RIOT!

These days it seems that you can hardly go a week without reading about riots somewhere either in our country or in other countries.  It seems that anything from the cost of bus fair to a soccer/football game to political and economic issues causes people to riot these days.  Currently in the US if you follow social media and news reports there are threats of riots depending on the outcome of the Zimmerman case.  Depending on the outcome of this case there could actually be wide spread rioting across the country not just in Broward County.  There has actually been a public service announcement by law enforcement in the area trying to convince people to not riot.

So this begs the question.  What should you do if you are caught up in a riot?

First try and be prepared.  If you think that you are in an area that will see riots try and be prepared for the worst.  Keep alert and practice situational awareness so that you do not get caught in the middle of a bad situation.  Keep your cell phone with you (possibly even a back up), have your EDC kit with you or even a GHB.  Do not wear any clothes that would make you a target.  This means nothing that would let rioters mistake you for police or military and nothing that would let police mistake you as some one they would single out.  It is of course possible in some riots for individuals to be targeted.  If you know what group is being targeted take measures so that you may not be associated with them.  This maybe difficult in cases where race is the motivating force.

Today it seems popular to “plan” your riots ahead of time using social media.  If you monitor these types of postings for your area it is possible that you  can avoid a bad situation all together.  Also if you do get caught in a situation where you are caught in the riot you maybe able to use your smart phone to update your friends and family as to your location and if you have made it to safety.  At times during riots phone systems can become overwhelmed so using alternate methods of communication may need to be used.  If you are caught in a riot please let your family know you have made it to safety ASAP so that they do not worry about you and further stress emergency services.  If you must move locations let them know you will be moving and check in at your new safe location.

Know your area well so that you can use alternate routes to get home as soon as possible.  Know places that could be used as a safe house in the areas where you might take refuge if you cannot make it out of the area as well.  Have some cash on you (it should be in your EDC already).

Don’t do anything that will draw attention to yourself.  We already mentioned not wearing specific clothing.  However remember that in numerous occasions there have been people beaten for something as simple as their shoes.  Be conscious of what you wear so that you do not make yourself into a target of opportunity.  Running will make you stand out to others as well.  Try and move at the same pace WITH the riot until you get to a point that you can break off down an alley or into a safe building.  If you try and move against the crowd you may end up getting trampled (heck it even happens at Wal Mart during Black Friday).  Stay to the edges of the riot as it will be much easier to break off when you need to.  Avoid getting into things like town squares as they can become a focal point of the riot and it could be quite dangerous.  You want to spend the least amount of time possible in the midst of the riot as the longer you stay the longer you will be in danger and the greater the opportunity for you to become severely injured or even killed.

As soon as possible get inside and secure all doors and windows.  Staying on the streets will just invite trouble.  Try and get home if you can however you may need to take shelter in a safe house.  Even when you get inside still stay alert it is not uncommon for buildings to be set on fire during rioting. Try and keep a low profile and avoid conflict.  If you are in a building that is getting broken into it is far better to try and escape out the back then confront rioters for stealing your belongings.  Remember things can be replaced you cannot.  If you have a firearm only use it if your life or the lives of your family are being threatened.  Firing shots could make you a target.

If you are in your car and get caught in a riot stay calm.  Keep your doors locked and be aware of your surroundings.  Do not stop your car however remain calm and drive carefully.  Your car could end up being your best bet at getting out of an area quickly.  Do not be aggressive as you may then be seen as a threat and targeted by rioters or police.  If your way becomes blocked and you are unable to manoeuvre your car safely you may need to abandon the vehicle.  Public transportation should be avoided as it will more than likely be shut down anyway leaving you stuck in the riot zone.  If you cannot get out by car you will more than likely have to walk out of the area.

In short keep calm, be aware, keep a low profile, get to safety and stay put.

Stay safe.