Urban Prepping: Sheltering in Place During Community Unrest

We've all seen it on the evening news—civil unrest breaking out in different cities for various reasons. It's easy to feel safe when it's happening far away.

But what if it happens near you?

Urban prepping is all about being prepared for anything while living in a city. When unrest occurs, staying safe and keeping a low profile become your top priority.

If local officials issue a shelter-in-place order, it's crucial to follow it closely. Here's what you need to know about sheltering in place during such events.

Understanding the Situation

Community unrest can happen suddenly and may include peaceful protests, riots, or other disruptions that turn your city into a potentially dangerous place.

These events can make it unsafe to leave your home, disrupting daily routines and causing a lot of stress.

During such times, it's crucial to know how to shelter in place effectively. By being prepared with a clear emergency plan and staying informed through local governments, you can ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones until things calm down.

Sheltering in place means staying inside your home and making it as secure as possible, having essential supplies on hand, and knowing how to stay updated about the situation outside.

Let's explore some key steps to help you stay safe during community unrest.

Stay Informed

The first step in urban prepping is staying informed. During times of unrest, information is your best friend. Here’s how to stay updated:

News Channels

You should be able to watch news updates on television, but it’s also a good idea to keep a battery-powered radio handy. This way, you can still get important news and updates even if you lose electricity.

Smartphone Alerts

Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications from local authorities. These alerts can give you real-time information about what’s happening in your area and any safety instructions you need to follow.

Social Media

Follow reliable sources on social media for real-time updates. Be cautious about the information you find online—make sure it's coming from trustworthy sources like local news stations, government agencies, or well-known organizations.

By staying informed, you can make better decisions and stay aware of any changes in the situation.

Secure Your Home

Your home is your safe haven, and it's important to make sure it's secure, even if the unrest is happening on the other side of the city. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your home remains a safe place:

Lock Doors and Windows

Double-check that all doors and windows are locked and secure. Reinforce any weak points, like flimsy doors or windows, with extra locks.  This will help keep potential intruders out and give you peace of mind.

Block Visibility

Close curtains or blinds to prevent people from seeing inside your home. This keeps your activities private and can help deter anyone from targeting your house. 

Security Systems

If you have security cameras or alarms, make sure they are working properly. These systems can deter potential threats and provide you with real-time alerts if someone tries to break in.

Even simple door and window alarms can add an extra layer of protection.

Outdoor Lighting

Use motion-sensor lights around the exterior of your home. These lights can scare off intruders and make it easier to see what’s happening outside.

Keeping your home well-lit at night can also give you a better sense of security.

Safe Room

Designate a safe room in your home where your family can go if things get really bad.

This room should the safest place in your house.  It should have strong locks, be stocked with emergency supplies, and ideally be an interior room away from windows.

It can provide a secure place to stay until it’s safe to come out.

Preparing your home in advance can give you and your loved ones a sense of security and control in uncertain situations.

Essential Supplies

We've talked about essential supplies in multiple other posts, but as a reminder, keep these emergency essentials on hand at all times:

Water

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This ensures you have enough for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene needs.

Food

Stock up on non-perishable foods like canned goods, pasta, rice, and snacks. Choose items that are easy to prepare and have a long shelf life.

Just in case, don’t forget a manual can opener if you have canned goods.

First Aid Kit

Have a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you need. Being able to treat minor injuries at home can be crucial during times of unrest.

Power and Light

Sometimes, power outages can occur during unrest. Be prepared with alternative lighting and power strategies:

Alternative Lighting

Use battery-powered or solar-powered lights as your primary sources of illumination. These options are safer and more reliable than candles.

Flashlights, LED lanterns, and solar-powered lights can provide bright, steady light without the risk of fire.

If you must use candles, ensure they are placed in sturdy holders and kept away from flammable materials. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.

Charge Devices

Keep your devices, like phones and tablets, fully charged whenever possible. Use them sparingly to conserve battery life.

To extend the battery life of your devices:

• Lower the screen brightness.
• Turn off non-essential apps and notifications.
• Use power-saving modes if available.

Backup Power Sources

Invest in backup power sources such as portable chargers, power banks, or solar chargers.

These can help keep your devices running if the power is out for an extended period.

A hand-crank charger can also be a useful addition for charging small devices in an emergency.

By prioritizing battery-powered or solar-powered lights and keeping your devices charged, you can maintain a safe and well-lit environment during a power outage. 

Sanitation Items

Stock up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, and trash bags.

Good hygiene is important, and these items can help you stay clean and healthy when you can’t leave your home.

By keeping these necessary supplies on hand, you’ll be better prepared to handle any disruptions and ensure your family’s basic needs are met.

Protecting Your Property

While your safety is the most important priority, protecting your property is also crucial. Taking proactive measures can help safeguard your home and belongings during times of unrest:

Emergency Tools

Keep basic emergency tools readily available. These can help you address minor emergencies and prevent further damage to your property:

Fire Extinguisher

Have at least one fire extinguisher in your home, preferably in the kitchen or near any areas with flammable materials. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it.

Wrench or Pliers

Keep a wrench or pliers handy for turning off utilities like gas, water, or electricity. Knowing how to shut off these utilities can prevent fires, floods, or other hazards if there's damage to the lines or equipment.

Reinforce Entry Points

Strengthen doors and windows to make it harder for intruders to break in. Install deadbolt locks and consider adding a security door to your main entrance.

Secure Valuables

Keep valuable items, important documents, and emergency cash in a secure location, such as a safe. This reduces the risk of losing essential items during a break-in or evacuation.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your property and minimize potential damage during times of community unrest.

This not only helps to keep your home secure but also provides peace of mind knowing that you’ve done what you can to safeguard your belongings.

Mental Health

During times of community unrest, taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical safety.

Stress and anxiety can be heightened in these situations, so it’s essential to find ways to manage your emotions and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Here’s how to take care of your mental well-being:

Stay Connected

Talking to family and friends through phone or video calls can provide emotional support and reassurance. It’s comforting to hear from loved ones and share your feelings or concerns.

Regular check-ins can also help you feel less isolated and remind you that you’re not alone.

Make sure to also reach out to neighbors or community members if you can, as this can foster a sense of solidarity and mutual support.

Limit News Consumption

While staying informed is important, constantly watching or reading news updates can be overwhelming.

Set specific times for checking the news rather than monitoring it throughout the day.

Choose reliable news sources and avoid sensationalist media that might increase anxiety.

Taking breaks from news consumption can help you stay calm and reduce feelings of stress or helplessness.

Engage in Enjoyable Activities

Keep your mind occupied with activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Engaging in hobbies or activities you love can provide a sense of normalcy and distraction from the current situation:

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine to manage stress.

Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and body. 

Establish a Routine

Maintaining a daily routine can provide a sense of structure and normalcy. Set regular times for meals, exercise, work, and relaxation.

A routine can help create a feeling of stability and predictability, which can be comforting during uncertain times.

Seek Professional Support

If you find that stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues become overwhelming, consider seeking professional support.

Many therapists and counselors offer remote sessions that can be accessed from the safety of your home.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.

Prioritizing your mental health helps you stay resilient and better equipped to handle the situation.

Additional Resources:

• Beacon Health Solutions:  Community Unrest: How You Can Prepare for Safety
• and Security
• CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response:  Stay Put - Learn How to Shelter in Place
• Life Secure Emergency Solutions:  How to Stay Safe During Civil Unrest