Survive Civil Unrest: Essential Tips & Strategies

Civil unrest is like a shindig you didn’t RSVP to but forced to attend—it’s loud, chaotic, and you’re not entirely sure how you ended up in the middle of it. Whether it’s protests, riots, or full-blown urban chaos, knowing what to do can mean the difference between staying safe and becoming an unwilling extra in a dystopian movie. So, grab your metaphorical popcorn (and maybe a real emergency kit), because we’re diving into the ultimate guide on what to do during civil unrest.

Step 1: Stay Informed (But Don’t Panic)

The first rule of civil unrest is: don’t freak out. The second rule is: don’t freak out. Seriously, panicking is like throwing gasoline on a fire—it only makes things worse. Instead, stay informed. Tune into reliable news sources, follow local authorities, and keep an eye on community updates. But remember, not everything on the internet or TV is gospel. If someone claims the zombie apocalypse or alien invasion has started, maybe double-check that before barricading your doors.

Pro Tip: Have a battery-powered radio or hand-crank emergency radio. When the Wi-Fi goes out, you’ll be glad you can still get updates without draining your phone battery. Seriously, radio will NEVER die in any given emergency event, and I will strongly advocate that people own at least two or three sets of emergency radios.

Step 2: Know When to Stay and When to Go

Civil unrest can range from peaceful protests, which, if you agree with the cause, by all means, join that protest...it is your right if you are an American citizen! (For people from other countries, refer to your laws and regulations) to full-blown riots (Avoid like the plague!). Your first decision is whether to stay put or evacuate. Here’s how to decide:

Stay If:

• Your home is secure and far from the action.

• You have enough supplies to last several days.

• Leaving would put you in more danger (e.g., passing through violent areas).

Go If:

• The unrest is spreading to your neighborhood.

• Your safety is at immediate risk (e.g., fires, gunfire, or looters nearby).

• You have a safe place to go, like a friend’s house outside the city.

Funny Thought: If you’re debating whether to stay or go, ask yourself: “Would I likely get heckled here, for no apparent reason?" If the answer is yes, then consider leaving.

Step 3: Secure Your Home

If you decide to stay, your home is your fortress. Here’s how to lock it down:

• Reinforce Doors and Windows: Use heavy furniture, plywood, or security bars to make entry points harder to breach. If you don’t have plywood, a bookshelf full of encyclopedias might work. (Finally, a use for them in the age of the internet!)

• Turn Off Lights: Make your home look unoccupied. If looters think no one’s home, they’re less likely to target you.

• Stay Low: Avoid standing near windows. If things get really intense, camp out in a windowless room, like a bathroom or closet.

Pro Tip: If you have a dog, now’s the time to appreciate their barking. A loud dog can be a great deterrent. Just make sure they’re safe, too. In later articles, I will strongly advocate dog ownership, especially larger breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Dobermanns, German Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, etc for the purposes of survival and prepping, Also, if trained properly, guard dogs can make wonderful and affectionate companions!

Step 4: Avoid Hotspots

If you need to go outside, avoid areas where the unrest is concentrated. This isn’t the time to be a curious tourist. Remember, curiosity killed the cat! Use apps, news reports, and social media to identify dangerous zones and plan your route accordingly.

Funny Thought: If you find yourself thinking, “I wonder what’s happening over there?” stop. That’s your cue to go in the opposite direction. Always avoid getting into a 'FAFO' situation!

Step 5: Blend In (But Not Too Much)

If you’re caught in a crowd, the goal is to blend in without drawing attention. Here’s how:

• Dress Neutral: Avoid bright colors or anything that makes you stand out. Think “generic NPC in a video game.”

• Keep a Low Profile: Don’t take photos or videos. You’re not a war correspondent, and your Instagram followers can wait.

• Move with Purpose: If you need to get through a crowd, walk confidently but not aggressively. Think “I’m late for a meeting,” not “I’m running from zombies.” If you remain calm, collected, and confident, you will blend in with the crowd better.
  

Pro Tip: If things get really dicey, pretend you’re on a mission. Channel your inner spy and act like you belong. Just don’t start humming the Mission: Impossible theme—it might give you away.

Step 6: Know Basic Self-Defense

Hopefully, it won’t come to this, but knowing a few self-defense techniques can be a lifesaver. Here are some basics:

• Stay Aware: Keep your head on a swivel. If someone looks suspicious, trust your gut and move away.

• Use Everyday Objects: A pen, keys, or even a rolled-up magazine can be used to defend yourself in a pinch.

• Aim for Weak Spots: If you have to fight back, aim for the eyes, nose, throat, or groin. It’s not pretty, but neither is the alternative. Their "feelings" end where your safety and life begins.
  

Funny Thought: If you’ve ever watched a self-defense video and thought, “I’ll never need this,” now’s the time to revisit that mindset. Bonus points if you practice your moves in front of a mirror and feel like a total badass.

Step 7: Have an Emergency Kit Ready

An emergency kit is like a survivalist’s Swiss Army knife—it has everything you need to get through a crisis. Here’s what to include:

• Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day (refer to this article for more information)

• Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, granola bars, dried meats, peanut better, etc.

• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, medications, and any prescriptions.

• Flashlight and Batteries: Because stumbling around in the dark is only fun in horror movies.

• Cash: ATMs might not work, and credit cards could be useless. Always carry some cash with you.

• Important Documents: Keep copies of IDs, insurance papers, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have an emergency kit, start building one now. Think of it as adulting, but with more canned beans.

Step 8: Stay Calm and Keep Your Sense of Humor

Civil unrest is stressful, but maintaining a sense of humor can help you stay sane. Crack a joke, make light of the situation, or just laugh at the absurdity of it all. Humor is a survival tool—it keeps your spirits up and helps you think clearly. When you wake up in the morning, have a few jokes in the back of your head. Not only will it help you in a survival situation, but it will help you be more productive and creative throughout the day.

Funny Thought: If you’re stuck in a tense situation, imagine explaining it to your friends later. “So, there I was, hiding behind a dumpster, eating a granola bar, when…”

Step 9: Help Others (If You Can)

If you’re safe and able, help others in need. Check on neighbors, share supplies, or offer a safe place to stay. Community. Is. IMPORTANT in times of upheaval. Remember, we’re all in this together.

Pro Tip: Helping others isn’t just good karma—it also builds community resilience. Plus, it’s hard to feel scared when you’re busy being a hero...and if the person you helped has your back after you've scratched theirs.

Step 10: Learn from the Experience

Once the unrest has passed, take time to reflect. What worked? What didn’t? Use the experience to improve your preparedness for the future. Update your emergency kit, revise your evacuation plan, and stay informed about local issues.

Funny Thought: If nothing else, you’ll have a great story to tell at parties. “Remember that time the city went nuts, and I survived on canned soup and sheer willpower and some homies watch out for each other. Yeah, good times.”

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Smart

Civil unrest is unpredictable, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can navigate it safely. Remember, the goal isn’t to be a hero—it’s to get through the chaos with your sense of humor (and your life) intact. So, stay informed, stay calm, and above all, stay safe. And if all else fails, just remember: you’ve got this. After all, you’ve read this guide, and that already puts you ahead of the curve.

Now, go forth and conquer. Or, you know, just stay home and binge-watch Netflix until it all blows over. Either way, you’ve got a plan.