close we came to nuclear war (I know a Marine who was in Guantanamo Bay and another who was in Florida ready to deploy during the Cuban Missile Crisis…both assure me we were one call away from a nuclear war at that time), those preparations were prudent.
Moreover, preparing to live by preparing to deal with known contingencies (civil defense) has been essential to human survival for thousands of years.
And before laughing too hard, consider that citizens then knew the threats and took measures to prepare to meet and overcome them. How many citizens can say the same today? Witness the panic buying as hurricanes approaches.
Physical and Health Civil Defense
Build your immune system with walking, exercise, sunshine, Vitamin D, Play and Fun. This is critical to maintaining your health to counter the effects of virus, germs, bacteria and the other ancient enemies of mankind.
Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide daily. It kills germs, bacteria and viruses. Notice your dental hygienist now makes you rinse with hydrogen peroxide before working on your teeth. They know.
And know civil defense plans, policies, strategies, exercises, procedures, hacks and tips so you can make your own decisions.
Do not buy into the myth the government will take care of you in the event of a disaster. There are thousands of examples of the adject failure of the government to save lives and property when disasters strike. The East Palestine train derailment is just one example.
Here is one local government failure to mitigate a disaster I experienced.
Back in March of 2020, our local mayor shut down children's playgrounds and put police tape around the equipment. When I asked him why and told him he was doing the worst thing possible, he said, "This is what Governor Hogan ordered."
When I said he could show courage and stand up to the Governor as the Governor was compromised by CCP money, he threatened me.
I knew the governor was compomised because I donated $3,000 of my personal emergency fund to supply the Mt. Airy Police and the Maryland State Troopers at the Frederick barracks with proper PPE (gloves, masks, etc.) from North America Rescue. Meanwhile, this same Governor appeared in the news stating he was supplying Maryland first responders with PPE. False.
Result? Children who should have been building their immune system at the playground instead were isolated at home and played computer games. Their education was almost non-existent for two years.
As Firesign Theatre Radio taught us: "Everything you know (about the Wuhan Flu) is wrong!"
Now that this pandemic is ending, consider what was done correctly and what was done wrong. These lessons can be applied in the future.
Use goat milk soap: It will melt the fat in the fat anneals of the Wuhan Flu.
Have an EMP-Hardened thumb drive and a Whistle on your key ring: After manmade or natural disasters, most small businesses go out of business due to the destruction of their data...not the event. Keep an EMP-hardened thumb drive on your key ring. Use it to back up your data daily.
Keep a whistle on your key ring to contact others in an emergency. Purchase a few extras to protect your girlfriend, wife, daughter, niece, aunt, grand mother, etc.
Buy WaterBricks: Do not ever be in this situation: Water. Water. Water...everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Buy WaterBricks now to have plenty of clean water for you, your family and your neighbors. See here and here.
Use My Blog Posts to Learn Natural Disaster CD: If you need to learn about tornadoes, see here and here. For hurricanes, see here and here and here. For fires, see here. For snow storms, see here.
Drive to a fire house if your car or truck breaks down
Fire houses have men who know engines, electrical systems, software, tools, and what you need to get your truck or car fixed fast.
Drive to a clinic or hospital if your body breaks down: Hospitals and clinics have men and women who know the mechanics of the body and healing and what you need to get your body fixed quick.
Practice Smiling: You can actually trick the brain into positive thoughts by faking a smile, kind of a variation on fake it until you make it. I kid you not. Practice smiling when at your computer, watching TV and videos, or driving.
Your body sends messages to the brain of happiness, endorphins are released, and you prevent anxiety, depression, and suicide. Vets...pay attention.
Just like a shot of botox can fool the brain into happiness, avoid anxiety, and PTSD, so too with just smiling. Try it for a week. You will be amazed at the results.
It is OK to Cry: Grieve when you have to. That includes crying to get out your physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and other pain.
God gave you a gift to relieve you of the pain...crying.
In disasters, fights, combat, and assaults I have been in, it is not unusual for the best to absorb the pain, ignore the emotions, and get the mission accomplished.
But the pain does not dissipate unless you work to make it go away.
Crying is a valuable tool to do that. Choose your time. Grieve. And you will be able to move on.
For proof, read Touching the Dragon: and Other Techniques for Surviving Life's Wars by James Hatch. It is all in there.
Spiritual Civil Defense
God can do for you what you cannot do for yourself: No one lasts long in Civil Defense without depending on God's help.
Basically, if you depend on your own skill stack and do not tap God's Skill Stack, you will burn out
So...Rejoice always. Pray always. Rejoice always. Pray always. Rejoice always. Pray always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
– "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Share your Civil Defense gifts with others: It is the Golden Rule.
You have a knowledge that saves lives and property. Share it with others.
You serve with and through others in Civil Defense as in all earthly pursuits. Loners do not last long in Civil Defense.
Practice Chivalry: Sacrifice for the women and children you love.
You survive with and through others: In manmade and natural disasters, loners go first. Do not be a loner. Reach out to others. More importantly, know who the others are who you need to survive and establish relationships with them now.
Catholics know your faith: Remember the 7 sacraments, practice them, and enjoy the grace-filled life and joy of being Christian. Go to Mass. Receive Communion. Make a good confession. Get your children and grandchildren baptized.
And...there are sacramentals that can help you get through. Say your rosary. Wear a scapular and blessed saints medals along with the BVM medal. Listen to Father Altman. Listen to Taylor Marshall. Avoid the Marxist Jesuit pope. Keep FAITH before fear.
Depend on Jesus. The government will not save you.
FEMA will not save you. Do not be that guy in the 9th Ward in New Orleans saying, "Where's FEMA? Where's FEMA? Where's the Man!"
The Man is not coming.
Politicians and bureaucrats will not save you or your family.
You must save yourself.
This is a Civil Defense fact I have witnessed for decades.
Take measures to prepare yourself and your family for natural and manmade disasters NOW.
They will continue to strike as they have for thousands of years.
Chance favors the prepared.
Strategic Civil Defense
Introduction to Civil Defense: Here is my Civil Defense Radio interview that provides a good introduction the field of civil defense and how it can help you and your family prepare for and respond to natural and manmade disasters.
Visit the National Museum of Civil Defense to discover the rich history of Civil Defense planning, equipment, strategy and policies in the United States.
We just had a NMCD board of directors meeting to create a valuable experience to learn the art and everyday practice of Civil Defense.
The NMCD Facebook page is absolutely brimming with Civil Defense history, equipment, strategy, tactics and knowledge.
Visit the NMCD Facebook page today.
Details will Save Your Life: When I did physical training in the United States Air Force Officer Training School in San Antonia, Texas, a young enlisted guy would lead us from a stage. Over the public address system, he would repeat over and over again, "DETAILS WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!" .
Forty years later I have learned the truth of that saying.
Many times.
Details like wearing the proper foot gear on your feet to carry you quickly during a manmade or natural disaster…especially flooding when all kinds of sharp objects and viruses are present in the flood waters.
It is essential to your safety and life.
For example, I use Keen boots and alpaca inserts to assure proper footing in any situation. Both are American made.
It is a small detail, but comfortable, sturdy, dependable boots and a soft, germ fighting insert to wick away sweat are essential to make sure I can perform at an optimal level in an emergency.
Think of other details you need to address to survive, make a list, and address those details.
Your family depends on you so prepare in advance.
"DETAILS WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!"
Poetslife Civil Defense Resources
Here are a few links to civil defense posts I have written over the past 25 years. Some may be useful to you and your family.
I especially urge any MIA families to see my post on my Uncle Frank. Do not waste the 40 years I wasted to find out what happened to him. Use the links I provide in that blog to discover information about your deceased missing in action family member.
1st Lt. MIA Frank J. Curley USAAF
Active Shooter Bomb Threat or Rumor
CBRNe: Low Probability High Impact
Church Emergency Response Plan Example
Church Tabletop Exercise Template - Active Shooter
Church Tabletop Exercise Template - Category 4 Hurricane
Civil Defense in 1958 and 2018: Mt. Airy Test Case
Civil Defense Lessons of the Wuhan Coronavirus Pandemic
Civil Defense PeriscopeTV Stress Test
Civil Defense - Winning Practical and Tactical Steps
Creating a Church Emergency Response Plan
Cybersecurity: Keeping the Pipe Open
ISIS Use of Social Media as a Force Multiplier
Old Timey Hardware Survival Store
Social Media as a Force Multiplier
When State Hackers Take Aim at the Power Grid
TACDA Resources
TACDA.ORG has disaster education coursework, years of the Journal of Civil Defense you can research, a blog, and many, many resources you can use to learn Civil Defense for you and your family. Please do.
Self Storage and Disaster Preparedness
How to Save Money on Emergency Supplies
Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and the Disabled
Storm Spotting for Children - A Valuable Life Skill
How to Harden your House Against a Burglar
Harden your Home for Earthquakes
National Museum of Civil Defense
How to Respond to an Active Shooter
How to Make a Hiker's Survival Kit
Get some historical perspective about what we are going through in the United States now. It happened in France long ago.
P.S. Here are fun atomic posters.