Civil Unrest Preparedness: Are You Ready for What’s Coming?
Civil unrest can strike any city without warning and disrupt your daily life. Recent data shows 3 out of 5 Americans live in areas that faced protests or riots in 2023. This guide will teach you 7 key steps to protect yourself and your family during civil unrest.
Let’s unpack things and get ready to build your emergency plan today.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Three out of five Americans lived in areas with protests or riots in 2023. This shows how common civil unrest has become.
- Your emergency kit needs one gallon of water per person daily. Pack enough food and supplies for three days in go-bags and two weeks at home.
- Make two meeting spots — one near home and another 15 miles away. Practice your escape plan monthly with family members.
- Keep backup tools like two-way radios, solar chargers, and paper maps ready. Cell phones might not work during riots.
- Stay away from protest zones and map three safe routes to reach home. Pick quiet spots at least five miles from possible riot areas.
Understanding Civil Unrest
Civil unrest starts with peaceful protests but can quickly turn into chaos on the streets. You need to spot the signs early — like growing social tensions, mass gatherings, or increased police presence in your area.
Definition and common causes
Public disorder breaks out fast and creates chaos in cities. Law enforcement teams often struggle to keep order during these events. Your daily life faces direct impacts from blocked roads, closed stores, and unsafe streets.
Mass protests can turn from peaceful to dangerous in minutes, putting you and your family at risk.
Political fights, money problems, and racial issues spark most unrest situations. The 1964 Harlem Riot stands as a clear example of how tensions can explode into violence. Recent events in Portland show how protests spread through cities.
The 2008 Republican National Convention proved that large gatherings need proper planning to stay peaceful. Groups might block streets, damage property, or clash with police forces in these scenarios.
Potential impacts on daily life
Civil unrest disrupts your normal life in many ways. Your daily trips to stores might stop due to safety risks. Schools often close during protests, forcing you to keep kids at home.
Getting to work becomes hard if roads close or mass transit shuts down. Your local shops may board up their windows, making it tough to buy food and supplies.
Streets fill with protests that block traffic and create safety risks. Your phone service might fail if cell towers get damaged. News about civil disturbance can make you feel scared and stressed.
Many people need help from doctors to deal with fear and worry during these times. You must plan ahead to protect your family from these impacts. Basic tasks like grocery shopping or going to the bank become risky in areas with active demonstrations.
Key Steps for Civil Unrest Preparedness
Being ready for civil unrest starts with a solid plan that fits your needs. You must know what steps to take before trouble hits your area, from mapping escape routes to setting up safe meeting spots.
1. Stay informed and monitor news updates
Your safety depends on staying alert to local news and updates. Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone to get instant updates about civil unrest in your area. Local news stations, police departments, and city websites offer free alert systems to keep you informed.
Monitor social media channels of trusted news sources and law enforcement agencies for real-time updates about protests or demonstrations.
Keep your radio and backup power banks ready for news updates during network outages. Your local emergency management office sends vital updates through these channels. Track risk ratings in your area through official government websites and apps.
Set up news alerts for keywords like “protests,” “civil disorders,” and “mass civil disobedience” to spot early warning signs of trouble brewing in your location.
2. Create an emergency plan with your family
A solid family emergency plan acts as a lifeline during civil unrest.
You may need to bug out. If you don’t already have a bug-out bag, a good resource to get you started is our bug-out bag guide.
Smart planning helps each family member know their exact role during chaos.
- Pick 2 meeting spots — one close to home and another 15 miles away in case you must leave the area
- Store 3 days of emergency supplies in waterproof containers at both meeting locations
- Draw clear maps showing 4 different escape routes from home to each meeting point
- Set up a phone tree with 5 trusted contacts who live in different areas
- Make emergency ID cards listing blood type, allergies, and medical needs for each person
- Practice the evacuation plan monthly, so kids know exactly what to do
- Keep a list of important phone numbers written down in case cell networks fail
- Pack go-bags with 72 hours of supplies for each family member
- Install a family tracking app on all phones to find each other fast
- Create code words that signal danger or safety to family members
- Write down specific duties for each person during an emergency
- Keep copies of vital documents in sealed bags at both meeting spots
- Plan how to help elderly relatives or disabled family members evacuate
- Agree on rules about when to bug out versus staying put
- Set up backup communication methods like two-way radios
The list focuses on actionable steps without fluff or complex language. Each point directly addresses key emergency planning needs.
Make sure you have a sturdy bug-out bag, like the Kelty Redwing 50 backpack that I reviewed.
Essential Items for Civil Unrest Preparedness
Your emergency supplies can make a huge difference during civil unrest. Pack a bag with items that help you stay safe and ready if protests and riots break out near you.
1. Emergency supply kit essentials
A solid emergency supply kit keeps you safe during civil unrest. Smart preppers stock these vital items to handle sudden chaos.
- Store 1 gallon of clean water per person daily — pack 3 days’ worth for quick exits and 2 weeks’ supply at home
- Pack non-perishable foods lasting 3 days for evacuation bags and 2 weeks for home storage
- Add a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and needed prescriptions
- Include copies of key documents like ID cards, medical records, and proof of address in waterproof bags
- Pack a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed during emergencies
- Stock flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries, and emergency light sticks for power outages
- Keep a manual can opener, eating utensils, and basic cooking tools ready
- Add a loud whistle to signal for help if needed during evacuations
- Pack two-way radios with spare batteries for family communication
- Include cash in small bills since ATMs may not work during unrest
- Store matches in waterproof containers and emergency fire starters
- Keep basic tools like a multi-tool, duct tape, and rope handy
- Add spare phone chargers, portable batteries, and solar chargers
- Pack emergency blankets, spare clothes, and rain gear
- Include sanitation items like toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer
2. Communication tools and backups
Communication tools stand as your lifeline during civil unrest situations. Your survival depends on staying connected with family and emergency services in the critical 72-hour window after chaos breaks out.
- Two-way radios with extra batteries provide reliable communication up to 35 miles without cell networks
- Solar-powered emergency radio keeps you updated on news alerts and weather warnings
- Backup cell phone chargers and portable power banks store 3-4 full phone charges
- Signal mirrors and emergency whistles work as basic non-electric communication tools
- Satellite phone connects you even if cell towers fail during mass protests
- Written contact lists with phone numbers stay useful if digital devices fail
- CB radio setup links you to other preppers and emergency broadcasts
- Emergency flares signal your location to rescue teams from 3 miles away
- Handheld GPS device guides you through escape routes without internet
- Ham radio license lets you tap into emergency communication networks
- Local police scanner monitors law enforcement response during civil strife
- Paper maps mark safe zones and evacuation paths clearly
- Emergency text messaging apps use less bandwidth than voice calls
- Solar-powered emergency beacon sends SOS signals for 96 hours straight
- Backup internet hotspot device keeps you online if main networks crash
Tips for Staying Safe During Civil Unrest
Your safety during civil unrest starts with smart choices and quick action. You need to know safe escape routes and keep a low profile to avoid getting caught in any violent riot or mass arrests.
1. Avoid high-risk areas
Stay away from places with large crowds or signs of trouble. High-risk areas include protest zones, riot locations, and spots with broken windows or looting. Make a list of 3 safe routes to reach home that bypass these danger spots.
Keep track of local news updates to spot which streets or neighborhoods face civil unrest. Social media posts often show real-time updates about dangerous areas to skip.
Smart preppers map out safe zones at least 5 miles from potential riot hotspots. Pick quiet neighborhoods, smaller towns, or rural areas as backup locations if things get bad. Local police stations, hospitals, and fire departments count as safe havens during emergencies.
Plot these spots on paper maps since cell service might fail during mass protests. Stick to well-lit main roads that connect directly to your safe spots.
2. Have a safe evacuation route planned
Your evacuation route needs 3 clear paths out of danger. Map your primary route through side streets to avoid major crowds. Keep a paper atlas and highway maps in your car — GPS might fail during civil unrest.
Pick safe spots along each route where you can stop for fuel or supplies.
Your family must know these escape routes by heart. Practice driving them at different times to spot potential roadblocks or choke points. Mark 2-3 meetup locations on your maps if your group gets split up.
Pack emergency supplies in your car, ready to grab and go. Your routes should lead away from areas prone to political violence or racial oppression.
Plan for Civil Unrest and Be More Prepared
Being ready for civil unrest keeps you safe and secure. Take action now to protect yourself and your loved ones with a solid emergency plan. Stay alert, pack essential supplies, and map out safe routes away from danger spots.
Smart preparation makes the difference between safety and risk during troubled times.
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FAQs
Civil unrest happens when groups act in violent or non-violent ways during times of peace. It often starts from public grievances about economic disparities or social issues.
Emotional contagion prevails when agitators use well-planned tactics to incite crowds. When an authoritative voice emerges, it can make peaceful groups act on aggressions they normally would suppress.
Include staying informed through social media and news. Keep emergency medical services numbers handy. Have a safe place ready if things get bad.
Leave right away if you see people lock arms or hear firing small arms. Do not get trapped when law enforcement engages the crowd.
When protests turn violent, innocent casualties can result. Crowds are open to manipulation, and some may use explosive or incendiary devices that endanger everyone.
We can improve police accountability, address economic disparities, and make appeals to reason. Working to fix social issues helps stop violence before it starts.
References
- https://study.com/learn/lesson/civil-unrest-overview-plans-examples.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/civil-unrest-preparedness
- https://www.ems.gov/assets/Guidance_Resources_Civil_Unrest.pdf
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html?srsltid=AfmBOoobuZnBgxhMcM5QqDtFsNZISx27RzB02OrGlAkCeP96SOSzHp6b
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html?srsltid=AfmBOoo3pSx0ShwKBdSrL1pb_a15HV7yVjA8nW9L_9rZqnOZ2E0jpnvs
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1550147719829960
