These past few weeks, our country has seen a lot of turmoil and unrest. All 50 states and major cities saw protests for George Floyd and gatherings in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. While most protests were peaceful, there were some that turned violent.
When large group gatherings turn violent, it can be a scary situation. There are a few ways that you can prepare for these turn of events and learn how to protect your home during civil unrest.
How to protect yourself in a crowd during civil unrest
-If you are near a protest, or taking part in one that turns violent, the best thing to do is try and disassociate yourself from the group. Try and get to the edge of the group or further beyond.
-Try to keep calm and always walk to where you are going, as running can draw attention to yourself and could be dangerous.
-Try and steer clear of glass windows and shop entrances. These can get smashed and you can get hurt.
-If you get pushed down towards the ground, try and get to a wall or something to press yourself against. It can help to also cover your neck and head with your hands and curl into a ball.
-One of the most important tips is to remain calm at all times.
How to protect yourself in your car during civil unrest
It’s important to remember that riots can take place at any time and anywhere. You may find yourself trapped in your car in an area where riots are happening.
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Lock all your doors and make sure your windows are closed.
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Try and avoid major streets by utilizing neighborhood routes and back ways.
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Have an emergency kit stashed in your car. This can involve some extra food and water, along with emergency first aid supplies.
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Keep an eye out for pedestrians as they are sure to be acting more sporadic and unpredictable.
How to protect your home during civil unrest
If you are looking for information on how to protect your home during civil unrest, look no further. Your home is the safest place to be during these instances, but there are a few things you can do to increase your safety.
-Fortify your home’s entrances. This can mean bolting all locks on windows and doors, and placing heavy, hard to move objects in the way. It can also help to have thorny bushes or cacti planted around the edges of your home. Putting in a home security system is another great option.
-Create a safe space within your house. Choose a room with no windows and this is where you will store most of your emergency supplies. This can include food, water, a defensive weapon, a fire extinguisher and a way to get in contact with authorities.
-Make sure you get some cash and money orders ahead of time.
-If rioters make their way to your home, make sure you remain calm and refrain from antagonizing anyone. It is best not to add any fuel to the fire.
Civil Dispatch makes your safety a priority. Preparing for emergency scenarios is the best way to get through them safely. Check out our emergency communication system to upgrade your preparedness plan.