I’ve been asked several times about when something happens and people first arrive to a retreat location. Questions usually come up regarding who does what and when. Granted situation details will dictate quite a bit but having some form of checklist will help remember things, decrease stress, and allow people to use their brains for thinking.
Here is one example that is broken up into days for the first week or so.
Day 1 Checklist – first 24 hours upon arrival:
- Injuries? Check and treat.
- Gather facts from all groups members
- What has been seen and where?
- What has been heard? Source?
- Make sure everyone is informed and educated on all information.
- Notes should be taken to reference later rather than relying on memory.
- Determine potential threats if any? If so set up security watch right away.
- Get someone on commo to gain intelligence/information. This includes internet/radio/TV/social media/Ham/CB
- Inventory all supplies brought to retreat by members to add to inventory lists
- How much combined cash/silver/gold is on hand?
- If safe – formulate a supply run(s) to purchase additional supplies while the ability still exists(see “Supply Run Checklist” – coming soon)
- Get inventory of all fuel.
- How much is in each vehicle in gallons?
- How much is currently stored?
- Is it safe to go out for more? If so go get some. Get back quickly.
- How much propane?
- How much charcoal?
- If electricity is still on get all rechargeable batteries into a charger.
- Water running? If so fill all available containers.
- Set up sleeping arrangements at a minimum on a temporary basis.
- Cook a large, filling dinner – important for moral
Day 2-3 Checklist:
- House rules – all determined by property owner
- Everyone has communication methods on their body if they venture away from retreat more than “normal voice distance”
- Set up Security/Patrol schedules
- Get solar systems set up and running
- Set up water filtration methods
- Set up alternative bathroom facilities
- Set up bathroom/sanitation schedule
- Camouflage driveway entrance
- Set up medical station for self treatment of minor cuts, burns, and scrapes
- Determine any specific projects that need attention and seek volunteers/assign duties
- Reach out to family and friends – OPSEC!!!!
Day 3-7 Checklist:
- Determine outward patrol location and schedule
- Set up LPOP areas
- Set up defensive position and assign members to areas
- Review communication protocols between members in defensive situations
- Determine procedure for dealing with strangers/approaching people
- Gather and set up rain gear/clothing
- Doublecheck food inventory to determine how many days available for group
Any other suggestions? Thoughts?
Rourke
If the situation which caused the exfil to the retreat is anticipated to last more than 3 or 4 days I would add a step that addresses controlling light at night and sound so you don’t attract refugees or locals looking for a handout… or worse!
Excellent thoughts on light/sound control. Missed that one.
I have often wondered what your TO&E would be.
I would consider all ready having LPOP’s locations in place an just having to be manned, Having individuals tasks with certain responsibilities (Quartermaster, Engineering, Medical, Logistics, Communications, C3,) etc
I was thinking about having st groups standards and had meetings and lists of alot of that ahead of time and covering the exceptions.. if BO made someone leave something needed on the list .. If propositioned that fixes that .. then BO is just take what you need to get there plus whatever personal items of new supplies not yet positioned. so you just cover gaps..
I think the biggest one is House rules being the property owner.. hmmm .. I get it .. I do .. but that shoudl be gone over agreed to before hand as well.. I’m just thinking how people work .. and think .. especially preppers.. you gotta have rules for certain, but group input is important .. and given it takes time to accept things that in a vote don’t go your way .. ahead of time is a big deal.. if you want to have unity and trust.. SHTF isn’t the time to find out you don’t have it, but thought you did.
I think possibly there shoudl be a logistics person assigned before they get there to make sure what is available pre and post arrival.. etc.. Sme goes for tactical and duty assignments, with secondaries in case someone leaves late and can’t get there or drops out… Maybe a morale person or Chaplin .. could be both or neither.. (call is t a peace maker.. stress brings out Alpha dogs bites)
If you have an “elected leader” they need to be free to lead and not get stuck in the administrative stuff but be in the big picture .. They pitch in where ever needed .. not just give orders .. but not so mentally busy
just some rambling
Good thoughts GG58. Thanks
That’s a good general list to follow, I like it a lot. When I was with a group years ago we had something similar but I can’t remember exactly how it was worded. When we go up to our friends BOL/hunting cabin we follow this checklist of things to do upon arrival.
1) make sure it’s secure, nothing has been broken into/stolen/destroyed.
2) quick cleaning in case of mice, spiders, downed tree limbs, etc
3) unload and do inventory of what we have brought & if need to make a quick trip into town,
4) set up potable water dispenser
5) sleeping/bathroom arrangements,
6) get generator/fuel situated
7) take a walk – about 200 yards around cabin to make sure nothing is wrong. (we’ve had people put up deer stands & salt licks within 50 yards of the cabin).
8) set up perimeter security devices if needed.
9) make meal
10) relax
Thanks jh. Good stuff.
JR- exc. Thanks.All the other suggestions are exc. also.Lightning
One other thought.If various members bring dogs- might be good to have the dogs
well trained and familiar with one another ahead of time.