Civil unrest occurs as a result of the rise in violence, tension, or hatred within communities.  Peaceful protests, demonstrations, or marches are not classified as civil unrest.

Civil unrest is typically defined by law enforcement as a gathering of three or more people, in reaction to an event, with the intent of causing a public disturbance in violation of the law.

Civil unrest typically involves damage to property or injury to other people. In most cases, damage to property due to civil unrest is not covered by insurance.

If we look back over the last two decades, the examples of civil unrest in the United States have fallen into one of four categories:

• Economic and social injustices (i.e., the 2011 Occupy Wall Street movement)

• Sports and event-related riots (i.e., the 2000 Los Angeles Lakers championship)

• Politically motivated civil unrest (i.e., the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol)

• Reaction to deaths at the hands of law enforcement (i.e., the 2020 death of George Floyd)

Paying attention to our history is vital for our country and our communities to move forward.  Sometimes unsettling to watch, it’s important to get a real feeling of the potential violence and chaos that comes with civil unrest. Take some time to do your research and learn ways to not only protect yourself and your family but your homes and business as well.

How To Prepare For Civil Unrest

1. Watch the news and keep an eye on legal and political activities across the country.

2. Follow all social media channels.

3. Be sure that you have plenty of “prepper” supplies.

4. Have food and water that won’t go bad or spoil.

5. Have alternative power resources.

6. Build out a safe room.

7. Be sure your vehicle is in good shape, fueled, and ready to go.

What Are The Characteristics Of An Effective Safe Room?

• Pick an interior room toward the middle of your home, centrally located with an additional means of egress, like a window or exterior door.

• Install a solid core wood or metal door.

• Install a deadbolt lock. 

• Keep a phone charger, flashlights, extra batteries, and any other emergency supplies you think you’ll need.

• Store extra keys in the room for your vehicle.

• Install security camera monitors to be able to see what is happening in and around your home.

• Keep an emergency survival kit inside

In times of potentially unsafe situations, like that of civil unrest, it’s good practice to be aware of your surroundings and pay attention if things become odd.

It’s important to stay present at all times. At home, pay attention to anything that’s out of place, such as suspicious vehicles on your street, unusual foot traffic, or odd, out-of-place people walking around in a suspicious manner.

When was the last time you checked that your basement or ground floor windows are locked and secured? Assuming that they are always locked and that there is no need to check them could be a huge mistake.

Remember: bad guys are lazy. If you make it easy for them, they will take advantage of your open window or unlocked back sliding door.

How To Protect Your Home During Civil Unrest – Harden The Target!

• Plan ahead:

  • Utilize motion lights to cover your entire property

  • Install an alarm system and keep it activated

  • Do a complete home inspection to check for vulnerabilities and access weak points

  • Plant natural barriers like hedges and bushes

  • Install fencing to surround your property

  • Install riot glass or plastic overlay

• In the moment:

• After it’s over:

Staying Safe During Civil Unrest

• Avoid places that are having demonstrations. If, for example, a local broadcast delivers the news that there’s a demonstration happening in front of City Hall, avoid going in that direction.

• Do not get involved in a riot. Showing your support at a peaceful protest is fine, but anyone who shows up with bricks and weapons has a deliberate malicious intent. If you don’t want to get hurt, leave the scene as soon as possible.

• Avoid attending large protests. Civil disorder can escalate quickly, and your safety is a priority.

• Travel with caution and avoid demonstration areas. Keep a low profile to prevent becoming a target and expect delays due to traffic and blocked roads. Never drive through a demonstration.

• Keep enough cash (in a safe place) if civil disorder causes banks and ATMs to close.

It’s most important that you buy into the idea that bad things can and do happen and that with the temperature of our current climate, riots, and civil unrest are inevitable. You must be prepared. Don’t stop here — keep researching, keep learning, and keep staying safe.

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