Preparedness
Is Your Mindset Sabotaging Your Survival Instincts?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the skills and instincts that once enabled our ancestors to thrive have largely disappeared. Modern society has become so detached from the natural world that many individuals would struggle to survive in an environment similar to that of just a century ago. Most people today rely heavily on the artificial environments we’ve created, and without them, survival becomes a daunting challenge.
“Survival situations are not limited to the wilderness. The end of the world as you know it, can arrive at home, on your way to work, at school or in the grocery store. We are now at a place we have never been before in society. Our world is rapidly changing, as are the threats we must face.” This observation highlights the unpredictable nature of potential disasters, which can strike anywhere and at any time.
Regardless of the nature of a crisis—be it an economic collapse, an electromagnetic pulse, or another war—our basic survival needs remain unchanged. We must be prepared to meet these needs, as they are crucial to our survival in any life-altering event. While we may have little control over global events, we can focus on what is within our power. This includes making sound personal decisions, improving our fitness, and learning skills that could help us thrive when the unexpected occurs.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, survivors often fall into two categories: those who prepared in advance and those who did not. The latter group often operates under the assumption that nothing bad will happen, despite numerous warnings. This mindset, known as normalcy bias, is a dangerous form of denial.
“Normalcy bias is a psychological state of denial people enter in the event of a disaster, as a result of which they underestimate the possibility of the disaster actually happening, and its effects on their life and property. Their denial is based on the assumption that if the disaster has not occurred until now, it will never occur.” This bias leads to a lack of preparedness, leaving individuals vulnerable when disaster strikes.
The danger of normalcy bias lies in its ability to leave people unprepared and reliant on others who have taken precautions. When denial gives way to reality, desperation sets in, often leading to chaos and unnecessary suffering.
Normalcy bias can manifest in various disaster scenarios, from minor accidents to major global events. It is thought to arise from the brain’s processing of new information under stress, leading to fixation on a single, often inadequate, solution. This can result in serious injury or death due to a lack of preparation, such as inadequate shelter, supplies, or evacuation plans.
To combat normalcy bias, it’s essential to engage in the four stages of disaster response: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The mitigation phase involves taking steps to protect people and property before a disaster occurs, such as maintaining your home and vehicle or securing insurance.
Preparedness involves planning for potential disasters, including community education and stocking essential supplies. The response phase focuses on addressing immediate threats in the aftermath of a disaster, made easier by prior planning. Finally, the recovery phase involves restoring stability in the disaster’s wake, which can take months or even years.
“Every person who prepares is one less person who panics in a crisis.” This sentiment emphasizes the importance of readiness, not just for personal survival but for the overall resilience of communities. By understanding and addressing normalcy bias, we can better protect ourselves and others when disaster strikes.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.