How to Obey Curfew Under Martial Law

Curfew is one of the first things established under martial law. This is done as to way to keep control over the general population and as way to single out people who may be prone to disobedience and turmoil. Keep in mind that martial law is established to regain control over a chaotic situation, and while you may not agree with the process, the rules are strict to ensure control is regained quickly and safely.

Instructions

1. Look for an official announcement indicating curfew time. This will come soon after martial law is implemented. You should be able to hear the curfew time on TV and radio, along with other regulations to be implemented at the same time.

2. Pay attention to special details, such as curfew for teenagers or areas to avoid. Some places may be off limits earlier than standard curfew time, so it's important to keep track of this. Children and teenagers may have special curfew times, and parents will be held responsible if their children break the rules.

3. Ask for a detailed report if you own a business or a company. Companies need to obey curfew, too, but the rules may be different. Few, if any, businesses will be allowed to operate around the clock, and bars and restaurants may need to adjust their working hours in order to obey curfew times established under martial law.

4. Listen to official broadcasts for changes in curfew time. As the situation gets better and things calm down, the curfew may be relaxed. The opposite is also possible, especially if the chaos escalates and it becomes necessary to extend the curfew to adjacent areas or counties.

5. Give yourself enough time to reach your home. If curfew calls for everyone to be off the streets by 10 p.m., make sure you obey by heading for home long before that. Traffic jams, closed streets and even darkened roads may all contribute to making your trip longer than expected. The last thing you want is to be caught outside because you didn't factor in the added driving time.

Tips & Warnings

• Public transportation may run on a different schedule in order to obey the restrictions imposed under martial law. Make sure you check with your regular bus or subway lines to find out whether changes have occurred.

• Always keep an alternative in mind. If you are unsure whether or not you can make curfew, call a friend or family member who lives nearby and ask whether you spend the night with her. Alternatively, keep a hotel in mind on your way home.