Thom Rigsby on Decentralize TV: The power of LOCAL NETWORKS in times of crisis

By kevinhughes // 2025-02-26

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Thom Rigsby, founder of American Contingency, emphasizes the critical role of community and local networks in disaster preparedness, showcasing how they can serve as lifelines during crises, exemplified by American Contingency's actions in Mississippi.
Rigsby highlights the importance of both individual preparedness and collective support, drawing from personal experiences and a period of heightened uncertainty (2018-2020) to form an organization focused on practical preparedness skills.
Rigsby's personal experience with an 11-day power outage and the increasing public awareness of the need for preparedness underscore the importance of proactive planning, often triggered by direct or witnessed crisis experiences.
American Contingency offers a structured approach to preparedness, dividing it into 12 categories and emphasizing the importance of skills and knowledge over mere stockpiling of equipment, while also facilitating local chapter connections and community support for members.

In a world where the reliability of centralized systems is increasingly in question, the concept of self-reliance is often romanticized. However, the true strength in preparedness lies in the power of community. American Contingency (AmCon) founder and executive director Thom Rigsby joined the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Todd Pitner in a recent episode of "Decentralize TV," where the preparedness expert highlighted the transformative impact of local networks and how they can serve as lifelines during crises. From the rescue of a stranded member in Mississippi to the swift response of American Contingency in delivering essential supplies to tornado-stricken Forks, Mississippi, they illustrate the critical role of community in disaster preparedness. Rigsby emphasized the importance of both individual preparedness and collective support. Growing up on a farm, the AmCon executive director learned the value of self-sufficiency and later applied these principles through his military and business experiences. The timeframe between 2018 and 2020 saw a surge in uncertainty, leading to the formation of AmCon – an organization dedicated to helping people eliminate fear and gain practical preparedness skills. Rigsby's personal experience with an 11-day power outage in North Alabama solidified his belief in the need for preparedness. This experience, combined with the increasing awareness seen among the general public, underscores the importance of proactive planning. He told Adams and Pitner that while people often need to experience a crisis firsthand to understand the necessity of preparedness, witnessing others' struggles can also prompt action. "People have to experience a crisis moment for themselves. They have to have that power outage. They have to live in South Texas and have the polar vortex come through and really knock them off their feet. They have to experience that," Rigby said.

Case studies: Local networks in action

One compelling example of the power of local networks is a member from Pennsylvania who was stranded in Mississippi after hitting a deer. Through AmCon's app, the member was able to reach out for help. Within 30 minutes, three network members arrived to assist, and one even transported the car back to Pennsylvania. This incident demonstrates the immediate and practical support that local networks can provide. Another striking example is the response to the tornadoes in Forks, Mississippi. The local emergency manager requested plastic totes for survivors to store their belongings. Fortunately, an AmCon member in Ohio who had thousands of totes sent them down overnight. Such acts of kindness highlight the importance of community support in times of crisis. While having the right equipment is crucial, Rigsby stressed the importance of skills and knowledge. Owning 12 tourniquets is one thing, but knowing how to use them effectively is another. Pitner emphasized the need for hands-on learning, noting that acquiring skills can be more challenging but ultimately more rewarding than simply stockpiling supplies. For those interested in joining or starting a local preparedness network, AmCon offers a structured approach. The organization divides preparedness into 12 categories, with a focus on health and medical, food and water, communications, and security. Members can access comprehensive checklists and an onboarding course to assess their current preparedness levels and identify areas for improvement. AmCon's membership tiers ranging from $5 to $10 per month provide access to a wealth of resources, including a daily situational report, discussion groups and local chapter connections. Pitner, excited about the service, suggested a "buy one, gift one" option to help those in need. Upon joining, members are connected with local chapters, ensuring they have a support network in their immediate area. Pitner, based in Tampa, expressed enthusiasm about getting involved and contributing to his local community. The organization's regional coordinators help new members connect with local groups or start new chapters if none exist in their area. The power of local networks in crisis situations cannot be overstated. While individual preparedness is essential, the collective strength of a community can make the difference between survival and resilience. (Related: Community preparedness: Building networks for support and resources.) Check out Survival.news for similar stories. Watch the full interview between Thom Rigsby, Todd Pitner and the Health Ranger Mike Adams on "Decentralize TV" below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Case studies: Local networks in action

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