If society falls apart, even for a limited time, it would be a good idea to post a watch. This can assure that your family or group stays protected and rested. In Light, Sound and Smell Discipline I covered some things that should be considered at all times once its hit the fan. This goes for being on watch too. Below are other things to keep in mind while on watch.
I stood many watches while I was in the Navy. Those watches were much different. There are, however, many principles that are the same. Please add your suggestions in the comments section below.
Staying Awake
This is probably the most important thing and can be one of the hardest. In a time when stress and tension are high for an extended period, you might not get a lot of rest. After a few days without rest, your mind easily wanders off and your body rebels to get sleep, especially when things are quiet at night, but your family and friends are counting on you to stay awake to keep them safe.
Staying awake can be a real challenge. What works to keep one person awake won’t necessarily work for the next person. It might help to keep moving. Your mind may still drift off, but it can snap back as long as you’re awake. You can’t fall asleep if you’re walking. Well, I suppose you can, but not for very long! LOL. Be thinking of things that help you stay awake now that don’t completely distract you. Make a note of them.
The trouble with caffeine and other stimulants it is that they can affect you after your watch has ended and interfere with your rest. The four hour energy “shots” might not be a bad option if they work for you, they just make me yawn louder. If you do decide to use coffee or other stimulants, limit them so you won’t be awake after your watch has ended and so you don’t have to step away for repeated restroom trips.
Taking small shifts is a must. In the Navy, we stood mostly four hour watches. Some of you might be tempted to take a longer watch to give your family more rest. Don’t. Everyone needs their rest and your family needs you to be rested as well. The longer you delay sleep, the harder your mind and body will rebel. In a training school in the Navy, I had a young man in my class who, for some reason, could not stay awake. He was told to stand up during a lecture and still fell asleep. The instructor gave him a three foot 2×4 and made him hold it over his head. By the end of the day, this young man had two knots on the top of his head. I share this just to show you that sometimes your body simply shuts down. Rest when it’s your turn or you’ll be more of a danger to your loved ones.
It’s Called “Watch” Not “Defend”
If you hear something that goes bump in the night, wake others up, depending on how big of a bump it was. If you go check it out on your own and are overpowered, there is no one to sound the alarm.
If you go with a buddy system you have two sets of eyes and ears to look for what made the noise, and two people to defend if needed.
Communication
If you’re standing watch and see or hear something, being able to radio someone to wake them allows you to continue to observe what is going on. I have recently become an affiliate for Midland radios. I did so because I have a few Midland products and think highly of them. In the interest of full disclosure, I will receive a small commission if you purchase from them by clicking on the image to the right or the Midland text here. The Midland two way radios or any higher quality FRS two way radio would be a good fit here.
Sound the Alarm
If danger is imminent, having a fast way to wake everyone is a good idea. If you want to maintain the element of surprise, sending someone to give everyone a quick shake might be the only option. If the element of surprise is lost and you just need bodies fast, an idea I had was for small air horns. I bought a bunch of them at the $1 store.
Neighborhood watch
If you have developed a neighborhood watch, you might develop have a stationary watch at a main entrance or two, having a roving watch that goes between the two. This is another area where having radios for fast communication is essential. Depending on the size and density of your area, a two way FRS radio should work ok. If not, moving up to a CB is a good option.
Rules of Engagement
Having the response planned ahead of time is crucial. Now is the time to be thinking about what you might do if society is erupting and you hear a noise a house or two away at 02:00. Does this response change if there is no established rule of law?
You should also have defined what everyone’s job is, even if it is to stay with the kids and reassure them and keep them as quiet as possible.
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