How to Prepare for Civil Unrest?

Civil unrest – from peaceful protests to violent riots – has become a reality in many parts of the world, including the United States. Unrest can erupt with little warning due to political tensions, social grievances, economic stress, or other triggers. Being prepared is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Preparation means knowing how to shelter in place securely when necessary, or evacuate quickly to a safer location if things escalate. It also means having supplies, plans, and the mental readiness to handle chaos. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for civil unrest, covering risk assessment, home fortification, emergency supplies, self-defense, evacuation planning, communication, legal considerations, mental preparedness, and long-term resilience. Use the following sections to ensure you and your family stay safe no matter what happens.

Understanding Civil Unrest: What It Is and What Causes It

Before preparing, it’s important to understand what civil unrest entails and why it happens. Civil unrest is a broad term referring to group acts of disruption or violence in a community. This can include demonstrations, strikes, protests, riots, and even localized acts of terrorism. Such events typically occur in times of perceived injustice or instability in society.

Common forms of civil unrest include:

• Peaceful Protests and Marches: Organized demonstrations where people gather to voice opinions or demand change. These often start peacefully but can sometimes turn tense.
• Strikes and Blockades: Work stoppages or road blockages by groups (for example, transit strikes or trucker blockades) that disrupt daily life and services.
• Riots and Looting: Violent outbreaks where crowds may vandalize property, set fires, loot stores, or clash with police. Riots can cause widespread danger to anyone in the area.
• Civil Disobedience: Non-violent but disruptive actions (sit-ins, occupations of buildings, etc.) intended to protest or resist authority.

What causes civil unrest? Civil unrest can erupt due to a variety of political, social, or economic causes:

• Political Triggers: Contentious elections, unpopular legislation, police brutality incidents, or government overreach can spark protests and riots. People may feel their voices are not heard through normal channels and take to the streets.
• Social Inequities: Long-standing issues such as racial injustice, inequality, or denial of rights can lead communities to rise up in protest. A single high-profile event (for example, an unjust court verdict or an incident of violence caught on video) might ignite nationwide demonstrations.
• Economic Hardship: Severe economic downturns, sharp increases in prices (food, fuel), unemployment, or perceived corruption can fuel public anger. When people struggle to meet basic needs, frustration can boil over into unrest.
• Other Catalysts: Occasionally, natural disasters or pandemics that strain resources, or ideological movements (e.g., pro-democracy, anti-globalization) also lead to civil disturbances. External influences like misinformation on social media can accelerate the spread of unrest as well.

Understanding the context and causes of unrest in your region helps in assessing your personal risk. For example, if you live in a major city or near government buildings, you may be more likely to encounter protests. Being aware of underlying tensions (local political disputes, community grievances, upcoming contentious events) will inform how you prepare.

Risk Assessment and Situational Awareness

The first step in preparing for civil unrest is staying informed and being aware of warning signs. Early knowledge can give you time to act – whether that means stocking up supplies or evacuating an area. Here’s how to improve your situational awareness and assess risk:

Monitoring News and Official Alerts

Keep a close watch on reputable news sources for any indications of unrest. Large-scale demonstrations or disturbances often have warning signs: for instance, local news might report planned protests or rising tensions in the community. Pay attention to:

• Local and National News: Watch TV news, listen to radio, or read news websites/newspapers for stories about protests, political rallies, or contentious events. If certain topics start dominating the news cycle (e.g. a high-profile trial verdict, a divisive political decision, etc.), it could be a precursor to unrest.
• Government Alerts: Be aware of any alerts or warnings from government agencies. In the U.S., authorities sometimes issue public safety alerts or even raise threat levels if they anticipate unrest or terrorism. Your city may have an emergency alert system (texts or emails) – make sure you’re signed up.
• Community Meetings: Sometimes local law enforcement or community leaders hold meetings or issue statements if they sense possible civil disturbances (for example, ahead of a big protest or after a controversial incident). Staying plugged into community info can give you a heads-up.

Being proactive and noticing patterns in the news (such as increasingly heated rhetoric or consecutive days of protests) will help you gauge if trouble is brewing. When news coverage suggests instability, start preparing early rather than waiting until chaos erupts.

Staying Aware via Social Media (But Verify Information)

In today’s world, social media often breaks news faster than traditional media. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and local community forums can alert you to unfolding events in real time. For example, people might post about a protest turning violent or share videos of unrest as it happens. While this can be an invaluable early warning tool, you must use it carefully:

• Follow Official Accounts: To avoid rumors, follow the social media accounts of your city’s police department, local government, and emergency management offices. These sources will provide verified instructions (like areas to avoid, curfews, or shelter orders) during unrest.
• Use Local Hashtags/Groups: Many cities have community pages or hashtags (e.g., #YourCityProtest) where locals share updates. These can alert you to roadblocks, demonstrations, or dangerous areas. Treat unverified reports cautiously but use them as cues to double-check news.
• Beware of Misinformation: During crises, false rumors spread quickly online, which can mislead people. If you see an alarming claim (“The water supply is poisoned” or “Riots are in every neighborhood!”), try to confirm through trusted news or officials before acting. When in doubt, stick to guidance from authorities.
• Communication Apps: Besides public social feeds, consider joining neighborhood groups on apps like Nextdoor or WhatsApp where members might share real-time safety info. Again, verify what you read, but these can be early indicators of local trouble (e.g., neighbors alerting each other about nearby looting or fires).

By leveraging social media wisely, you can often know about unrest events minutes or hours before they’d hit TV news. Use that time advantage to secure your home or change your route to avoid danger. Just remember to filter signal from noise.

Local Awareness and Observation

Sometimes, signs of impending unrest are right in front of you. Pay attention to your surroundings and local chatter, especially if your area is experiencing tension. Here are some situational awareness tips:

• Watch Community Behavior: Increasing hostility or agitation in public (large spontaneous gatherings, heated arguments at city council meetings, graffiti or propaganda posters going up) can signal brewing unrest. If you notice unusual crowds forming or a normally calm area getting more police presence, stay alert.
• Talk to Neighbors and Friends: Your community network can be a great source of information. Neighbors might know if protests are planned nearby. Friends who work in town might have heard of planned strikes or demonstrations. Share information and plans with people you trust so you’re all on the same page.
• Stay Observant When Out: If you’re out running errands and you stumble upon a protest or signs of riot (shattered glass, people running, police sirens), don’t stick around to investigate. Trust your instincts – if something feels off or dangerous, leave the area quickly and calmly.
• Know Your Area’s Hotspots: Identify the places in your city or town that would likely be targets or centers of unrest. Government buildings, police stations, major downtown plazas, universities, and shopping districts often become protest sites. If tensions are high, avoid these areas proactively. If you live or work near one, be extra prepared with a plan to secure yourself or evacuate if needed.

By combining news, social media, and your own observation, you can create an overall picture of the risk level each day. Situational awareness is an ongoing process – make it a habit, especially during periods of civil tension (for example, around elections or major trials). The more information you have, the better decisions you can make to keep safe.

Shelter and Home Fortification

One of the key decisions in civil unrest is whether to hunker down at home (shelter in place) or evacuate to a safer location. If conditions allow you to stay home safely, your house becomes your fortress. But a home is only as safe as you make it. This section covers how to strengthen your home’s security and prepare it as a shelter during unrest.

Securing Your Home Perimeter

Start by ensuring your home’s physical security is robust. An angry mob or opportunistic looters might target homes at random, especially if they appear unprotected. Taking some precautions ahead of time can deter intruders and keep you safer:

• Lock Doors and Windows: It sounds obvious, but in tense times double-check that all entry points (doors, windows, garage doors) are securely locked. Consider upgrading to heavy-duty deadbolts on exterior doors. Sliding doors or weak locks can be reinforced with braces or rods to prevent them from being forced open.
• Reinforce Entry Points: If you live in an area prone to riots, you might invest in security enhancements. Reinforced or security doors, shatter-resistant window film, or even boarding up windows with plywood (if a violent protest is expected) can provide extra protection against break-ins or thrown objects. Some homeowners install metal security grilles on vulnerable ground-floor windows as well.
• Outdoor Lighting and Cameras: A well-lit property can discourage mischief at night. Motion-sensor lights around entryways and yards will make it harder for anyone to approach unseen. Security cameras (even simple webcam doorbell cameras) let you monitor activity outside without exposing yourself. Many modern cameras allow remote viewing on your phone, so you can stay aware of what’s happening around your house.
• Yard Cleanup: Remove or secure any loose items outside your home that could be used as projectiles or that you wouldn’t want stolen. This includes lawn furniture, tools, flower pots, etc. In intense riots, people have been known to throw bricks, rocks, or objects through windows – don’t provide them with ammo from your own yard. Keep the area tidy and as non-inviting as possible.
• Fencing and Gates: If you have a fence, ensure the gates are locked. While a fence won’t stop a determined intruder, it’s a psychological and physical barrier that might divert an opportunistic trespasser to an easier target. Even temporary fencing or barricades could be considered if you expect severe unrest in your neighborhood.

These measures not only protect against rioters but also common criminals who take advantage of chaos. A house that looks secure and hard to breach may be passed over in favor of an easier mark. The goal is to make your home a hard target.

Creating a Safe Room at Home

In extreme situations, you might consider setting up a safe room inside your home. A safe room is a secure area (like a fortified interior room, basement, or large closet) where you and your family can retreat if intruders enter or violence is directly outside. It doesn’t have to be a high-tech panic room bunker; it just needs to be a spot that you can barricade and shelter in safely. And also consider some things to have in a panic room as well as considering the following :

• Choosing the Right Space: Interior rooms without windows are ideal, since they’re less exposed. A master bedroom with a solid door, a walk-in closet, or a bathroom can work if reinforced. The room should be big enough for your family to huddle in for a few hours if necessary, and preferably have a second exit (like an adjoining bathroom window or attic access) in case you need to flee.
• Fortify the Door: Replace the door to that room with a solid core or metal door and install a heavy-duty lock (deadbolt or security bar). In a pinch, even a wedge under the door or heavy furniture pushed against it can help secure it. The goal is to buy time – if someone breaches your home, the safe room door should hold long enough for help to arrive or for the intruders to move on.
• Stock Emergency Supplies Inside: Keep a basic emergency kit in your safe room. This might include a phone (or spare charger for your cell), a flashlight, a first-aid kit, some bottled water, snacks, and perhaps a defensive tool like pepper spray or a legally-owned firearm (only if you are trained and licensed to use it). Having a fire extinguisher in the safe room is also wise in case the intruders try to smoke people out or fire is a risk.
• Communication from Safe Room: Ideally, your safe room should have a way to call for help or get information. If cell signal is weak inside, consider a landline in that room or walkie-talkie to communicate with neighbors. Even a loud whistle or personal alarm could signal distress to the outside. Some people keep an old mobile phone with spare battery in the safe room that can dial 911 even without an active plan.

A safe room is your last line of defense. Hopefully you never need it, but knowing it’s there can give you immense peace of mind. If you don’t have a dedicated fortified room, at least discuss with your family which room you’d retreat to in a worst-case scenario (and perhaps keep a kit there). For more advanced measures and ideas, consider reading our guide on Why You Need a Safe Room in Your Home, which covers safe room design and features in depth.

Bug-Out Bag (Go Bag)

Situations can deteriorate to the point where you must leave your home in a hurry. This could happen if your neighborhood becomes too dangerous, authorities order an evacuation, or if utilities fail for an extended period. For such scenarios, every household member should have a bug-out bag (also known as a go-bag) packed and ready. A bug-out bag is a backpack or duffel containing survival essentials to sustain you for about 72 hours during evacuation. Key contents include:

• Food and Water: Pack lightweight, non-perishable food like energy bars, trail mix, dried meals, or MREs (Meals-Ready-to-Eat). Also include water bottles (at least 1-2 liters) and a portable water filter or purification tablets in case you need to drink from an unknown source. Collapsible water pouches can be useful to save space but fill when needed.
• Clothing and Gear: Include a change of clothes (preferably durable, weather-appropriate attire). Don’t forget extra socks and underwear. A rain jacket or poncho, and a mylar emergency blanket can be lifesavers if you’re stuck outside. Also pack a compact first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, any personal medications, etc.), a flashlight with spare batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight), a multi-tool or knife, and fire starters (lighter, matches in waterproof container). If you anticipate possible dangerous encounters, a whistle or personal alarm and pepper spray (where legal) could be included for self-defense.
• Important Documents and Cash: Make copies of your essential documents (IDs, insurance papers, birth certificates, medical records) and keep them in a waterproof zip-lock or pouch in your bag. Also carry some cash in small bills; during civil unrest electronic payment systems might not work or ATMs might be down, so cash can help you buy supplies or fuel. ATM and credit card networks could be offline due to power outages or cyberattacks in a worst case scenario.
• Communication and Navigation: Pack a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive news if cell networks fail. A basic compass and local map are important in case GPS on your phone isn’t available or routes are blocked – you might need to navigate on foot through areas you’re not familiar with. Also consider a notepad and pencil (to leave notes or instructions if needed). If you have two-way radios (walkie-talkies), keeping them in your go-bag can help you communicate with family if you get separated and cell phones don’t work.
• Personal Items: Depending on your needs, include toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap), eyeglasses or contact lens solution, and any items for infants (bottles, pacifiers) or pets (small amount of pet food, leash). Also pack some masks (N95 or cloth) – not only can they protect against smoke or tear gas in riot situations, but if unrest is accompanied by something like a pandemic or biological concern, you’ll want them.
• Bag Considerations: The bag itself should be sturdy and comfortable enough to carry for long periods. A backpack with chest and waist straps is ideal to distribute weight. Aim for a bag weight you can manage (often around 15-20% of your body weight max, less if you’re not used to hiking). If you live with family, distribute items among bags so no one bag is too heavy and if someone’s bag is lost, others still have critical items.

Keep your bug-out bags in an easy-to-grab spot (like a closet near the front door or in the garage). If you have a car, you might even store the bags in the trunk during times of high tension so that you can leave immediately if needed. Remember: in an emergency evacuation, minutes matter, so don’t delay leaving because you’re scrambling to pack – have it ready.

Keeping Your Bug-Out Vehicle Ready

We touched on vehicle prep in the supplies section, but as part of evacuation planning, it’s worth emphasizing: have your vehicle ready to roll. When tensions are high, always park your car facing out (so you can just turn the ignition and go, rather than having to back out). Keep it fueled and stocked with your vehicle emergency kit and your family’s go-bags.

If you have more than one vehicle in your household, decide in advance which you’ll take (you may opt for the one with higher clearance or larger fuel tank, etc.). Ensure you have the keys handy. In fact, keep your keys and important items by your bedside at night during tumultuous times – if you awake to an emergency, you can grab and go.

Consider the capabilities of your bug-out vehicle: a sturdy truck or SUV with off-road ability can give you more route options (like taking dirt roads or crossing rough terrain to avoid roadblocks). If you have the means, investing in a reliable, tough vehicle for emergencies is worthwhile. Some people even customize vehicles for survival scenarios (four-wheel drive, extra fuel tanks, roof rack for supplies, etc.). 【For a detailed look at ideal evacuation vehicles, see our Best Bug-Out Vehicles guide.

Vehicle Emergency Kit

If you plan to evacuate by car (or even if you’re just commuting during a turbulent time), prepare a vehicle emergency kit as well. In civil unrest scenarios, roads might be closed, traffic can gridlock, and gas stations might be shut or emptied. Your vehicle can be both transportation and temporary shelter, so equip it accordingly:

• Fuel and Maintenance: Always try to keep your gas tank at least half full when unrest is a possibility. If you hear even a hint that things are getting bad, top off your tank before lines form. It’s wise to carry a spare canister of fuel (safely stored) in your vehicle, though be mindful of safety and local laws when doing so. Also, ensure your car is up-to-date on maintenance – good tire tread, proper oil levels, functioning lights and brakes. The last thing you want is a breakdown in a danger zone.
• Tools and Spares: Keep basic tools in your car. This includes a spare tire (and make sure it’s properly inflated), a jack and lug wrench, jumper cables, and basic tools like screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, and a wrench. Consider a tire repair kit or can of tire sealant in case of minor punctures. If debris like nails or broken glass is common during riots, a flat tire is likely – be prepared to handle it yourself, as tow trucks might not be available.
• Vehicle Escape and Safety: In extreme cases, you might encounter roadblocks or need to go off-road. Having a bolt cutter or a strong pair of wire cutters in your car can help you get past chained gates or fencing if absolutely necessary (useful if you need to take an unconventional escape route). A windshield hammer/seatbelt cutter tool should be within reach of the driver – this helps break out windows or cut jammed seatbelts if your vehicle is trapped or under attack. Also consider a fire extinguisher rated for automotive use, as car fires could happen if molotovs or other hazards are present.
• Comfort and Survival Items: Pack some additional water and snacks in the car, beyond what’s in your personal go-bag. Keeping a case of water bottles and some granola bars in the trunk can sustain you if you get stuck in standstill traffic for hours. Have extra phone charging cables or battery banks that can plug into the car. A blanket in the trunk is useful if you have to sleep in the car or keep warm. In summer, a few spare bottles of coolant and a coolant funnel might help if your car overheats in a traffic jam. Also stash a pair of comfortable walking shoes and socks in the car – if you have to abandon the car and go on foot, dress shoes or heels won’t cut it.
• Maps and Navigation: Again, keep physical maps in your glove compartment. Your car’s GPS or phone may fail, and you might need to navigate small back roads to avoid trouble. Mark out multiple evacuation routes on the map ahead of time (highlight them) so you’re not trying to figure it out on the fly.

A well-prepared vehicle is often your best asset in escaping civil unrest. Treat it like a lifeline: maintain it, equip it, and it will greatly increase your odds of reaching safety when every second counts. (We’ll discuss specific evacuation planning in a later section, including choosing routes and destinations.)

Emergency Kits and Essential Supplies

Whether you decide to stay home or have to evacuate, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. In civil unrest (as with any disaster), supply chains can be disrupted and stores may close or be inaccessible. You should prepare for self-sufficiency for at least several days or even weeks. Let’s break down the essential kits and supplies you should assemble:

Home Emergency Supply Kit

If you are sheltering in place, you’ll want a stash of essential supplies to ride out the unrest. Aim to stock at least a 3-day supply of the basics for everyone in your household, though a 2-week supply is even better for greater resilience. Include:

• Food: Non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare without power. Canned goods (soups, vegetables, beans, canned meats), dry staples (rice, pasta, oats), nut butter, protein bars, dried fruits and nuts are great. Choose items your family will actually eat. Don’t forget a manual can-opener! If you have infants, ensure you have formula or baby food as needed. And if you have pets, store pet food sufficient for them too.
• Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. So for a family of 4, that’s 12 gallons for a 3-day supply (and more if possible). Water is critical – unrest could lead to water disruptions or contamination (for instance, if infrastructure is damaged). If storing large quantities is hard, get a water filter or purifier (like a camping filtration system or water purification tablets) so you can treat water from taps or other sources if needed. Fill bathtubs or containers with water if you see unrest coming and have warning; that water can be used for sanitation or backup drinking water.
• Medications and Health Items: Have a first aid kit and any necessary prescription medications. Keep at least a month’s supply of important prescriptions if you can (speak to your doctor for an extra refill if possible). Include over-the-counter pain relievers, fever reducers, anti-diarrheal medicine, and any other useful health supplies. If anyone in the home uses medical devices (like insulin pumps or CPAP machines), plan for backup power or alternatives if electricity is out.
• Hygiene and Sanitation: Stock toilet paper, paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, diapers if needed, trash bags, and plastic buckets or bags for waste. In chaotic times, garbage pickup might pause, so be ready to manage waste to keep your environment sanitary. Also have cleaning wipes or bleach to disinfect if needed (especially important if injuries occur or if you are concerned about illness).
• Warm Clothes and Blankets: If unrest leads to power outages, you might lose heating or air conditioning. Have seasonal clothing accessible (jackets, hats, gloves for cold; lighter breathable clothes for heat) and plenty of blankets or sleeping bags for warmth. Even in summer, nights can get cold if you’re outside or without power. Sturdy shoes are important too – if you need to trek through debris or broken glass, you’ll want good footwear. Keep a pair of work gloves handy to protect your hands during any cleanup or if you need to handle rough materials.

Store your home emergency kit in an easily accessible place, ideally a cool, dry area like a closet or pantry. Periodically check your supplies (every 6 months or so) to rotate any food or meds that might expire. Knowing you have at least the basics covered will allow you to focus on other aspects of safety when unrest hits.

Personal Safety and Self-Defense

Your personal safety is paramount during civil unrest. This means protecting yourself and your family from physical harm. The best strategy is always to avoid dangerous confrontations altogether – we’ll talk about avoidance and smart behavior in the next section on evacuation and situational tactics. However, you should also consider how you would defend yourself if you come under threat. This isn’t about being aggressive or looking for trouble; it’s about last-resort protection when faced with violence. Here’s how to handle personal safety and self-defense during unrest:

Emphasize Avoidance and De-escalation

The number one rule of personal safety in civil unrest is avoid the conflict if at all possible. No self-defense tool or weapon is as effective as not being in harm’s way to begin with. If you see a disturbance forming, go the other way. If a crowd is getting agitated, put distance between you and them. Your goal is to never have to fight.

• Don’t Draw Attention: Keep a low profile. This is not the time to proudly display political slogans or wear clothes that affiliate you with any side of a conflict. Dress neutrally and blend in. If you are evacuating through an area of unrest, look like an unremarkable person just trying to get home. Avoid eye contact with aggressive individuals. If confronted, remain calm, speak softly, and try to extricate yourself.
• Travel in Groups if Possible: You are less likely to be targeted if you’re not alone. If you have family or neighbors, stick together and keep track of each other. There is safety in numbers – a lone individual might seem like an easy target to a mugger or an angry group, whereas a small group is a bit more intimidating. However, avoid very large groups of civilians because they might attract attention; a family unit or a couple of friends is fine.
• Comply and Escape: If you do encounter rioters or armed individuals, sometimes the safest move is temporary compliance. For instance, if looters stop your car and demand you get out, it may be wiser to do so and get clear of the vehicle rather than resist and trigger violence. Property can be replaced, your life cannot. Keep your hands visible, don’t make sudden moves, and try to calmly leave the situation. Once you’re away from immediate danger, you can reassess how to proceed.

Remember, martial law or emergency rules might be in effect during extreme unrest. Always follow law enforcement orders. If police or National Guard tell you to disperse or get off the streets, do so – even if you believe you have a right to be there, the immediate situation is not the time to push it, as emotions and triggers are running high. Survival first, debates later.

Non-Lethal Self-Defense Tools

It’s wise to carry some basic self-defense tools that can incapacitate an attacker without lethal force. Non-lethal options can provide protection while posing less legal and safety risk than firearms. Some options include:

• Pepper Spray: One of the most popular self-defense items, pepper spray can be very effective at stopping a single attacker (or giving you a chance to escape a threatening crowd). It causes intense burning pain in the eyes and difficulty breathing for a short time. It’s small, easy to carry, and legal in most jurisdictions (though some places have restrictions, so check your local laws). If you carry pepper spray, practice how to unlock and use it quickly under pressure. Also be aware of wind direction – you don’t want it blowing back at you.
• Stun Gun or Taser: Handheld stun devices can deliver an electric shock that temporarily disables an assailant. Some tasers shoot probes a short distance; others require direct contact. These can be effective, but they usually require close range, which can be a disadvantage. Also, legality varies by state and country. If you get one, invest in a quality model and learn how to use it properly (some have safety mechanisms or require certain battery charge levels, etc.).
• Personal Alarm or Whistle: It may sound simple, but a very loud personal alarm or even a good old whistle can sometimes deter attackers by drawing attention. In a chaotic situation, though, noise is everywhere, so this is more useful if you’re in a deserted parking lot or a quieter environment and need to scare off someone. Still, these devices are cheap and easy to keep on a keychain.
• Everyday Objects: If you don’t have special devices, remember that everyday objects can be used for self-defense. A strong flashlight can double as a baton to strike with. Keys protruding from between your fingers can scratch or gouge if grabbed. A small fire extinguisher can be sprayed at someone’s face (and also puts out fires!). Even a tightly rolled magazine or umbrella can hit surprisingly hard. Be prepared to improvise with what you have.

When carrying any self-defense tool, keep it accessible. It won’t help you buried at the bottom of a bag. Also, mindset matters: be prepared mentally to use it if you’re in life-threatening danger. Hesitation can cause you to lose the moment. If you brandish a tool like pepper spray, be ready that you might have to follow through.

Communication Strategies and Community Coordination

During civil unrest, information is power. A solid communication plan helps you stay informed, call for help if needed, and coordinate with both loved ones and possibly neighbors for mutual support. Additionally, being part of a community response can increase safety for everyone. Let’s break down communication and coordination tactics:

Emergency Communication Plan for Family

As part of your preparedness, establish how your family will communicate during an emergency:

• Multiple Channels: Don’t rely on a single method. Cell phones are usually first choice – ensure everyone in your family has important numbers memorized or written down (in case contacts on the phone aren’t accessible). If cell networks become unreliable, have backups: two-way radios (FRS/GMRS radios are inexpensive and can work over a mile or two), or even a planned time to tune into a specific radio station for info. Some families designate an out-of-town relative as a check-in contact. For example, if local lines are jammed, sometimes an out-of-area call can go through – each family member tries to contact Aunt Sally in another state to relay messages.
• Text Over Call: In many emergencies, text messages get through more reliably than voice calls. Texts use less bandwidth and will queue if network is busy, then send when able. So teach everyone: if a call doesn’t connect, send a text saying where you are and your status. Keep it short and clear (e.g., “I’m safe at library, heading home ASAP”). Also, avoid excessive texting that could clog networks further – just key info.
• Meeting Points: We touched on this in evacuation, but it applies more broadly: designate meet-up points if communication is cut. Maybe “If phone lines go down, we will meet back at home, or if home is not accessible, meet at Cousin Bob’s house 5 miles away, or at the church parking lot,” etc. Have a tiered plan: primary and secondary meeting locations, depending on which area is safe.
• Updates and Reassurance: During a prolonged unrest situation, set a schedule for check-ins. For example, decide that everyone will send a status update every hour on the hour, or at least at morning and night. This way, if someone doesn’t check in, the others know to take action or try other ways to reach them. It also helps mentally to have regular contact so you know your loved ones are okay.

Write down the communication plan and give everyone a copy for their wallet or backpack. In the stress of the moment, people can forget what was discussed, so having it written helps. Include key phone numbers and addresses on that card.

Armored vehicles are very common nowadays. You should at least get one for the highest security of your loved ones. How to survive a civil war in America? The trend of bulletproof vehicles among Americans is growing dramatically. These vehicles can protect you even if you stick in the middle of an angry mob. Check out our guide on vehicle armoring kits to learn more about a solution for your vehicle.

Family Communication and Coordination During Evacuation

Evacuating as a family or group adds complexity, so plan how you will coordinate:

• Rally Point: Designate a rally point at home. For example, “If we have to leave in a hurry, everyone meet in the garage by the car” or “Meet at the end of the driveway.” This prevents chaos of searching for a child or pet at the last minute. Do a drill: one day, do a surprise “evacuation drill” and see how quickly everyone can grab their go-bag and get to the car. Practice improves performance.
• Assignments: Give each capable person a role for quick evacuation. One adult might be in charge of grabbing the emergency document folder and cash, another grabs the go-bags, an older child can be responsible for putting the pets on leashes or carriers, etc. When everyone knows their duty, you save precious minutes.
• Communication Plan: If someone is not home when unrest sparks and roads are closing (say your spouse is at work or your teen is at school), have a plan for how to reconnect. Possibly the plan is that whoever is out should stay put if safe and you’ll come to them (or vice versa). Or decide a secondary meeting location if home is not accessible – e.g., “If you can’t get home, go to Aunt Lisa’s house across town and we’ll link up there.” Make sure everyone memorizes at least one phone number of a family member or friend outside the immediate area, in case phones die and they have to borrow someone’s phone later to call.
• Convoy Driving: If taking multiple cars (maybe your family has to split between two vehicles), plan a driving order and how you’ll communicate on the road. Use hands-free phone calls or walkie-talkies between cars if possible. Agree not to speed or drive recklessly to avoid losing each other – it’s better to stick together and arrive a bit later. Have a rule that if one car gets stuck or has to stop, the other will also pull over at the next safe spot (you don’t want to abandon one group behind).

Evacuation can be the most dangerous phase of a civil unrest scenario because you’re exposing yourself by moving. But if you plan thoroughly, you can minimize those dangers and make your escape swiftly and efficiently when needed. Once you’re on the road to safety or have safely reached your destination, stay vigilant (unrest can spread, after all) and keep listening for updates. Next, we’ll discuss how to maintain communications and work with your community whether you stay or go.

Stay Prepared, Stay Safe

Preparing for civil unrest may seem daunting, but taking these proactive steps will significantly increase your safety and confidence. In summary, remember to:

• Stay informed about the situation around you and maintain sharp situational awareness. Early warning gives you options.
• Fortify your home and have plans for both sheltering in place and evacuating. Your home can be a haven with the right preparations, and you should also be ready to leave it behind if necessary.
• Gather essential supplies – food, water, medicine, and tools – to sustain you through short-term emergencies and potentially longer-term disruptions. Don’t forget a well-prepared go-bag for each person.
• Prioritize personal safety through avoidance of conflict and smart self-defense measures. Protect yourself within legal bounds and use force only as a last resort to protect life.
• Plan your evacuation routes and communication strategies with family. Know where to go, how to get there, and how to stay in touch. Your community can be an asset – coordinate with neighbors if possible.
• Understand the laws and emergency orders that apply. Following curfews and knowing self-defense laws ensures you don’t survive the unrest only to face legal trouble afterward.
• Take care of your mental health and that of your loved ones. A clear head and steady nerves will make any crisis easier to manage.
• Build resilience for the long haul by preparing for extended outages or repeated unrest. This includes extra supplies, financial preparedness, and community solidarity.

By preparing comprehensively, you are not only ready for civil unrest but also better equipped for other emergencies life might throw your way. The peace of mind that comes from being ready is invaluable – it allows you to act decisively rather than react in panic.

In the end, the goal is to protect what matters most: your life and the lives of your family and neighbors. Property can be rebuilt and items replaced, but people cannot. Keep that perspective at the forefront of all your decisions. Stay safe, stay smart, and hopefully you’ll never need to face the worst-case scenarios – but if you do, you’ll be ready.

For the highest protection of your family, you should use an armored vehicle. These vehicles not only protect against the angry mob but also from deadly weapons. If you can’t afford the most expensive armored vehicles, you can install armor on your currently-used vehicles. For any information about armor installation, contact Armormax. Our team is readily available to listen to you!