Version 1.3

60 Day Preparedness

A practical guide to community survival and coordination when systems break down.

7 min read min readยทQualified Lesson

60 Day Preparedness

Logistics & Mutual Aid Operations
Pod Leadership & Organizing

Warning

This course is not about fear โ€” it's about strategic confidence. Use it to plan, not panic.


Who This Is For

This guide is for:

  • Community responders and pod members
  • People organizing mutual aid in uncertain conditions
  • Anyone wanting to build safety without the state

We assume you're not alone: you have or are building a pod โ€” a small team of 2โ€“10 people committed to keeping each other alive, safe, and informed.


Start Here: Day 1 Quick Wins

Success

These steps can be done today without full infrastructure. Each takes about 30โ€“60 minutes.

  • Store 3 days of water per person (1 gal/day)
    (Clean soda bottles are fine if jugs arenโ€™t affordable.)
  • Write down emergency contacts on paper
    (Translate to local languages or use pictograms if needed.)
  • Start a local Signal group with your pod
    (Consider multilingual guides for setup.)
  • Save ICE numbers and KYR resources offline
    (See glossary for "KYR" definition.)
  • Identify 1 backup power source (battery, solar, or car inverter)

Hint

Complete 3 of 5 and youโ€™re roughly 20% prepared. Check back each week to track your podโ€™s progress.


Trigger Events & Red Lines

These are early warning signs to begin escalation planning. Add region-specific ones (floods, wildfires, transit collapse).

Trigger EventWhat It SignalsImmediate Action
Power grid failure (citywide)Infrastructure vulnerabilityCharge devices, fill bathtubs, gather pod
Major ICE raid or sweepTargeted community threatActivate Signal, shelter at-risk members
Cellular or internet blackoutState suppression, censorshipShift to radio/offline ops, use runners
Curfews, tanks, militarizationMartial escalationPrep bug-in/bug-out plans, verify safety zones
Water contamination or outagePublic utility failureFilter, ration, alert pod
Disabled care crisis (aide shortages or power-dependent med device failures)Increased risk for vulnerable membersAssign buddy system, confirm cold storage
Repeated government disinfo or silenceBreakdown of trustCross-verify info, document and share safely

Hint

Add your own triggers annually. Consider transit strikes, supply chain issues, or wildfire evacuations.


The Rule of 3s (Visual Priority Pyramid)

Use this baseline for survival priorities:

CategorySurvival WithoutNotes
Air3 minutesSmoke masks, ventilation, staying calm
Shelter3 hoursCold or wet? Risk of hypothermia
Water3 days1 gal/person/day + filters or tablets
Food3 weeksHigh-calorie, shelf-stable preferred
Connection3 monthsIsolation kills โ€” prioritize contact
Meaning3 yearsCulture, purpose, and joy sustain morale

Readiness Grid

Use this table to track where you are. Add โš ๏ธ for urgent needs and โœ… for complete.

Category3 Days30 Days60 Days+
WaterBottled, boiled, filteredRefill plan, bleach methodRain catchment, gravity filters
FoodShelf stable, snackableCooking setup, rotating stockPreserved, community pantry
PowerFlashlights, battery banksSolar + inverter, hand-crank radioDIY generator rig, shared grid
CommsSignal, radios, mesh toolsHand signals, rally pointsRunners, pre-set off-grid workflows
MedsOTC meds, first aidBackup Rx, med list copiesBarter kit (check laws), cold storage
MobilityFull tank, working bikeAlt routes, ride crew formedShared carpool, bike repair kits
DataPaper KYR, local copiesEncrypted drives, password sheetVeraCrypt or similar for USB vaults
SafetyFlashlights, buddy systemCommunity patrol rotationsSelf-defense trained pod

Companion Planning Tool

Use the 60-Day Preparedness Spreadsheet with this course. Your sheet can include:

  • ๐Ÿ”ข Items by survival priority (water, food, power)
  • ๐Ÿงฎ Quantities per person/pod
  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Estimated costs and budget goals
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Storage tips (shelf life, cool/dry rotation)

Info

Our spreadsheet helps you track, budget, and build your plan. Customize it for your pod.


Communication Failure Protocol

Important

If cell and internet fail, fall back to your pod plan.

  1. Mesh tools: Briar, Bridgefy (Bluetooth-based; limited range)
  2. Fallback meeting point: Pre-decided place and time
  3. Use radios: Pre-tune walkies or ham frequencies
  4. No contact โ‰  no action: Continue aid if safe

Simulation Drills

Drill NameObjectiveNotes
3-Minute MobilizeCan your pod assemble quickly?Treat like a fire drill
Comms Blackout1 day no phones or internetPractice non-digital workflows
Bug-In SimulationStay indoors 72 hrsTest supplies and stress handling
First Aid RelayMove supplies/info safely without carsUse runners, bikes, or hand signals
Ally HandoffTest info passing across networksSimulate under time pressure

Rebuilding Together

Preparedness is also about resilience and shared resources.

Tool Libraries

  • Share tools (repair, mobility, cooking, comms)
  • Link to open-source tool management templates (like MyTurn)

Seed & Knowledge Libraries

  • Archive PDFs and guides offline
  • Include oral and indigenous survival practices

Skills Matrix (Example)

NameFirst AidCommsCookingDefenseMed AccessBike Repair
Jamieโœ…๐ŸŸกโœ…โŒโœ…โœ…
RiveraโŒโœ…๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸกโŒโŒ
You๐ŸŸก๐ŸŸกโœ…โœ…โœ…โŒ

๐ŸŸข โœ… = Skilled
๐ŸŸก = Needs practice
โŒ = Not trained yet


Mental Health & Stress Protocol

  • Daily rituals (food, check-ins, humor)
  • If overwhelmed: Pause โ†’ Breathe โ†’ Delegate
  • Rotate emotional labor to protect caregivers
  • Assign joy-builders (music, storytelling, games)

Info

Joy is a survival tactic. Make space for laughter, art, and shared meals.


Inclusivity Checklist

  • Plan for refrigerated meds (battery coolers or gel packs)
  • Translate essentials to local languages
  • Use visual/pictogram boards for comms
  • Include childcare and pet plans
  • Assign pod roles to check on disabled and elder members

Glossary

TermMeaning
PodA small, trusted group committed to mutual survival and coordination
KYRKnow Your Rights โ€” legal guidance for interacting with police/ICE
Red CardRights card from defense orgs like NILC (often carried by immigrants)
Bug-InStaying in place during crisis
Bug-OutLeaving your location due to risk

Final Thought

Preparedness isnโ€™t fear. Itโ€™s love practiced through logistics.
The more we coordinate, the more we can outlast any crisis together.

Success

Not just bunkers and beans โ€” build a resilient community.
Send your podโ€™s adaptations or success stories to [academy@icetea.org] for future editions.


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