When the government shuts down, it’s not just politicians arguing on TV – it’s a real crisis that affects everyday Americans like you and me. Having lived through several shutdowns, I can tell you firsthand that the impacts hit fast and hit hard. Today, I’m going to break down exactly what you can expect in those crucial first hours and days, and more importantly, how you can prepare to protect yourself and your family.
The Immediate Impact: Federal Workers Sent Home
The very first domino to fall is the federal workforce.
During the 2018-2019 shutdown, which lasted a grueling 35 days, about 800,000 federal employees were either furloughed or forced to work without pay.
These aren’t just faceless bureaucrats – they’re our neighbors, family members, and vital members of our communities. And no, this wasn’t just the folks at the IRS.
Our military and service people were forced to continue working and manning their posts while men in suits played their games.
What This Means for You:
- TSA agents working without paychecks = longer airport security lines and increased risk of security breaches
- FBI investigations slow down, potentially compromising public safety
- FDA food inspections grind to a halt, putting our food supply at risk
- National parks close or remain open unsupervised (leading to overflowing toilets, trash, and potential dangers)
- Federal research projects get suspended, delaying critical scientific work
During the 2013 shutdown, cancer patients were turned away from clinical trials at the National Institutes of Health. Let that sink in – life-saving treatments were put on hold because politicians couldn’t agree on a budget. That’s why having a stockpile of medicine, especially antibiotics, before a crisis is crucial. Without antibiotics, your chances of survival go way down. You can’t generally buy antibiotics over the counter, so here is how to stockpile antibiotics without a prescription.
Essential Services: What Stays and What Goes
Now, don’t panic – not everything stops. But it is important to know what’s at risk.
So, I’ve created a list of programs that remain operational and those that are at risk of being shut down during a government shutdown:
Still Running:
- Social Security checks (for now)
- Medicare
- Military operations
- Air traffic control
- Border protection
At Risk:
- Food stamp distributions may be delayed
- WIC (nutrition program for women, infants, and children) could run out of funding
- New disability claims might be paused
- Small business loans frozen
- Federal home loans delayed
- Head Start programs for low-income children
- Veterans’ services gradually affected
During the 2018-2019 shutdown, Native American tribes had to scramble to find funding for basic services like healthcare, food assistance, and road maintenance. Some had to dip into their own funds or take out loans just to keep the lights on.
However, there is something you can do no matter what happens with the government and to do that you just need some practical advice. That’s why I highly recommend this guide. It goes far beyond what those free courses can provide, offering comprehensive strategies and actionable steps for bugging in during prolonged crises.
Whether you’re facing a government shutdown, a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a total grid collapse, this guide will help you create a secure, self-sufficient home environment. You’ll learn how to stockpile food and water, fortify your home against looters, and keep your family safe in any scenario.
The Ripple Effect on Local Economies
Here’s where it gets serious for preppers like you and me.
Government shutdowns create a ripple effect that can devastate local economies. Here’s how:
- Federal workers stop spending money
- Local businesses lose customers
- Tax revenue drops
- Local services start feeling the pinch
During the 2013 shutdown, small businesses lost about $1 billion in federal contracts. That’s a lot of paychecks not going into local economies. In communities with a high concentration of federal workers, the impact is even more severe:
- Restaurants report 60% drops in business
- Landlords face tenants who can’t pay rent
- Car dealerships see sales plummet
- Local tax revenues decline, affecting schools and public services
All of this begins to snowball, causing more strain on individuals and more uncertainty for those not prepared. What you can do is prepare for the worst by adding to your property these easy-to-make projects that will help you survive just about any crisis.
Warning Signs of Civil Unrest
Perhaps the greatest threat during a government shutdown is the extreme likelihood of civil unrest. When people become desperate, their logic and reasoning skills tend to go out the window. As tensions rise and resources become scarce, we need to be alert for signs of social breakdown:
- Watch for increased lines at food banks
- Monitor local news for protests or demonstrations
- Be aware of rising crime rates in areas hit hard by economic impacts
- Pay attention to community tensions, especially in areas with high numbers of federal workers
Historical precedent shows us that economic stress can quickly lead to social unrest. During the 2019 shutdown, food banks across the country reported massive spikes in demand – some saw double or triple their usual numbers. This scarcity of resources causes an increase in crime while police forces already stretched to the max under normal circumstances are left without any government support. In a world where looting and lawlessness can erupt quickly, having a solid home defense strategy is crucial. One way to ensure you’re fully prepared is by taking advantage of specialized training. The Special Forces Home Defense Academy offers comprehensive courses that can teach you how to protect your home and family effectively in times of crisis.
How to Prepare: Your Comprehensive Action Plan
Don’t wait for the shutdown to start prepping. As someone who’s been through multiple government shutdowns, I can tell you that early preparation is your best defense. Here’s your detailed action plan:
- Financial Preparedness:
- Keep at least 3 months of expenses in an emergency fund – I recommend splitting this between a bank account and physical cash
- Have some cash on hand – aim for at least $1,000 in small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s, and $20s)
- Consider diversifying your income sources:
- Start a side hustle that doesn’t rely on government contracts
- Look into passive income streams like dividend stocks or rental properties
- Develop a skill you can barter with locally
- Pay down debt while you can – focus on high-interest debt first
- Consider opening a line of credit while employed – it’s harder to get approved during a shutdown
- Review your budget for non-essential expenses you can cut quickly if needed
Essential Supplies:
Essential Supplies:- Stock up on non-perishable food (3-month supply minimum):
- Rice, beans, and pasta for carbohydrates
- Canned meats and fish for protein
- Canned fruits and vegetables for nutrients
- Don’t forget comfort foods – morale matters in a crisis
- If possible hide your stockpile as best you can. To do that you can build this root cellar with just a few hundred dollars and you can keep inside not just your food stockpile, but everything else you have of value.
- Ensure you have the necessary medications (90-day supply if possible)
- Include over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold remedies
- Stock up on any medical supplies you use regularly (bandages, testing strips, etc.)
- Store water and water purification methods:
- 1 gallon per person per day for at least two weeks
- Multiple ways to purify water: filters, tablets, and the ability to boil
- Keep fuel tanks at least half full
- Consider keeping a few gas cans safely stored and rotated
- Have a backup heating source if you live in a cold climate
- Don’t forget about hygiene supplies:
- Toilet paper, feminine products, soap
- Cleaning supplies and disinfectants
- Pet supplies if applicable:
- Food, medications, and any special needs
Related: What Happens When the Government Takes Control of Your Food
- Documentation:
- Ensure all important documents are current and accessible:
- Create a “bug-out binder” with copies of everything
- Consider a fireproof safe for originals
- Keep hard copies of essential records:
- Birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses
- Property deeds, vehicle titles
- Recent bank statements and tax returns
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Have backup plans for any federal services you rely on:
- Research state and local alternatives
- Join credit unions as backup for federal credit unions
- Maintain a written list of important contact numbers:
- Don’t rely solely on your phone
- Include out-of-state contacts
- Community Connections:
- Build relationships with neighbors:
- Organize community meetings to discuss shutdown preparations
- Create a skills inventory – know who has medical, mechanical, or other useful skills
- Know your local resources and support systems:
- Map out food banks, community centers, and other aid locations
- Identify local farmers and markets for fresh food
- Locate the nearest urgent care centers (in case VA hospitals are affected)
- Consider joining or forming a community support group:
- Start a neighborhood watch program
- Create a communication plan (radios, meeting points, etc.)
- Build a network of like-minded preppers:
- Share resources and knowledge
- Consider forming buying groups for bulk purchases
Critical Tasks to Complete Now
Time-sensitive actions to take before a shutdown:
- Refill all prescriptions:
- Ask for 90-day supplies instead of 30-day
- Document your dosages and alternatives if available
- Start making natural remedies that you can use no matter what happens to our medical system. This is a great guide where you can find more than 250 potent remedies you can make with only a few ingredients.
- Submit any pending paperwork for federal services:
- Focus on anything with deadlines or time sensitivity
- Keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit
- Handle any business with federal agencies immediately:
- Renew licenses or certifications coming due in the next 6 months
- File any pending appeals or requests
- Check expiration dates on passports or federal IDs:
- Renew early if expiring within the year
- Have alternative forms of ID ready
- Document any ongoing interactions with federal agencies:
- Keep detailed logs of all communications
- Save emails and take screenshots of online submissions
- Update your emergency contact information:
- Ensure your employer has current details
- Update school emergency cards for children
Remember, in my experience, government shutdowns often last longer than initially predicted. It’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard. Start working on this list today – you don’t want to be scrambling when everyone else is too.
The Bottom Line
A government shutdown isn’t just a news headline – it’s a serious event that requires preparation and vigilance. History shows us that these situations can escalate quickly. Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay ready.
Remember, we’ve weathered government shutdowns before, and we’ll do it again. But the key to survival is being prepared before the crisis hits. Keep your pantry stocked, your emergency plans updated, and your community connections strong.
In my years of prepping, I’ve learned that government dependence is a vulnerability. Use this as a wake-up call to become more self-reliant. Every shutdown is a reminder that we need to be prepared for anything, including the possibility that the government services we often take for granted might not always be there.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and keep prepping!
Remember: The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
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