“Ever wondered what steps you’d need to take if riots break out right after the election?”
Alright, folks, let’s talk about something none of us like thinking about but would be a whole lot worse if we were caught unprepared: civil unrest. Whether you’re new to prepping or you’re the proud owner of an underground bunker (in which case, kudos to you), knowing what to do when things start going south can make all the difference. And this isn’t about going full Doomsday—this is about smart, practical moves to keep you, your loved ones, and maybe even your pet goldfish safe if chaos erupts after the election. Grab a coffee, and let’s break down the essential steps to stay prepared, calm, and hopefully still laughing through it all.
1. Stay Informed with Real-Time Updates
Look, when the world starts acting like a bad action movie, the first thing you’re going to need is information. We’re talking about being up-to-date, not “well, my cousin’s neighbor’s friend heard…” You need real-time updates, and luckily for us, there are apps for that. Citizen, Nextdoor, even Twitter if you’re feeling bold—these platforms can keep you in the loop on what’s happening around you. Enable notifications so your phone buzzes every time there’s an update. It’s like having your very own town crier right in your pocket.
Now, here’s a little pro tip that might seem old-fashioned: get yourself an emergency radio. Yep, they still exist, and when cell towers go down or the internet takes a hike, a radio will keep you connected. No, it’s not just for camping—it’s your backup plan for staying in the know when everyone else is wondering why their phone won’t work.
Pro Tip: Set up local alerts on your phone so you don’t have to scroll through doom-filled Twitter feeds. Just a quick buzz and you’re good to go.
2. Avoid Hot Zones and High-Risk Areas
Alright, now that you’re informed, here’s the deal: you want to stay as far away from any hot zones as possible. If you think of civil unrest as a fire, you’re basically avoiding the flames. Don’t go sightseeing, don’t “just check it out”—we’re avoiding government buildings, main intersections, city centers, you name it. And hey, I know your normal route might take you past these spots, but this is no time to stick to routine. Reroute, take the scenic path, even if it means a few extra minutes.
Now, there’s an art to moving through these tense areas. Keep a low profile. Don’t look like you’re heading to the fortress, and definitely don’t look like you’re up for a fight. This is a time to blend in, not stand out. Walk with purpose, act like you’ve got somewhere (safe) to be, and avoid direct eye contact with anyone who looks a little too amped up. This is the one time I’ll encourage you to be as unremarkable as possible.
Example: If you usually cut through downtown on your way home, avoid it like a fresh pothole. Even if it means a longer walk, it’s worth every extra step to stay out of the action.
3. Have a ‘Get-Home’ Plan
Alright, picture this: you’re out grabbing groceries or picking up dry cleaning, and suddenly things go sideways. You need a solid plan to get home, and trust me, “winging it” won’t cut it here. A get-home plan means you know exactly how to get back to your cozy couch without walking into the middle of a chaotic scene.
Avoid main roads, favor quieter backstreets, and keep a get-home bag with the essentials. What’s in this magical bag? We’re talking water, first-aid kit, flashlight, and some cash (ATMs are about as dependable as a fair-weather friend during chaos). And please, don’t overdo it—this isn’t about carrying the whole house. Just enough to get you home safely.
This compact tactical flashlight on Amazon is small, powerful, and honestly, a lifesaver. Keep it in your bag for when things get dark (literally and figuratively).
4. Keep Your Gear Discreet
Here’s the thing: having survival gear is great. But during civil unrest? You don’t want to look like Bear Grylls on a mission. Stick to a low-profile backpack—nothing that screams “I’ve got everything you could ever need in here!” Your gear should be subtle, your look, casual. Think plain ol’ backpack, maybe a light jacket, and a hat if you want to really blend in. You want to look like just another person walking around, not the protagonist in a survival movie.
What should you actually carry? Keep it simple: flashlight, water bottle, portable charger, maybe a small first-aid kit. Nothing fancy, nothing that draws attention. The goal? Be the least interesting person in the room…or in this case, on the street.
5. Fortify Your Home
Alright, if things start getting tense near home, it’s time to shift gears and think about fortifying your space. Here’s the goal: make your home safe without turning it into Fort Knox. Reinforce doors and windows with extra locks or easy-install window security bars. Move any valuables out of sight, and if you’re feeling really prepared, set up a “safe room” in a secure part of your house. This is where you’d retreat if things actually get dicey.
Now, don’t go overboard here. You don’t want your house to look like the Alamo, but a little extra security goes a long way. A few small upgrades can make your home look less appealing to anyone with bad intentions while giving you peace of mind that you’ve got a safe spot to hunker down.
These affordable window security bars on Amazon are an easy install and a game-changer. They don’t scream “I’m a fortress” but definitely add an extra layer of security.
6. Stock Up on Essentials (Without Going Overboard)
Ah, the urge to panic-buy. Let’s resist it together, shall we? Stocking up doesn’t mean emptying the store of canned beans. Focus on non-perishables, water, medications, and other basics to keep you comfortable for a few days. You’re not building an apocalypse pantry; you’re just making sure you have what you need in case things get shaky.
Organize your essentials so you’re not playing hide-and-seek with supplies. Keep them in an accessible spot where you can grab them if necessary. And remember, this is about practical comfort, not filling every inch of your house with supplies. Enough to feel secure, not to look like you’re hosting the world’s strangest party.
7. Have an Evacuation Plan
Alright, sometimes the best defense is a good exit strategy. If things get too intense, an evacuation plan is your golden ticket to safety. Know at least two routes out of your area and have a destination in mind—whether it’s a friend’s place, a family member’s house, or just a safe location out of the chaos.
Pack a “go-bag” with essentials: clothes, toiletries, snacks, important documents, and anything you’d hate to leave behind. Keep it light, keep it practical. This isn’t about camping out in the wilderness; it’s about having what you need to get out fast if it comes to that.
8. Connect with Neighbors for Mutual Safety
A little neighborly cooperation goes a long way in times like these. If you have a few trusted neighbors, chat with them about safety plans. Maybe you agree on a check-in system or signals to let each other know you’re safe. Knowing who’s around and who’s left can provide peace of mind, and having a few allies nearby never hurts.
You don’t need to reveal all your prepping secrets, but a little teamwork can make everyone feel a bit more secure. Plus, it’s a good way to build community, and you’ll have people looking out for you in return.
9. Keep Communication Open with Backup Options
When things go south, staying connected can be a challenge. Cell networks are notorious for failing just when you need them most, and in times of unrest, everyone’s on their phone, making calls hard to complete. So, here’s the trick: text messages. They’re more likely to go through than calls since they use less data. If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal can also be helpful.
Set up check-in times with your family or friends so they know when to expect updates. If the network’s overloaded, a quick “I’m safe” text can save everyone some anxiety. And keep a few backup contacts outside your immediate area in case you need someone to help relay messages.
Pro Tip: When the network’s jammed, skip the frantic redials. Texts are your best bet, especially if they’re short and sweet.
10. Stay Calm and Keep a Low Profile
And here we are—the most important step. Stay calm. Easier said than done, but keeping your cool is key to making it through any high-stakes situation. Panicking only makes things worse, not just for you but for everyone around you. Walk with purpose, keep your head down, and if you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath.
This isn’t about playing the hero; it’s about staying safe and making smart choices. You don’t need to save the day—just get through it in one piece. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid unnecessary attention, and remember: calm, steady, intentional movements will get you through safely.
In Summary
Look, staying safe during civil unrest isn’t about going full survivalist. It’s about being smart, making practical choices, and keeping a level head. By staying informed, avoiding hotspots, and keeping your home secure, you’re setting yourself up for success. Preparation doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about having a plan and sticking to it.
Let’s keep this conversation going. If you’ve got survival tips, share them! Remember, it’s always better to have a plan than to be caught off guard. Stay safe, stay smart, and let’s get through this together.
DISCLAIMER
This post isn’t sponsored, but some links might be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel and helping me keep creating useful content!
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