3 Tips To Stay Safe During The Government Shutdown

We are in anarchy. Mobs have taken to the streets, and we huddle scared in our beds at night. OK, not really.

The government is partially shut down, and while thousands of government employees are now wondering when they will be called back into work, most of us who don't work for the government or live in towns dependent on national parks have not really been affected by the shutdown--but not for the lack of media attention surrounding it in an effort to sensationalize it and make it appear worse than it really is.

However, in an effort to go along with the drama and think about how our safety truly could be affected by a government shutdown, we have compiled these three tips for keeping you and your family safe should chaos break out in the streets.

1. Cook and Clean Your Food...Well

One of the agencies that hasn't been completely shut down but has had to dramatically reduce its workforce is the FDA. That's right, the agency that sets standards for food safety and completes inspections of imported food. With 45 percent of its workers on furlough, the FDA and CDC are severely limited in their ability to perform routine inspections and respond to health outbreaks should they occur.

So how much of your imported food is now being sold without being inspected? Well, normally the FDA physically inspects 1 percent of the food that comes in, so that now means MORE than 99 percent of your food is no longer inspected.

So how can you protect yourself? Start by examining the food you buy. Is it rotten? Does it smell or taste funny? If so, you probably shouldn't buy it, let alone eat it. Is meat raw? Cook it. Cooking is the best method to reduce your exposure to salmonella or other nasty bacteria.

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2. Secure Your Home and Belongings

Should rioters take to the streets, it would be wise to be prepared to protect your belongings. Start by installing security camera systems in your home and connecting them to an alarm that notifies you and the local authorities.

As of right now, the police are still in force, but should there ever be a time when we don't have the privilege of being able to rely on local law enforcement, you will be the first and last line of defense for your home.

Installing secure doors with a deadbolt will also serve as a good deterrent as would a guard dog. Keep your shades drawn at all times, so potential thieves can't see what you might have that would be worth stealing, and keep your home lit to let intruders know you are present to defend your home.

3. Analyze Your Working Conditions

If you happen to still have a job, be sure to find out if your safety has been compromised at work. Many federal agencies are in charge of ensuring safety, especially in highly dangerous conditions such as a mine. Should you find that your safety has been compromised, you can either work to ensure your safety yourself or simply give up on working all together. After all, everything else has turned to total chaos already.

Lindsey Patterson

About the Author:

Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer who specializes in technology and the latest social trends, specifically involving social media.