10 Important Things to Surviving Civil Unrest

Stay Informed:

• Monitor a diverse range of news sources, including television broadcasts, radio stations, newspapers, and reputable online news websites, to obtain a comprehensive understanding of unfolding events.
• Follow official social media accounts of local law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and emergency management organizations for real-time updates and advisories.
• Use mobile apps or subscribe to SMS alerts provided by relevant authorities to receive immediate notifications regarding emergency situations, road closures, and public safety concerns.

Stay Indoors if Possible:

• Create a secure and fortified environment within your home by reinforcing vulnerable entry points such as doors, windows, and garage entrances with sturdy locks, deadbolts, and security bars.
• Consider installing impact-resistant windows, laminated glass, or security shutters to protect against forced entry attempts, vandalism, or projectiles.
• Designate a central safe room or shelter area within your home, preferably located on the lowest level and away from exterior walls, where you can seek refuge during periods of heightened unrest or danger.

Avoid Crowds and Hotspots:

• Monitor social media platforms, online forums, and crowd-sourced mapping applications to identify areas of heightened activity, ongoing protests, or potential flashpoints.
• Exercise caution when traveling through densely populated areas, commercial districts, or public gathering spaces, and remain vigilant for signs of escalating tensions or confrontations.
• Stay informed about scheduled demonstrations, marches, or rallies in your vicinity and plan alternative routes or transportation methods to avoid being inadvertently caught up in large crowds or disruptive protests.

Have an Evacuation Plan:

• Develop a comprehensive evacuation strategy tailored to your geographic location, housing situation, and individual mobility needs, considering factors such as proximity to potential hazards, available escape routes, and transportation options.
• Establish multiple contingency plans and evacuation routes to account for different scenarios, including localized unrest, natural disasters, or infrastructure disruptions.
• Pre-arrange alternative accommodation options with friends, family members, or emergency shelters outside of the affected area in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Emergency Supplies:

• Stockpile a sufficient quantity of emergency provisions and essential supplies to sustain yourself and your household members for an extended period, typically ranging from three to seven days.
• Include a diverse range of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, dried fruits, energy bars, and ready-to-eat meals, as well as dietary staples like rice, pasta, and beans.
• Prioritize hydration by storing an ample supply of potable water in sealed containers or water purification devices capable of removing contaminants and pathogens from untreated water sources.

Communication:

• Establish a centralized communication hub or command center within your household equipped with multiple means of communication, including landline telephones, mobile phones, two-way radios, and internet-enabled devices.
• Designate a primary communication coordinator or liaison responsible for disseminating critical information, coordinating response efforts, and relaying updates to all members of the household.
• Establish predetermined communication protocols, signal codes, or distress signals to facilitate effective communication and coordination during emergencies or periods of limited connectivity.

Stay Calm:

• Practice mindfulness, stress reduction techniques, and relaxation exercises to manage anxiety, fear, or panic reactions during high-stress situations.
• Foster a supportive and reassuring atmosphere within your household by maintaining open lines of communication, expressing empathy and understanding, and providing emotional support to family members and loved ones.
• Establish coping mechanisms, distraction techniques, or recreational activities to alleviate tension, boredom, or restlessness during prolonged periods of confinement or uncertainty.

Follow Authorities' Instructions:

• Monitor official announcements, directives, and advisories issued by local, state, or federal authorities, including law enforcement agencies, emergency management offices, and municipal governments.
• Adhere to evacuation orders, curfews, or mandatory shelter-in-place directives issued by authorized officials, as failure to comply with lawful directives may jeopardize public safety and impede emergency response efforts.
• Exercise caution when consuming information from unofficial sources, social media platforms, or unverified sources, and prioritize information provided by credible news organizations or government agencies.

Protect Your Home:

• Conduct a comprehensive security assessment of your residential property to identify potential vulnerabilities, weaknesses, or entry points susceptible to intrusion, vandalism, or forced entry.
• Implement layered security measures, including physical barriers, electronic surveillance systems, motion-activated lighting, and audible alarm systems, to deter unauthorized access and mitigate security risks.
• Consider forming or joining a neighborhood watch program, community patrol group, or mutual assistance network to enhance security, surveillance, and communication capabilities within your local area.

Seek Shelter:

• Identify designated emergency shelters, public assembly points, or community safe havens in your vicinity where you can seek refuge or assistance during emergencies or periods of unrest.
• Prioritize seeking shelter in secure, reinforced structures with minimal exposure to external threats, such as designated emergency shelters, public buildings, or community centers equipped with emergency supplies and resources.
• Exercise caution when seeking assistance from strangers, accepting offers of accommodation, or entering unfamiliar premises, and prioritize safety, situational awareness, and self-preservation at all times.