We probably don't want to advertise our preparedness. If there is a natural disaster, we don't want to be obvious targets for looters. We don't want to be branded "hoarders" by self-righteous political authorities. If we find ourselves in a riot or protest, we want to get out of the conflict zone quickly and quietly. This means practical camouflage.
At the word, "camouflage," your mind probably goes to various military patterns or hunting gear. This might be useful in the woods or other wilderness areas if you need to lay low for some reason, but it sticks out like a sore thumb in urban settings. Further, apparently some countries even declare civilian use of camouflage patterns illegal. If your camo attracts attention, you're doing it wrong!
Our goal is typically conflict avoidance, and that means disappearing into the background. Dress like the crowd. Would you wear a suit to a punk rock show? Avoid standing out. Similarly, bright colors, loud patterns, prominent logos, and the like are not what you want to wear if you need to avoid unwanted attention. For example, even in the rural gun-friendly region where I live, I don't wear gun-related shirts and I prefer to carry any firearms concealed because I don't like to advertise anything unnecessarily.
I recommend keeping an emergency kit in your car, but a tactical-style or military surplus backpack screams, "there is probably good stuff in here!" If it's in your car, it is a target for theft. If you're wearing it, you stand out from the crowd. Instead, consider a nondescript book bag, messenger bag, gym bag, or the like. For that matter, avoid bumper stickers on your car, especially political stickers that may draw unwanted attention.
Current training for active shooter events and other violent incidents in schools and workplaces recommend "Run - Hide - Fight" as the order of priority. Most of the time, we aren't in a position to confront an emergency and stop it. We need to plan to avoid problems through situational awareness, evade conflicts where possible, and only use violence as a last resort. Ideally, no violence will ever be necessary on our part.
How discreet do you keep your prepping? What tactics do you recommend? How do you account for your unique circumstances? Am I barking up the wrong tree altogether? Chime in with a comment!
Photos and camo background via Pixabay
