What is Martial Law and What To Do If It Is Declared

When I first heard about martial law, I’ll admit, the thought of it was a little intimidating. But as a mom and caregiver, I know that my job is to be as prepared as possible for my family. Martial law may be rare, but if we ever experience it, having a solid understanding of what it entails—and a plan for what to do—will go a long way in helping us face it calmly. 

With the recent uptick in searches for martial law, I figured it would be a good topic to try and explain clearly.

Martial law may sound intense, but it’s important to remember that it’s only meant to be temporary, and it’s put in place to keep order during emergencies.

What Exactly is Martial Law?

Martial law is when the government temporarily uses military power to control certain aspects of civilian life. Martial law is declared in specific, extreme situations where normal civil authorities, like the police or local government, are unable to manage a crisis on their own. 

During martial law, the military steps in to help control and restore order. This might mean that some of the rights we’re used to—like freedom to move around without restrictions—could be temporarily limited.

For example, under martial law, a curfew might be imposed, restricting people from leaving their homes at night. You might see a stronger military presence in public spaces, which could include soldiers patrolling the streets or setting up checkpoints. This doesn’t mean our rights are gone forever; martial law is a temporary measure to help restore safety and control. Once things are back to normal, our freedoms are restored.

Real-Life Examples of Martial Law In Use

If you’re like me, real examples can help make the concept easier to understand. Here are some confirmed instances when martial law was actually declared:

1. Hawaii during World War II: After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, martial law was declared across Hawaii. Civilian courts were closed, and the military took over many civilian functions, such as enforcing curfews, managing food distribution, and even controlling local news. This martial law state persisted throughout much of World War II to ensure the islands’ security during a time of high threat.
2. The Philippines in the 1970s: In 1972, then-President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines, citing a threat of communist insurgency. Martial law in the Philippines lasted until 1981, bringing about strict control over civilian life, including curfews, restrictions on media, and military checkpoints. This is one example where martial law continued over an extended period, affecting day-to-day life for many citizens.
3. The West Virginia Coal Mine Wars (1920s): In the early 1920s, martial law was declared multiple times in West Virginia due to escalating violence between striking coal miners and private security forces. Tensions rose so high that the state government used martial law as a way to contain the situation, imposing curfews, restricting movement, and deploying the National Guard.

These examples show that while martial law is rare, it has been used to restore order in extreme situations where normal civil authorities couldn’t keep the peace or respond to a large-scale crisis. Recognizing the types of crises that led to martial law in the past—such as wartime security threats, civil unrest, or intense labor conflicts—helps us better understand why and when martial law might be used.

Signs That Martial Law Might Be Declared

The declaration of martial law is rare, but in some situations, you may see early indicators. Typically, martial law could follow events that create a lot of disruption or danger, such as large-scale natural disasters, intense civil unrest, or a severe national security threat.

For instance, after a natural disaster, if local authorities are struggling to maintain order due to widespread damage, there may be a higher chance that martial law could be declared. Another situation might be a period of major civil unrest where regular police forces are overwhelmed and unable to keep the peace. Lastly, severe security threats, such as a terrorist attack or significant security event, might also lead to martial law if the government feels it’s necessary to help keep people safe.

Personally, I keep an eye on the news and try to be aware of any big changes in local government announcements, especially if tensions start to rise. It’s easy to get anxious when we see headlines, so I try to make sure I’m only following credible, trusted sources and not relying on rumors or social media chatter alone. Being informed but staying level-headed can help you know what’s happening without causing unnecessary stress.

Immediate Steps to Take if Martial Law is Declared

If martial law is ever declared, here are the first steps I would take to keep my family safe:

1. Stay Calm
   The first thing I tell myself in any emergency is to stay calm. Panicking never helps, especially when I need a clear head to help my family. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you’ve got this.
2. Follow Official Instructions
   It’s so important to listen to any guidelines or rules from officials, whether it’s a curfew or a shelter-in-place order. Following these rules will help you stay out of harm’s way.
3. Communicate with Family
   Reach out to your family members to make sure everyone is safe and knows the plan. A quick call or text to say “We’re safe at home and following instructions” can provide peace of mind.
4. Secure Your Home
   Lock your doors and windows, and consider setting up a “safe room” where you can gather everyone if needed. This might be a central room in your home where you feel secure.
5. Stock Up on Essentials
   If you have the chance to safely grab last-minute supplies, it might be a good idea. If not, rely on the emergency stash you hopefully have on hand, such as food, water, and any important medications.

Preparing in Advance for Martial Law Scenarios

Having a prepared emergency kit and plan will make things much smoother if martial law is ever declared. Here’s what to include in your kit and some steps to set your family up for success:

• Emergency Kit:
  • Food and Water: Non-perishable foods (like canned goods and dry snacks) and enough bottled water for a week.
  • Basic Hygiene Items: Soap, tissues, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products.
  • Flashlights and Batteries: Keep a few flashlights and extra batteries for backup.
  • First Aid Kit: Bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic, and any necessary personal medications.
  • Tools and Supplies: A multi-tool, duct tape, and extra blankets can come in handy.
• Family Communication Plan:
  • Establish a Plan: Decide on a meeting point and how to contact each other if cell service is disrupted.
  • Write It Down: Keep contact numbers and addresses in your emergency kit in case you need them.
• Backup Power and Communication:
  • Portable Chargers: Solar-powered or hand-crank chargers are helpful if the power goes out.
  • Battery-Powered Radio: This can be a good way to stay informed if internet or cell service is interrupted.
• First-Aid Knowledge: If you have the chance, learn some basic first-aid skills. Even just knowing how to treat cuts, bruises, or minor injuries can be incredibly useful.

Navigating Restrictions and Curfews

If martial law comes with curfews, knowing the exact times and guidelines is crucial. Breaking curfew can result in fines or other consequences, and as a mom, that’s the last thing I want to deal with. I’d recommend setting phone alerts to remind you when curfew starts, just as a backup.

And when it comes to explaining martial law to children, try to keep it simple. Maybe something like, “We’re staying home to stay safe right now.” You can keep them occupied with books, board games, or other activities to help them feel secure in an unusual situation.

Staying Safe and Informed

In a martial law scenario, information is your ally. Here’s how to stay informed and safe:

• Track News and Alerts:
  • Multiple News Sources: Follow several reliable news sources to get a full picture of what’s happening.
  • Government Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts if available; these usually provide up-to-the-minute updates.
• Avoid Unnecessary Travel:
  • Unless it’s absolutely essential, it’s best to stay home. Venturing out unnecessarily could put you in harm’s way.
• Check Local Community Resources:
  • Many neighborhoods have online forums where residents share updates or check in on each other. This can be a great way to stay connected.

Mental Health and Self-Care in Stressful Times

As moms, we carry a lot of the emotional load, especially in times of crisis. It’s easy to put ourselves last, but our families also need us calm and grounded.

If martial law is declared, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, but taking time to manage our stress is so important. For me, this might mean taking a few minutes for deep breathing exercises, listening to a relaxing song, or even just spending a few quiet moments with my family.

I also think it’s important to be there emotionally for our kids, who may be anxious or confused. Give them simple, reassuring answers to any questions, and let them know it’s okay to be scared sometimes. Just being together as a family can make all the difference.

What to Do After Martial Law is Lifted

When martial law is lifted, it’s time to assess, adjust, and take stock:

• Check Your Supplies: See what items need restocking in your emergency kit. Take note of anything you wished you had.
• Assess Your Home: Look around for any repairs or updates needed, especially if martial law was declared after a disaster.
• Support Community Rebuilding: If safe, consider helping out in community rebuilding efforts, as this can be a positive way for kids to understand resilience.
• Talk About the Experience: Use this experience to talk as a family about what went well and how you can be better prepared in the future. These moments can actually strengthen our bonds and teach us all a little more about resilience.

While the idea of martial law can be unsettling, a little preparation can go a long way. Knowing what to expect and having a plan in place means that we can face this challenge with confidence and calm. Being prepared gives us peace of mind—and as a mom, that’s something I hold close.