Regardless of which way the upcoming election swings, people have told me they are worried about how the losing side might react. With rising concerns over potential civil unrest, it’s essential to be proactive in ensuring personal safety, whether you’re at home or abroad. Civil unrest can take many forms, from protests to riots, and preparing yourself and your family is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies to stay safe, including practical self-defense tactics, preparation tips for various scenarios, and specific advice for traveling to foreign countries experiencing civil unrest.
1. Understanding Civil Unrest: Awareness and Preparedness
Civil unrest typically stems from societal, political, or economic tensions and can be unpredictable. This unpredictability means it’s vital to stay safe and informed about potential civil unrest in your area or places you plan to visit.
Stay Informed
- Monitor News Outlets: Regularly check credible news sources for updates on social and political tensions, upcoming protests, or demonstrations.
- Use Alert Apps: Download apps that provide real-time updates on civil unrest, such as Citizen or local government alert systems. Connect with neighborhood apps and groups, but be sure to confirm information informally shared on social media.
- Social Media Awareness: Follow local law enforcement and government agencies on social media for timely updates.
Develop a Safety Plan
If you anticipate civil unrest near your home or while traveling, having a safety plan is essential.
- Define a Communication Strategy: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other and what to do if phone lines are down.
- Create an Emergency Kit: Stock essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first-aid kit, and necessary medications.
- Identify Safe Locations: Know where you can go if you need to leave quickly, such as a friend’s house, hotel, or a shelter.
2. Self-Defense Basics for Civil Unrest
Civil unrest can create tense situations that escalate unexpectedly. Practicing situational awareness and basic self-defense can significantly improve your safety.
Situational Awareness
- Stay Alert: Keep your head up and observe your surroundings for unusual behavior.
- Avoid Crowds When Possible: If you’re aware of a protest nearby, take an alternate route or stay indoors if possible.
- Know Exit Routes: Whether you’re at home, in a store, or on public transportation, always locate the nearest exit in case you need to leave quickly.
De-Escalation Techniques
If you find yourself amid civil unrest, staying calm is crucial.
- Keep Your Distance: The further you are from the center of unrest, the safer you will likely be. Avoid confrontation and keep moving to a safe location.
- Avoid Making Prolonged Eye Contact: In tense situations, staring or pointing can be perceived as a challenge. Stay low-key and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- Stay Quiet and Observant: Loud or sudden movements can attract attention. Move calmly and quietly toward a safe exit.
- Use Verbal De-Escalation: Learn the T.A.C.O.S. method to communicate safely.
Basic Self-Defense Skills
Even with careful planning, there’s always a risk of physical confrontation.
- Protect Vital Areas: If attacked, prioritize protecting your head, neck, and torso. Keep your hands above your waist to block a blow to the head.
- Learn Basic Strikes: Knowing how to defend yourself can be crucial. Focus on simple techniques, like palm strikes and hammer fists to the face, knee strikes, or stomps to the foot.
- Carry Self-Defense Tools: If permitted by local law, carrying tools like pepper spray or even a flashlight can provide extra safety. Do not openly display weapons.
3. Staying Safe During Civil Unrest in Your Area
If unrest occurs near your home or workplace, here’s how you can stay safe.
Home Safety
- Secure Your Home: Lock all doors and windows and consider additional security measures like a monitored home security system or reinforced doors.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Civil unrest can disrupt utilities. Have backup batteries, a generator with extra fuel, and flashlights on hand. Outdoor solar lights can be brought inside to provide additional illumination.
- Limit Visibility: Draw curtains and reduce lighting to avoid drawing attention to your home. Avoid being seen near windows.
- Communicate With Neighbors: Connect with those living near you to share information and take turns watching your own street for suspicious activity.
Avoid Unnecessary Travel
- Stay Indoors When Possible: Avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary.
- Know Alternative Routes: If you must travel, have several routes planned in case your usual path is blocked.
- Travel in Groups: If possible, don’t travel alone. There’s safety in numbers, and groups are less likely to be targeted.
Handling Encounters During Unrest
- Identify Yourself Clearly: If questioned by law enforcement, keep your hands visible and follow instructions calmly.
- Avoid Confrontations with Protesters: Even if you don’t agree with their cause, try not to engage verbally or physically.
- Stay Low-Key: Avoid drawing attention to yourself or carrying items that could be mistaken for weapons.
4. Safety Tips for Traveling to Foreign Countries with Civil Unrest
Traveling internationally during times of civil unrest requires careful planning and situational awareness.
Research and Prepare
- Check Travel Advisories: Visit government websites like the U.S. State Department or the UK Foreign Travel Advice to check for advisories and warnings on specific regions.
- Register Your Trip: For U.S. citizens, consider enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and help in emergencies.
- Know Local Customs and Laws: Understand the cultural norms and local laws, as some actions (like taking photos of protests) may be illegal or provoke hostility.
Plan for Safe Accommodations
- Stay in Secure Hotels: Choose accommodations in safer parts of the city, away from potential protest sites.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay away from government buildings, police stations, and popular gathering spots, as these are common protest sites.
- Check Hotel Security: Confirm that your hotel has security protocols in place, such as secure entryways, emergency evacuation plans, and backup power.
Travel Safety Tips
- Keep a Low Profile: Avoid wearing items that identify your nationality, like caps or t-shirts with flags, as they can make you a target.
- Avoid Public Transportation: During civil unrest, buses, trains, and other public transport are often delayed or disrupted. Use registered taxi services or hotel transportation whenever possible.
- Keep Your Car Maintained and Fueled: Don’t allow critical maintenance problems to fester unrepaired and keep your gas tank at least 50% full at all times. Consider keeping a spare gas can or two on hand (store them outside, never in the house/garage).
- Carry Essential Documents and Cash: In case you need to leave urgently, keep your passport, ID, and emergency cash on you always.
5. Emergency Protocols if You’re Caught in Civil Unrest Abroad
If civil unrest erupts while you’re in a foreign country, here’s how to react:
Find a Safe Location
- Seek Shelter Immediately: Move to your hotel, a church, an embassy, or any secure location away from crowds and the conflict center. Beware that depending on the basis for unrest, the US embassy may be a target.
- Stay Indoors: Only leave your secure location if it’s safe to do so or if instructed by authorities.
Communicate with Loved Ones
- Update Family on Your Safety: Let family and friends know your status regularly so they don’t worry.
- Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: If phone services are disrupted, try using encrypted apps like WhatsApp or Signalfor safer communication. WiFi calling can be a backup if you lose cell service.
How to Respond if Confronted
- Comply with Instructions: If approached by local law enforcement, follow their instructions calmly. Avoid making sudden movements or gestures that could be perceived as hostile.
- Do Not Film Protests or Police: Filming may draw attention to you and escalate the situation. Instead, keep a safe distance and document events later if necessary.
- Seek Help from Your Embassy if Necessary: If the situation deteriorates significantly, reach out to your embassy or consulate for guidance or evacuation assistance.
6. Personal Preparedness Tips for Any Uncertain Situation
Preparing for civil unrest isn’t solely about defense – it’s also about being mentally and physically ready to handle disruptions calmly.
Physical and Mental Preparedness
- Stay Physically Fit: Basic fitness can improve your ability to stay mobile and alert in emergencies.
- Practice Mindfulness Techniques: Learning to manage stress can keep you calm in crisis situations, helping you think clearly.
- Train in Self-Defense: Consider taking a self-defense class to build confidence and learn how to react if confronted.
Essential Supplies
Keeping a small, portable emergency kit on hand, even when traveling, can be life-saving.
- Water and Non-Perishable Food: Pack enough for at least 24 hours, especially when traveling.
- First Aid Kit: Include items like bandages, disinfectant, and necessary medications.
- Flashlight and Batteries: Power may go out, so a reliable light source is essential.
- Portable Charger: Keep your phone charged and carry a portable power bank.
Financial Preparations
- Carry Cash and Emergency Funds: Credit cards may not work if there’s widespread disruption, so always keep some cash on hand.
- Know the Location of ATMs and Banks: Have a list of safe ATMs near your hotel or residence in case you need more cash quickly.
7. What to Do After Unrest Subsides
Once the immediate threat has passed, follow these steps to maintain your safety and assist others if possible.
Assess Your Environment
- Evaluate Damage and Safety Concerns: Be cautious about damaged infrastructure, broken glass, or other debris if you’re near affected areas.
- Report Any Issues: If you notice any unresolved hazards, report them to local authorities to prevent further incidents.
- Stay Vigilant: Incidents of unrest and violence often reignite unpredictably. Stay tuned in to news outlets for signs of renewed threats, and start heading home if traveling.
Reach Out to Loved Ones
- Inform Family of Your Safety: Let those close to you know you’re safe, whether you’re at home or abroad.
- Offer Assistance Locally: If you’re able, volunteer to help neighbors or community members affected by the unrest.
Conclusion
Preparing for civil unrest involves planning, situational awareness, and calm responses. By following these self-defense and safety guidelines, you can enhance your ability to protect yourself and your family, no matter where you are. Taking preventive measures and remaining adaptable are essential to maintaining safety during unpredictable times.