Civil Unrest

---

• Reinforce Doors and Windows: Install sturdy locks, security bars, or shutters. Invest in enough materials to keep on-hand if you need to barricade yourself inside.
• Security System: Consider installing a home security system with motion detectors and alarms.
• Emergency Supplies: Keep a well-stocked emergency kit with essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio.
• Important  Documents: Have copies of important documents like passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies stored in your bag in case of evacuation.

• Emergency Contacts: Establish a physical list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and neighbors. If possible, designate an out-of-state contact who is willing to keep an eye on the news in your area, and provide them a list of local people they can check in with if they can’t get a hold of you.
• Communication Methods: Determine alternative communication methods, such as satellite phones, emergency radio channels, or the Zello PTT App. Long-range walkie talkies  can be helpful for nearby neighbors. Establish these communication methods as part of your preparedness plan.

• Escape Routes: Identify multiple escape routes from your home in case you need to evacuate.
• Meeting Place: Designate a safe meeting place outside your home for your family.

Most people don’t plan to be in the middle of a protest, riot, or volatile public event—but it can happen unexpectedly. You might be commuting, attending a large gathering, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

• Protective Gear: Durable helmet (even a skateboard helmet works),
• Protective goggles or Z87+ safety glasses, and a 
• A dust mask or respirator fitted with CS/OC filters to guard against tear gas and pepper spray. 
• Water & Hydration: At least one large bottle of water per person—also useful for rinsing eyes or wounds.
• First‑Aid & Medical Supplies: Compact medkit with bandages, antiseptic, a CAT tourniquet or Israeli pressure dressing, plus any personal meds for 36+ hours.
• Communication tools: cell phone power bank, whistle or personal alarm, portable radio (battery or hand‑crank)
• Multi‑Tool & Light: Multi‑tool or knife, flashlight with backup batteries or hand‑crank option.
• Sanitation & Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and feminine products—packed in a waterproof pouch.
• Eye & Respiratory Defense: Waterproof saline or water for flushing eyes, plus bandana or extra mask for added protection.
• Legal & ID Documents: Copies of IDs, emergency contact info, medical information, minor cash in a waterproof bag.

• Stay Indoors: If possible, stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Barricade your home and secure pets: Ensure windows and doors are locked and pets are indoors. Depending on the severity of the situation, consider boarding windows and other potential entry points.
• Monitor News: Keep abreast of the situation through reliable news sources.
• Communicate with Loved Ones: Contact family and friends to let them know you are      safe.
• Follow Official Instructions: Adhere to any instructions from local authorities.
• Prepare for Evacuation: If necessary, be prepared to evacuate your home according to your emergency plan.

• Travel in Groups: Whenever possible, travel with friends or family.
• Inform Others of Your Plans: Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return. 
• Avoid Crowds: Stay away from large gatherings of people.  
• Do Not Intervene: Do not attempt to intervene in any confrontations or protests. 
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to what is happening around you and be prepared to react quickly if necessary. 
• Avoid traveling at night if possible: During daylight hours, you have better visibility to see potential threats and hazards. 
• Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts through deserted streets or parks. 

During civil unrest, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to stay put or get out. Every situation is different, but understanding the risks on both sides helps you make the safest choice for your circumstances. 

Stay inside if:

• You’re already in a secure location, like your home, workplace, or a friend’s residence, and unrest is outside.
• The streets are unpredictable—crowds, roadblocks, or law enforcement presence may make travel more dangerous.
• There are curfews or travel restrictions in effect, and breaking them could escalate risk.
• You're getting reports of vandalism, looting, or violence in nearby areas and moving could expose you to it.
   

If you shelter:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Pull curtains or blinds to avoid visibility from the street.
• Turn off lights if necessary to avoid drawing attention.
• Stay off balconies or porches.
• Keep a low profile—this isn’t the time to argue online or livestream what’s happening.
   

Stay informed using:

• A hand-crank or battery-powered radio
• Phone alerts from city services, Twitter/X, or verified accounts
• Texts from trusted contacts

Evacuate if:

• Your location is no longer secure: fires, forced entry, gas, or close-range violence put you in direct danger.
• There’s a known route to safety: a relative’s home, a friend’s apartment, a designated meetup spot.
• Law enforcement or officials instruct your neighborhood to evacuate.
• You live in an area prone to becoming a flashpoint for unrest (e.g., central business districts, government buildings).

If leaving:

• Do it quietly and confidently—avoid drawing attention.
• Stick to side streets, not main routes or large groups.
• Travel in pairs or small groups if possible.
• Have a “go-bag” ready so you can leave quickly.
  

Always let someone know:

• Where you’re headed
• When you plan to arrive
• How they can reach you if you go dark

Situational awareness means knowing what’s going on around you—and using that information to make smarter, safer decisions. It doesn’t require special training, just conscious attention. 

• Scan your environment when you enter a space—note exits, potential barriers, and crowd behavior.
• Identify “zones of safety” like unlocked buildings, quiet side streets, or even parked cars you could use as cover in a pinch.
• Ask yourself: “If something happens right now, where do I go?”

• Pay attention to tone and tempo: sudden silence in a crowd, shouting, breaking glass, or sirens often signal a shift.
• Watch for changes in body language—running, agitation, or clustering can mean tension is rising.
• Smell smoke? Hear chanting escalating? These subtle cues can give you an early warning before things turn.

• Don’t get tunnel vision. Stay off your phone unless necessary—situational awareness drops dramatically when scrolling.
• Walk with purpose, not panic. Confidence makes you less of a target and helps you blend in.

• If something feels “off,” it probably is. Even if you can’t explain it, move to a safer spot.
• Practice “mental scripting”: “If I see this, I’ll do that.” It helps override panic when split-second decisions matter.

• Know at least two routes out of any area.
• Stay flexible—blockades or police lines may force detours.
• Check the news or local feeds (Twitter/X, Citizen, city alert systems) before heading into urban centers or protest zones.

 Protect Your Privacy 

• Avoid livestreaming your location in real time. It can make you easier to track and may unintentionally expose others to risk.
• Use encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp (with end-to-end encryption on) for sensitive or location-based communication.
• Disable location services on social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat before posting—geotags can give away your exact whereabouts.
• Turn off auto-sync on cloud services if you’re worried about data exposure during arrest or phone seizure.

Preserve Key Info

• Screenshot important alerts, protest updates, or road closures in case mobile networks go down or data access is blocked.
• Save phone numbers of family, emergency contacts, and legal aid in your phone AND on paper.
• Carry a backup battery or solar charger in case you’re out longer than expected.

Knowing your rights can make all the difference if you're caught near a protest or are stopped by law enforcement. 

Basic Rights to Remember

• You have the right to film police and public officials in public spaces—as long as you don’t interfere with their duties.
• You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions beyond identifying yourself (depending on your state).
• You generally do not have to consent to a search unless officers have a warrant or probable cause.

If You Are Detained

• Clearly state, "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."
• Do not physically resist arrest, even if you believe it is unjust—this can escalate charges.
• Do not sign anything without a lawyer present.

Know Who to Call

• Keep the phone number of a local legal aid group, such as the National Lawyers Guild or ACLU, written down or memorized.
• Some organizations offer protest-specific legal observers and jail support teams—check if your area has one before attending a public event.