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Civil Disturbance/Civil Unrest


Bamboo

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Civil disturbance or civil unrest can be defined as groups or individuals within the population feeling that their needs or rights are not being met who act out against society resulting in violence, destruction of personal property, and criminal acts. Often what starts out as a peaceful demonstration progresses to become a riot.

 

The triggers behind the disturbance vary such as labor unrest, racial tension, religious conflict, unemployment, and unpopular political actions such as war. Most often we hear of civil disturbances taking place in densely populated areas, however, no one area is safe and we should all be prepared regardless of whether we live in urban or rural settings.

 

Civil disturbances can cause extensive social disruption, loss of jobs, property damage, and even death. Looting, vandalism, and fire setting are the most common activities associated with civil disturbances. Long term effects can be a locally depressed economy, environmental changes, social disruption, and long term animosity between differing groups.

 

In the event of a civil disturbance, the first to respond would be our local authorities; police, EMS personnel, and local governing bodies. If they determine that the situation is larger than they can handle, they will call the Governor. From this point, you may see the National Guard called in to help settle the situation. You may see curfews imposed, businesses may be forced to stay closed, highways may be shut down, banks may be forced to stay closed, schools may be closed for several days, and other areas of our infrastructure may be adversely affected. There have been times when the President has issued orders for martial law to be enacted.

 

There are some decisions you will need to make early on; whether to stay at home or to leave the area. You will want to seriously consider your options to make this decision. Do you have family or friends near enough, yet far enough away from the situation? Will they take you and your family in and shelter you? Which roads will you take as you leave home? Remember some of the roads may be impassable due to the actual disturbance and others may be blocked due to others trying to leave the area, such as we saw with the recent hurricanes. Have you waited too long and are now trapped? Are you prepared to stay in your home and protect your family? You need to make these decisions now, before the emergency arises. You will want to have your valuable papers with you in case you must leave in a hurry. Decide how much cash you want to have with you also. Banks may be closed due to the disturbance.

 

If you decide to leave home there are a few things you will need to consider. First, where will you go? Talk with family and friends to see who will be able to help you. You should do this well in advance of an emergency so that there are no surprises. Next, which route will you take? You really should have a couple backup routes in mind also, just in case your first escape route is closed to traffic.

 

Some things you might want to have in your vehicle: Gas, try to keep your tank as close to full as possible at all times. Most vehicles will get at least 200 miles on a tank of gas, but remember, many people left Houston and New Orleans only to become stuck in traffic and they ran out of gas. Also, be prepared for gas stations to be closed or restricted in how much gas they will sell. During the Rodney King riot, gas station owners were only allowed to sell gas directly into vehicles, no gas cans. You might also want to have an up-to-date map of the area. Most states have a book of county maps. These list almost all roads and even some trails. Some other things to add to your car would be a first aid kit, spare tire or doughnut, jack stand, jumper cables, washer fluid, blanket, flash light, and water. If you have young children, you might want to add some snack foods and games or books to entertain them.

 

Since most disturbances last for a few days, be sure to take some of your stored food with you. This will ease the burden on your family or friends who are sheltering. Don’t forget your BOB’s (bug out bags). These are discussed in another chapter in detail. If you have pets, take them with you. Do not leave them home. Be sure to take their food, toys, etc.

 

If you choose to stay, there are more things to consider. You will need food, water, a way to treat possible injuries, and you will need to decide just how far you will go in order to protect your family and your home. Do you own a gun? Do you know how to use it? Are you prepared to use it? You will need to make this decision now, before you are ever put in a situation that would require you to do so. This is a very personal decision and one that should not be taken lightly. There is no wrong or right answer here, only the answer that is right for you and your family.

 

As far as food goes, be ready to have a minimum of 72 hours of food and water for all members of your family. FEMA is now recommending a minimum of one week. Be sure to include some of your families favorite snack foods. This will help with the stress of the situation. Also, be sure to have pet food and water if you have pets.

 

For your property, you will probably want to put your vehicle in the garage if you have one along with anything else such as grills, yard furniture, anything that may be stolen or broken, or used as fuel for fires by the rioters. Keep your garden hose ready to put out small fires. During disturbances such as these it is quite common to have bullets flying around. Keep your family away from windows. You might consider having some type of cloth to cover windows on the inside (quilts would work well). This will help to keep flying debris from going far if your windows are broken out. It won’t stop a bullet of course, but it will block the shooters’ view of you and your family. If you have outdoor pets, you will want to bring them in for their protection.

 

As long as you have electricity you should be able to listen to the television and radio for news and updates. You will want to stay aware of instructions from the local authorities. The power company may have to turn off the power due to fires, so you might want to consider a crank radio. These are available at most Radio Shacks and other vendors on the Internet.

 

Again, if you have young children be sure to have games, books, their favorite toys, etc., to help keep things as normal as possible for them. Older children and teenagers may benefit from having chores to prevent boredom.

 

In years past, neighborhoods had Neighborhood Watch groups. Some areas still do. You might consider starting one in your neighborhood before such a situation arises.

 

If you have a gun and choose to use it to protect your family, be sure that you are familiar with it. Practice often. There are many sports clubs and shooting ranges where you can practice even if you live in an urban area. They also offer training for self defense and gun use. Just look in your Yellow pages. If you choose this route, be sure to have stocked enough ammunition for the type of gun you will be using.

 

For injuries, you will need to have at minimum a basic first aid kit and first aid manual. The Red Cross offers first aid training. You may want to take a course so that you are better prepared. There are several home medical manuals also that you might look into such as Merck’s Manual, Home Edition. Become familiar with the equipment in your first aid kit and with the manual.

 

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