Hey folks, I’m going to give you five critical steps to take before the polls close tomorrow. These steps are about being prepared, being smart, and taking action while we still can. Things are uncertain, and whether you believe this or not, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s what I’d do:

1. Get Some Cash Out
I can’t stress this enough—withdraw some cash, especially in small bills. We’re all used to using cards or mobile payments, but if there’s a serious disruption, you’ll want cash. Banks could close, ATMs might be down, or you could get stuck somewhere with no way to pay for what you need. The last thing you want is to be standing in line for food or gas and not be able to pay. Grab a couple hundred bucks in smaller denominations. You might not need it, but if things go sideways, you’ll be glad you have it.

2. Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Gas is another one of those things you don’t want to be scrambling for when you need it. Top off your tank now—don’t wait until it’s too late. I know some people think they’re good until the light comes on, but trust me, that can turn into a huge problem. If the supply chain gets messed up or fuel deliveries stop, you're going to regret not filling up today. And if you're one of those folks who drive a diesel, make sure you've got extra fuel on hand.

3. Set Up Your Communication Plan
One of the most important things to think about is who you’ll contact if the situation goes sideways. This includes family, close friends, or anyone you may need to reach if there’s a problem. Do you know what to do if your phone dies? What’s your backup plan if the grid goes down? Have a plan in place to meet up, check in, or communicate in an emergency. You may never need it, but not having a plan can make all the difference if things get chaotic. Think about it—when cell towers go down or the internet’s out, knowing exactly where to go or who to call will save you time and a lot of stress.

4. Get Some Precious Metals (But Don't Go Overboard)
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. A lot of people are talking about investing in precious metals like gold and silver. Yes, they’ve been a safe haven for centuries, and yes, they could be valuable in the long run. But let’s be real: right now, they’re not going to help you when you're just trying to buy a meal or fill your car with gas. What you need first is cash on hand. Once you’ve got that, a small stash of gold or silver can be a hedge against things falling apart, but it shouldn’t be your main focus right now. And forget about buying novelty coins with political faces on them. Get silver and gold that people recognize—like gold coins or junk silver. Think about other essentials, too - consider adding your "supplies" or "resources" that might be valuable in times of uncertainty. Don’t make things harder for yourself by investing in things that might not be easily exchanged for necessities.

5. Pray About It
This one’s probably the most important. Whether you believe in God or not, there’s something to be said for taking a moment to ask for discernment. Before you do anything drastic, ask for wisdom. I’ve had too many close calls in my life where I wasn’t sure what to do, but prayer gave me a sense of direction. You can plan all you want, but in times like these, I’ve learned that trusting God for guidance is key. I’ll never forget a time when we were in a dangerous situation in Syria, and we decided to pray as a team. Afterward, we all felt led to leave a place we’d planned to stay. That night, the position we had planned to stay at was overrun by ISIS, and our decision to leave saved us. You might not get an audible answer, but you'll feel it in your spirit. Trust that, and follow it.

Bonus Tip: Make a Home Photo Inventory

One more thing to think about while you're preparing—take a full photo inventory of everything in your house. If anything goes wrong—fire, flood, theft—you’ll need proof of what you had. Snap photos of your walls, furniture, electronics, and anything of value. Don't forget serial numbers on big-ticket items. This is something we used to do once a month when our kids were younger. Eventually, it became a routine part of our emergency prep. Store those photos online, somewhere private (like a cloud service), so they're available no matter what happens. It could be a lifesaver in case you need to make an insurance claim.

Take Action Now

Time’s ticking, and it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. And remember, if you’re thinking, I don’t know if this is really necessary, just pray about it. Ask God for discernment and follow your gut. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Lastly, if you haven’t gotten my book, Death of Civilization, go to ChuckHolton.com. It’s free for supporters, and it has tons of helpful checklists to get you prepared for whatever’s coming next. If you can't afford it, email my daughter Amy ([email protected]), and she’ll send you a free download. No excuses—get ready now.