Black, White Americans Share Doomsday-Survival Tips On Social Media As Nation Panics

Black folks Online are sharing tips and tricks to make sure they’re ready for anything.

There’s no way to know when you’ll need to prepare for the worst, and that’s why they say if you stay ready you never have to get ready!

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Tramell Tillman Talks Sparring with Tom Cruise and Bringing That Severance Heat to Mission: Impossible

In times like these where many Americans are fearful of what the next four years will look like, TikTok users are sharing their tried and true ways to prepare for the unimaginable. From prepping “go-bags” to ensuring your documents are in order, it’s never a bad thing to prep yourself and your family in the event of a emergency. You might want to take notes for this one….

Packing an Emergency Bag

With U.S. relations with some of our strongest allies, like Canada, on the fence, some users like @caraboo80 are showing people how to properly prepare for an economic disaster.

Prepping for the Worst

User @sonassunni says it’s probably a good idea for everyone to start stocking up on basic needs like beans and canned goods all the way to hygiene products and batteries.

@sonassunni

It doesn’t hurt to do in case something happens where there is a lack thereof…#basic #needs #supplies #groceries

♬ original sound – Sona | The Real Realtor

If Martial Law is Declared

This user suggests everyone get a copy of this step by step guide on what to do if martial law is ever declared in the states. According to the book, “A Navy Seal’s Bug-in Guide,” stock piling and learning alternative ways to communicate will be key to survival.

Keeping Your Home and Money Safe

Although banks and credit methods have been reliable ways to store and track money, you never know when our trusted agencies could fail. This user, like others on the social media app, says it maybe time for everyone to invest in their own personal safe to store cash and other valuables.

@peachgrower7

Its time to have a save space for all of your important documents and enough cash to get you through an emergency. This fireproof and waterproof safe with a digital keypad and duel key system is the way to go. Home Safe Fireproof Waterproof Money safe #Adimo #Safebox #Homesecruity #fireproof #waterproof #moneysafe

♬ original sound – peachgrower7

‘Too Much Faith in the System’

User @youcancallmekait says although she doesn’t have to worry about political attacks against her and her family as a white woman, that doesn’t mean she’s not thinking of ways to prepare for the unthinkable. For her, it comes down to basic needs in what she calls “practical preparing.”

@youcancallmekait

Replying to @November now is not the time to panic—but being prepared is always a good thing! Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Building community and sharing skills is going to be really important the next four years 🫶🏻 #practicalprepping #emergencypreparedness #community #preparednotscared

♬ original sound – you can call me Kait

Essential Reading Library

While the most obvious way to prep for a crisis would be to stock up on food and other products, this user is encouraging everyone to also keep an “essential reading and library collection” on hand. This means having written guides on first aid, food preserving, and even political documents like the Constitution and maps.

@whoisjessicaeubanks

Essential Reading and Library Collection! These are all good to have on hand with or without economic instability, war, famine, etc. #preptok #booktok #cutewinterboots #emergencyplan #winterboots #fyp #exitstrategy

♬ original sound – Jessica Eubanks

‘Keep Some Cash’

Even before President Trump got reelected, this user told everyone that it’s never a bad idea to keep some cash in your household. She keeps a few dollars in various places around her crib just in case.

@boujiebudgeter

Replying to @user2243446897575 do you keep cash in your home? I think its important not to be 100% digital all the time. #boujiebudgeter #budgeting #cashenvelopes

♬ original sound – Boujie Budgeter

Prepping Since 2020

This user started preparing her go-bag in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she’s showing us exactly what’s inside her emergency kit. “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready,” she said.

@gabri_smith

What’s in my bag: Emergency Edition 🚨 “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready” 🫶🏾 Definitely want to get some MRE’s – what do you want to add to your bag? #emergency #gobag #survivalguide #safetyfirst

♬ original sound – Gabriell Smith

Doomsday Prep

This user says people should stock up on in the event of a crisis is food. “The first thing that’s gone in the event of an emergency is food,” she said. She’s storing her food inside mylar bags which are sturdy enough to withstand the elements.

Ways for Migrant Families to Prepare

For this user, protesting against Trump’s attacks on immigration is simply not enough. @julieear says now more than ever, it’s time for migrant families to get their documents in order especially their passports!

Exercising Your Second Amendment Right

For this user, now is the perfect time to exercise your Second Amendment right and get some practice in. Interestingly enough, @that.neurodivergent.mom said it seems like many of pro-firearm Americans are “feeling very safe,” so with that, it’s time for inexperienced Americans to get active. “Arm yourself with knowledge and other things,” they said.

What’s Inside This ‘Go Bag?’

When @kalakalond’s dad packed her and her brother go-bags, she never thought she’d have to actually use it. Five years later, she’s taking the time to go through the bag and show folks exactly what’s inside. From ramen noodles and packed salmon to duct tape and emergency water, this user is more than ready for anything to go down.

Starting Off With the Basics

It’s easy to get caught up in the fancy technology you think you may need in a time of crisis, but this user is reminding folks that sometimes bare necessities are what you should start off with. Think about food and water first, then ways to cook your food, and even how to light your house and keep warm.

The 5P’s of Emergency Planning

This user broke down her steps on how to properly prepare for a worst case scenario. In addition to having a portable safe, @tendin2 says having cash and a well practiced evacuation plan will ensure you and your family remain safe.

Getting Your Documents in Order

Before anyone makes a move to leave the country, this user says the most important thing is make sure all of your documents are in order. This means renewing passports, getting multiple copies of important documents, like your birth certificate and marriage license, and even getting an internationally recognized validity statement.

@delayjaye

PAPERWORK TO MOVE ABROAD: What do you need? What’s an apostille? How do I move abroad with my pet? And other questions! If you’re a US American who wants to leave the US, let’s talk about it. This is the start of a new series as i re-navigate very thing immigration over the next several months. I’m happy to help and answer questions where possible but I am NOT an expert or immigration attorney. I can only share what I have learned about immigration, my experience with the process, and what to expect based on those experiences, but every person & country are different cases. #movingabroad #howtomoveabroad #lifeabroad #immigration #immigrant #movetoeurope #howtomovetoeurope

♬ original sound – Delaney

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Why Many Black Folks Fear the Worst Is Already Here

Why Many Black Folks Fear the Worst Is Already Here

From escalating conflicts abroad and AI taking over jobs to attacks on Black history and voting access, these 13 developments show why Americans—especially Black communities—are bracing for the crises they’ve long feared …
Screenshot:  YouTube/Scoz

Biggie’s Legacy, Diddy’s Villain Era: Their Strange Friendship Through the Years, Explained

In honor of the 29th anniversary of Biggie’s death, we thought we’d take a look his musical friendship with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs …
Tony! Toni! Toné! Drama: Founder's Family Fights Over Disinheritance

Tony! Toni! Toné! Drama: Founder’s Family Fights Over Disinheritance

D’Wayne Wiggins passed away in March 2025 after a year-long battle with bladder cancer …
Alabama Is Set to Execute A Black Man Who Didn't Kill Anyone

Alabama Is Set to Execute A Black Man Who Didn’t Kill Anyone

Three decades after being sentenced for a murder he didn’t even witness, Sonny Burton is now only days away from his scheduled execution …
As a Now-Viral PDA Video Ignites Rumors That Lori Harvey and Damson Idris Are Back On, Let's Look Back at Her Dating Past

As a Now-Viral PDA Video Ignites Rumors That Lori Harvey and Damson Idris Are Back On, Let’s Look Back at Her Dating Past

With Lori Harvey and her ex-boo Damson Idris back in headlines, let’s take a look at the socialite and budding actress’ dating history! …
Pastor Seen Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps on Camera, Speaks out

Pastor Seen Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps on Camera, Speaks out

A California pastor accused of pushing a church elder down a short flight of cement steps and out a metal gate just shared his side of the story …
How Trump Played White Women Like a Violin

How Trump Played White Women Like a Violin

Opinion: White women thought they were winning under Trump. They did not realize they were just being used …
Here’s Everything We Know About Zendaya and Tom Holland's 'Wedding'

Here’s Everything We Know About Zendaya and Tom Holland’s ‘Wedding’

The internet is going crazy over AI-generated pictures of Zendaya and Tom Holland’s potential secret wedding. We’re laying out the facts about the private couple’s engagement …
Why Endometriosis Keeps Getting Missed in Black Women

Why Endometriosis Keeps Getting Missed in Black Women

For years, endometriosis has been known as a disease of upper-class white women, leaving Black women misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Here’s what you need to know about identifying symptoms, overcoming bias and seeking better care …
The Outrageous Reason Why a Cali. Teacher Allegedly Gave Little Children  Edibles

The Outrageous Reason Why a Cali. Teacher Allegedly Gave Little Children Edibles

California students, ages 8 to 11, required medical treatment after ingesting 20mg THC-infused gummies— allegedly given to them by a teacher …
Tamera Mowry-Housely Opens Up About Rough Time Living With Twin Sister Tia

Tamera Mowry-Housely Opens Up About Rough Time Living With Twin Sister Tia

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s fun, twin-sisterhood has recently been a hot topic for fans. And Tamera’s new revelation will no doubt be even more fodder for conversation! …
New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Incident

New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Incident

After shots were shockingly fired at Rihanna’s home on Sunday, the singer and the public finally have some good news …
New Report Shows Lynchings in America Never Stopped... They Only Evolved

New Report Shows Lynchings in America Never Stopped… They Only Evolved

Historians have argued the last lynching happened in 1981, but a report by JULIAN suggests Black folks are still being targeted because of their skin …
As Trump Goes to War With Iran, Black Americans Will Pay the Price

As Trump Goes to War With Iran, Black Americans Will Pay the Price

On the front lines and with a strain on their household budgets, Black Americans will bear the burden for President Donald Trump’s War in Iran …
The Internet is Losing Its Mind Over Oprah's Crop Top and  Fly Looks

The Internet is Losing Its Mind Over Oprah’s Crop Top and Fly Looks

Oprah Winfrey has been spotted with bestie Gayle King at Paris Fashion Week. Now, one red carpet look has the internet talking …
Ex-Cal State University Basketball Coach Accused of Pimping and More

Ex-Cal State University Basketball Coach Accused of Pimping and More

Kevin Mays, a former assistant basketball coach at California State University-Bakersfield, was charged with multiple felony counts including human trafficking …
Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

Trayvon Martin and Other Black People Who Were Unjustly Killed in America

14 years after Trayvon Martin was killed, these other Black men and women were also murdered in shocking similarity …
Austin Police Release Body Cam Footage of Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin Police Release Body Cam Footage of Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin police are piecing together the motive behind Ndiaga Diagne, the Black man who killed three and injured over a dozen in a March 1 mass shooting …
F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Calls for a Movement to 'Take Africa Back' as He Tries to Bring Racing to the Continent

F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Calls for a Movement to ‘Take Africa Back’ as He Tries to Bring Racing to the Continent

The first and only Black driver in F1 history is empowering the people of the continent to “take Africa back” from European powers …
Jill Scott's Break From Music is Part of a Growing Trend of Black Women Pausing With Purpose

Jill Scott’s Break From Music is Part of a Growing Trend of Black Women Pausing With Purpose

Jill Scott, Beyoncé, Teyana Taylor and Simone Biles are part of a growing wave of Black women who have embraced the idea of stepping back …