One of many blocked intersections and entrances to what protesters declared to be the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, (CHAZ), in Seattle, Washington, during protests in 2020. The only way to get in or out was by foot. (Photo by Derek Simeone Licensed Under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.
We live in difficult times. We are now in a new era of instability and conflict. A Princeton University study that examined three months of protests in 2020 revealed that 96 percent of U.S. cities experienced violent unrest. Unrest that lasts well into the next decade could be even worse. Bank of America warned that “civil unrest” could lead to a global economic crash. But civil unrest is not just about the economics.
RELATED STORY
Jeff Cooper’s Code: Understanding 4 Levels of Situational Awareness
Surviving Civil Unrest
To protect ourselves against civil unrest, the most important thing is to stay ahead. Knowledge is power. It is possible to anticipate events and be better prepared to prevent, mitigate or defend against them.
A preparation mindset is essential. Your mind is your greatest asset and your best weapon. You can plan ahead for any possible or anticipated events. Visualize your worst-case scenario. What would you do in the event of these scenarios? What are your options? You can imagine many scenarios. You can stay ahead of the curve by being prepared.
Civil Disorder
Civil disorder can be caused by many things. It could be one cause or many causes. They can be planned or spontaneous. They can occur at any moment and without warning.
An anarchist leftist with a Molotov cocktail. Worldwide civil unrest is on the rise. (Photo by Eneas de Troya. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic licence. The benchmark for civil unrest is when a large group of protestors goes from free speech and violence. The reason for the protest determines the motivation for violence. Agitators can manipulate the crowd in order to incite violence. Overreaction by the authorities can also be a factor in the precipitating factor.
Emotional contagion can influence crowd behavior by creating a psychological sense that there is unity. It allows individuals to do things they may not otherwise be able to do. The crowd becomes a highly emotional mob when it is involved in illegal and disruptive acts.
Avoid confrontational gatherings, regardless of how strongly you feel about a topic. Avoiding trouble is the best way to avoid it.
Assessing the Situation
It is vital to keep up-to-date with any unfolding or potential events. Information sources include the radio, television, and internet. Radio and local television are likely to be the most reliable sources of information for quickly unfolding local events.
Be aware of any alerts, warnings or all-clears that local emergency agencies issue. Are there hot spots? Are there any hot spots?
Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is crucial. It is the foundation for good decision-making. It accomplishes many things. It gives us the tactical advantage of being ready for any events ahead of them, which keeps us ahead in the action-reaction cycle. It acts as a deterrent. This eliminates the surprise factor and makes it less likely that you will be targeted by a bad guy.
Protesters surrounded a police precinct as part of a wider wave of civil unrest in 2020. (Photo by Public Domain). Situational awareness allows you take control of your environment, evaluate your options, and take decisive actions. Do not allow yourself to get distracted. Terrorists and criminals often use distraction to target people.
Confident Gray Man
It is important to be confident and look confident. Take control of the situation. Command presence is a term used in law enforcement training. A confident individual is less likely become a target. Predators prefer soft targets and will avoid hard targets. Being confident does not necessarily mean being aggressive. Predators might view this as a challenge.
It is also important to be a grey man or woman. The gray man is a man who blends into the environment and avoids being noticed. You can feel like you belong and blend in with the crowd without drawing attention.
Avoid wearing clothing, stickers, stickers, or any other outward symbol that could be mistakenly attributed to a group, organization or political party. Publicly expressing opinions or beliefs that others might consider confrontational is a bad idea. It doesn’t matter how much you want to express yourself, it is important not to give anyone in trouble an excuse to start something.
Car Insurance
You might think that a vehicle will provide safety. It doesn’t. What should you do if you are caught in civil unrest while driving. Avoidance is the best option. You can avoid unrest completely if you know when and where it will occur. This is not always possible as protests and unrest can be unpredictable and mobile.
You should immediately secure your vehicle if you sense unrest or imminent. Roll up your windows and lock your doors. To prevent chemical agents used by law enforcement against the crowd getting inside, turn off the vehicle’s ventilation system.
Don’t wear your seat belt. Although it may seem counterintuitive at first, it is important to not have your seat belt on. A seat belt can hinder your ability to escape quickly.
What should you do if you are surrounded by people? If you are confronted by someone and have no choice but to drive slowly, They may stop following you if they are able to see what you are doing. Except in self-defense, you can’t use your vehicle for hitting people or running them over.
If you feel that your safety is at stake, you can take the necessary measures to protect yourself. The key word is “reasonable”. It really boils down to the demeanor of others and whether you are actually in danger. Always use the minimum amount of force you can.
EDC & Go bags
There are two options for disasters or crises, man-made or natural, that are either shelter in place or evacuation. Evacuation is about reaching safety. Not only do you need to know where your are, but also the route and alternative routes to get there. You will also need the right tools and, most importantly, you must be able to use them. You won’t get much use out of tools that you don’t know how to use.
Everyday carry (EDC), simply means what you carry every single day. It’s the bag you carry every day. A small bag that can be used to transport you to your destination, known as a go-bag or get home bag, is called a go-bag. A go-bag is different from a bug out bag. Bug-out bags are designed to make it easier for you to survive for longer periods of time. They are usually larger and are intended to be multi-day packs.
There are many factors to consider when deciding what you should have. These include the distance to safety, how long it will take, potential hazards and other hazards, as well as the environment, weather, fitness, and clothing. Mobility is essential for survival. Both size and weight are important.
There are many options available, including backpacks and sling bags, messenger bags, satchels, and satchels. A backpack distributes weight evenly across the shoulders, making it more comfortable and easier to carry. A sling bag or satchel, or messenger bag, is great for tight spaces, quick access to contents, when driving, and when you need to be visible. Simply swing it to your front.
This is not a product review, but I love Vertx concealed-carry packs and bags. They are made for professionals and are very well-made. The platform conceals ballistic panels and allows for quick access.
10 Essentials
The Mountaineers, an organization dedicated to conservation in the Pacific Northwest have created a list of 10 essentials for outdoor survival. These are the essential items. Depending on the situation, additional items may be required.
NavigationSun protectionInsulationIlluminationFirst aidFireToolsNutritionHydrationEmergency shelterAlthough “10 essentials” list of emergency items was developed for outdoor survival, they’re applicable in any survival scenario.
Considerations
A portable charger/powerbank for your cell phone is essential. It is important to have comfortable running or walking shoes. You might need to run or walk long distances. You can do this in flip-flops, or heels.
You can carry a concealed firearm if you are allowed. You also need non-lethal and less-lethal options. Even if your jurisdiction bans most weapons, there are still options for personal protection. A dry powder fire extinguisher, for example, can be used to control crowds and create space. You can also use it to put out flames.
The Sig Sauer P365 XL can hold 13 9mm rounds and has a balance between micro-compact concealability, and full-size shootability. It is also ready for red-dot sighting (RDS), which makes it ideal for civil unrest. (Photo by Sig Sauer). A concealed-carry firearm is an important part of every person’s everyday carry (EDC). The P365 9mm Sig Sauer micro-compact handgun is a great concealed-carry option for surviving civil unrest. Personal protective equipment (PPE), is also important. It is crucial to have ballistic eye protection. Eyewear must meet or exceed mil-spec MIL PRF 32432 ballistic safety standards or Z87+ industrial safety standards. A pair of heavy-duty gloves is also recommended. It is important to have some form of respiratory protection. I recommend that you use a N95- or N95-rated mask as a minimum. While a N95/KN95 mask can protect from particulates such as soot from fires and other smoke, it is not designed to protect against chemical agents.
The Wrap Up
To treat injuries that could be life-threatening, you should always have a trauma kit. A tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, and a pressure dressing are all essential. You also need to have chest seals and gloves made of nitrile. Keep it simple: “Stop the bleeding, begin the breathing.” Get training. It’s not the time to learn how a trauma kit works. Don’t forget to bring with you prescription medication and other essential items.
Assessment, avoidance, preparation, situational awareness and training are the keys to survival in civil unrest.
The Third Precinct Station of the Minneapolis Police Department was set on fire during civil unrest in 2020. These mobs can quickly make it more difficult for citizens and first responders to survive civil unrest. (Photo by Public Domain). This article was originally published in Personal Defense World’s April/May 2021 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions at OutdoorGroupStore.com. Call 1-800-284-5668 or email [email protected]
Keep up to date with the Personal Defense World newsletter
Register today!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up
I have read and understood the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy and I agree to them. Athlon may collect, store, process, and transfer my Personal Data and Non Personal Data for the purpose of signing me up for the email newsletter.
Next
European American Armory Corp. The New Girsan MC P35 Pistol is Available
The Girsan MC P35 semiauto pistol is the latest release by European American Armory Corp.
Personal Defense World /
Aug 31, 2021
TrendingDiamondback Sidekick 9-Shot Remo Chambers 22 LR and22 Mag FunRussia Import Ban: Will it Kick Off Yet Another Ammo Shortage.Ruger Hogue Max-9 Micro Compact Combines Dependability With ComfortSIMX Tactical Solutions Offers 45 ACP Defensive Handgun Ammo
European American Armory Corp. The New Girsan MC P35 Pistol is Available
The European American Armory Corporation (EAA), a Florida-based company, is well-known for its affordable firearms made by international manufacturers. The comapny’s latest pocket-friendly offering is the Girsan MC P35 semiauto pistol. It features a John Browning design. The Girsan MC P35 semi-auto pistol The new Girsan P35 is a reference to the classic Browning Hi-Power semi-auto at a little […]
Rock River Arms AR Pistol and the RUK-15 Personal Defense Powerhouse
Russia Import Ban: Will the ban kick off yet another ammo shortage?
The Stag Arms 15 tactical is a Rebirth worth standing up and taking note
Ruger Hogue Max-9 Micro Compact Combines Comfort and Dependability
Diamondback Sidekick: 9 Shot Revolver Chambers 22LR and 22Mag Fun
Create Your Own EDC with the Custom Works SIG Sauer FCU P365
Adams Arms AA19 delivers performance-driven 9mm compact carry
There is no Silence Sheriff Mark Lamb, and We All Listen Intently
The Mossberg 464 Lever-Action Rifle makes your home feel special
FIRST LOOK: The Kimber R7 Mako Microcompact Offers Serious Bite
Athlon Outdoors Network
Tactical – Life
The Stow-N Go Defenders are the best coach guns.
Ballistic Magazine
The Nerf LMTD Aliens M41 – A Blaster Could Have Changed Everything
Skillset Magazine
Larry Thorne Hated Communists So Much He Enlisted in 3 Armies…
Tactical – Life
The X-Vision Optics PRISM Eye helps you get on target quickly
