If there’s anything the last decade or two has taught us it’s that civil unrest is the norm, especially following major presidential elections like the one we just went through. The tensions are high, and while I hope for peace, I’m also preparing for the worst. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to realize that riots could be around the corner, and the best thing we can do is be ready—without taking sides or making it political.
Staying safe is all about planning, blending in, and making sure you have what you need to hunker down or get out if things go south. The way I see it, preparation is a blend of strategic thinking, a bit of paranoia, and a lot of common sense. Let me walk you through how I’m getting ready for the possibility of riots in the coming months.
1. Avoiding the Hotspots
The first and most important step to staying safe during any kind of civil unrest is to avoid the places where trouble is likely to break out.
In this case, that means avoiding major government buildings, busy downtown areas, and any high-profile locations where protests might be taking place.
I’ve mapped out several of these locations in my area and marked them on a physical map—just in case I lose power or cell service. I also keep an eye on local news and social media, using them like an early warning system to stay informed about where crowds are gathering.
But it’s not just about avoiding the known hotspots. If things get really heated, riots can move fast and spread into surrounding neighborhoods. That’s why I’m also aware of secondary areas—places like busy shopping centers or transit hubs—that could become unexpected flashpoints. My plan is to avoid being anywhere near those areas when things get tense.
2. Blending In to Stay Invisible
When it comes to riots, it’s all about blending in. You do not want to stand out—period.
I’ve put together what I like to call my “gray man” outfit. Nothing flashy, nothing that draws attention. A neutral-colored hoodie, jeans, and an old pair of sneakers.
You want to look like someone who’s just trying to get home, not someone who’s going to make headlines.
I also avoid anything that could make me a target—no political symbols, no flashy jewelry, and definitely no tactical gear that might suggest I’m looking for a fight. Blending in is about being forgettable. The more you look like everyone else, the less likely anyone is to take a second glance at you.
3. Stockpiling the Essentials
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from recent unrest, it’s that things can go sideways quickly. I’ve been making sure that my stockpile is well-equipped for a situation where I might not be able to leave my home for days, or even weeks. This includes the basics: food, water, first aid, and a way to keep warm if the power goes out.
I keep enough non-perishable food for at least two weeks—canned goods, pasta, and dry staples like rice and beans. Water is critical too; I have several 5-gallon containers stored, and I’ve also invested in a good water filter just in case. I’m not taking any chances with my medical supplies either. Bandages, antiseptics, and any prescription medications I need are all stocked up.
And let’s not forget about lighting and power. I’ve got a stash of batteries, flashlights, and a few solar-powered chargers for my devices. A blackout during a riot isn’t just inconvenient—it can be downright dangerous if you aren’t prepared. Something else I already recommended to my friends and I think it should not be missing from your home is a guide that will help you turn your house into the safest place on Earth.
4. Fortifying My Home
If riots do break out, my plan is to stay put and stay safe. To do that, I’ve been making sure my home is as secure as possible without looking like a fortress—again, it’s all about avoiding attention. I’ve installed reinforced door locks and added security film to my windows to make them harder to break.
I also keep heavy furniture near windows, ready to be moved as a barricade if necessary.
I’ve got a small, low-profile security camera system set up as well, so I can monitor what’s happening outside without having to go to a window and make myself visible. The goal is to make my home look like an unappealing target—nothing worth the effort for someone looking to cause trouble. A lot of these things I discovered in this guide that shows you how to bulletproof your home.
5. An Evacuation Plan
As much as I want to be ready to hunker down, I know that there might come a time when staying isn’t the best option. That’s why I have an evacuation plan. I’ve packed a “go-bag” with everything I might need if I have to leave in a hurry—food, water, clothing, important documents, cash, and a first aid kit.
Related: If You See These Signs, Civil Unrest Will Follow
I’ve also scouted out several routes out of my neighborhood. I’ve avoided the main roads, which could be blocked or patrolled, and instead found backstreets and lesser-known paths that I can take. My vehicle is kept in good condition, and I try to keep at least half a tank of gas at all times—I don’t want to be one of the people stuck in a gas station line when things go bad.
6. Keeping Communication Open
When things get chaotic, communication is key. I’ve got a few ways to keep in touch with family and friends if cell service goes down.
I use a set of walkie-talkies with a decent range, and I also have a small ham radio setup to stay informed.
It might sound like overkill, but in a situation where riots are spreading and information is scarce, it’s better to have options.
I’ve also established a simple check-in system with my family. If we’re separated, we have predetermined times to check in, and we know where to meet if we need to leave home. The idea is to have a plan that doesn’t rely on technology, just in case.
7. Self-Defense Without Escalation
While I hope it never comes to it, I am prepared to defend myself and my family if necessary.
I’ve taken self-defense classes and learned how to handle myself if things get physical.
I also keep a few tools handy—non-lethal options like pepper spray are my go-to because they offer protection without escalating a situation into something more deadly. And I also took a course on how to defend myself and my home. It’s taught by a former Navy SEAL so I trust the guy is showing the real deal.
I also have a legal firearm, but it’s a last resort. The goal is to avoid confrontation altogether, but if someone breaks into my home and my family is in danger, I need to be ready. That said, I know how important it is to use restraint—escalating a situation can make things infinitely worse, both legally and in terms of personal safety.
8. Mental Preparedness
All the gear in the world won’t matter if you’re not mentally prepared for what could happen. I’ve spent time thinking through different scenarios—what I’d do if rioters showed up on my street, if I had to leave home in the middle of the night, or if communication lines went down. Having a plan helps keep me calm, and calm people make better decisions.
I’ve also been practicing staying aware of my surroundings. If things get tense, situational awareness can mean the difference between staying safe and getting caught up in trouble. I avoid distractions when I’m out, and I’m always scanning for exits, potential threats, and the quickest way to get to safety.
Final Thoughts
The reality is that none of us knows what’s going to happen in January or beyond. Maybe everything will pass without incident, or maybe we’ll see unrest like we’ve seen before. Whatever happens, I’d rather be prepared and not need it than be caught off guard.
Staying safe during a riot isn’t about being a hero or taking sides. It’s about keeping your head down, making smart decisions, and being ready to adapt if things change. This is how I’m getting ready—maybe it’ll give you some ideas too. The best thing we can do is stay prepared, stay vigilant, and hope for the best while being ready for the worst.
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