Answered: Your Most Burning Questions About Civil Unrest

Answered: Your Most Burning Questions About Civil Unrest

Wake up and smell the riots people… civil unrest is and will always be part of our society.

From Shay’s Rebellion in 1786 to the riots leading from Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014…

This civil disruption is something that will always be around. We can’t stop this.

So wait… what is civil unrest, really?

To put it plainly, this is the disruption of the normal social order when people are trying to get attention for something that they feel is not right or not fair.

Although this does generally have a bad connotation..social unrest and instability has also led to major changes throughout history.

Still not sure how to how to point out if there is any civil disorder going on?

We understand… let’s name some of the forms that this could take.

• Riots

• Protests

• Strikes

• Rebellions

• Sit-ins

• Sabotage

• Cyber attacks

• Etc.

Are you getting the picture?

Oh, it’s important to mention that these acts can be nonviolent or violent.

How can this affect you?
GOOD QUESTION

Here are some examples of what this could mean for you and your family… but it is not limited to this list.

• Communication may be disrupted.

• Power and fuel may not be available.

• Work and recreational activities may be shut down.

These problems could occur because of the unrest, but crazy enough, they could also be the actual cause of the civil unrest.
It’s mind-boggling.

How about some examples?
No problem!

Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana- August 29th 2005:

After the storm passed through this city, there were reports of shooting against rescuers, looting, and violence. Of course there is no way to know everything that happened, but this is a prime example of how a disaster caused a disruption to society, leading the people to an uprising.

The storm knocked out power, destroyed homes, damaged buildings, ruined businesses that housed people’s livelihood, and worst of all were the levee failures…the list goes on.

This crisis caused panic in the people, which in turn caused unrest.

1992 Los Angeles Riots – Rodney King Riots:

On April 29th 1992, a jury acquitted four police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department from using excessive force in a video-recorded arrest after a high speed car chase with Rodney King.

After the verdict was announced, there were riots lasting for six days.

During the riots, there was arson, looting, assaults, and deaths from the thousands of people that took part in this.

The California Army National Guard was called in and put a stop to the large riots on day six.

This example of unrest shows how groups of people were acting on what they believed was not right. The property damage from these rights was estimated to cost over $1 billion.

How can you prepare yourself for potential civil unrest?

• Have a supply of food and water that can last you and your family for at least two weeks. People may be scavenging for these items at any stores and you don’t want to have to leave your home to gather anything if there is chaos outside.

• Stockpile any medicines or first aid items that you could possibly need. These items are actually the first ones to be taken from stores during a time of crisis.

• Have a stash of cash on hand. In a time of chaos, many times power may be out and you will have no access to an ATM and credit cards may not work.

• Make sure you have a way to defend yourself. You can get pepper spray, a club or bat to defend your home, or whatever if it is that you feel will protect you. If you have firearms, make sure you practice at a range, maybe get a concealed carry permit, and most importantly, keep ammo on hand.

• Try to learn survival skills that will make you self sufficient. You don’t want to have to rely on anyone because you may or may not be around them when something happens. (build your own fire, dress a wound, etc.) No matter where you are at, you want to be able to survive in any environment that this could possibly take you.

• Purchase a source of communication such as a walkie talkie, a battery operated radio, etc. This will help you reach out to loved ones and help you monitor what is going on without having to go outside.

• If you have a family or people you live with, create an emergency plan with them so that everyone knows what they should be doing or where they should be going.

• When push comes to shove and stores no longer have inventory, you may want to have items that you can trade with other people if you are in need of something.

• Stay up to date with any controversial issues in the news. This will help you be informed and you can prepare or at least be aware if you think something is going to happen.

• Start taking notes of your surroundings wherever you go. You’ll be able to spot ways to vacate the area or places that you should avoid so that you never wind up in a bad situation.

• Always keep your vehicle above a half tank of gas or have gas tanks filled up and keep them on hand at home. If something were to happen and you need to evacuate, the gas stations will definitely be backed up or they may even run out of gas.

Something crazy has happened and social disruption has started?

WHAT DO YOU DO?

We’ve got your back… if something were to happen keep calm and pay attention:

• If you’re in a dangerous or rioting area and you are trying to leave… blend in. Whatever the people are doing, you do that too. Don’t stand out, but try to work your way to the outside of the crowd to discreetly leave the area.

• The best thing to do is stay inside and take cover. Unless your area is completely dangerous, it is best to remain where you are so that you do not get mixed up in what is happening outside.

• If you are in your own home, push heavy furniture against any doors or windows to slow an intruder down. Do not block every escape path because you want to have that option if you need to get out.

• Don’t expect anyone to help you or have sympathy for you when a crisis has happened. (If someone does, then that is great, but you want to look out for yourself and your family)

So I think it’s safe to say that your most burning questions about civil unrest have definitely been answered.

We’ve gone through the definition, some examples, how to prepare, and what to do if it is happening.
You should be the most well-informed individual on this topic.

Now that you’ve read this, don’t just go about your life and forget about it.|

Prepare yourself, just liked we talked about.

Even if you never have to deal with anything such as this, you’ll be glad you are prepared.

Please share your comments below! We’d love to hear your opinion.