August 10, 2025 • 11 mins
Did you know that the No Kings protest and other protests that have been occurring - even when peaceful- are still considered episodes of civil unrest? Violent or destructive episodes of it haven’t been widespread…yet. So, what is Civil Unrest, and how do you prepare for or navigate it? Listen to find out.
My episode on Martial Law can be found here: https://youtu.be/ZyLG9n902oY
For additional information, check out the resources provided in the blog entry at: https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/2025/08/08/protests-riots-how-to-stay-safe-during-civil-unrest/
John, a retired police officer from Women's Firearm Academy, offered valuable advice on personal safety, including information about civil unrest during my interview with him and wife/co-owner Sonya. you can check that very informative episode at: https://youtu.be/Z1d9EgQ-FDc
Go to https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/prepper-checklist/ for the FREE essential prepper checklist. Use the password StayReady.
Enjoy what you’re hearing from me? I love what I do, and I would LOVE for you to help support my work by buying me a coffee (one-time or monthly): https://ko-fi.com/urbanladyprepper, or buying some merch from my RedBubble store! https://www.redbubble.com/people/urbanldyprepper/shop They are always running specials, and you can get my designs on shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, and more!
THANK YOU!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Did you know that the No Kings protest
and other protests that have been occurring, even
when peaceful, are still considered civil unrest?
Violent or destructive episodes of it haven't been
widespread yet.
So, what is civil unrest and how do
you prepare for or navigate it?
Listen to find out.
Hi, I'm the Urban Lady Prepper.
(00:21):
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
Back in March, I did an episode about
martial law.
I've stated that I believe, and so do
many others, that the current administration is purposely
building anger and anxiety to cause massive civil
(00:41):
unrest and have a reason to impose it.
We've already seen how quick it was to
deploy the military on our fellow citizens, so
it leaves no doubt that they will be
quick to call martial law the minute they
feel they have a good enough excuse to.
So, what is the true definition of civil
unrest?
How do you prepare for it and how
do you keep you and your loved ones
safe while navigating an increasingly tense social landscape?
(01:04):
You may not have been aware, but even
peaceful protests are considered a form of civil
unrest.
There haven't been extensive violent or destructive episodes
of it yet.
There have been skirmishes like the small ones
of pockets in L.A. with ice and
citizens standing up against emboldened hate groups.
But I expect that we'll start seeing more
expansive episodes of this kind of civil unrest
(01:25):
sooner rather than later.
There is widespread anxiety across the U.S.,
but we haven't fully coalesced into a collective
anger.
But we're getting there.
I believe we're at a tipping point, which
will begin to manifest in actual and sizable
civil unrest episodes.
Some of the reasons would be the mass
deportations, which are becoming increasingly unpopular.
(01:47):
Tariffs and higher food prices will likely lead
to shortages.
Empowered, greedy companies with newly relaxed regulations that
are ready to bleed the people dry while
causing environmental damage that will affect our health
and water supply.
Our economy is circling the drain and taking
many livelihoods with it, some that have been
in families for generations.
The loss of rights and the willfully erasure
(02:08):
and whitewashing of American history.
The encouragement of sexism and racism, all stemming
from the current regime with whom there is
increasing discontent even among previous staunch supporters.
There are a lot of pissed people and
the number of them is growing.
So what is civil unrest exactly?
Civil unrest refers to a situation where a
(02:30):
group of people in a community expresses dissatisfaction
through protests, demonstrations, rallies, or riots.
Civil unrest can be sudden, but we're experiencing
the kind that builds over time, affecting communities
in various ways.
These events can be peaceful or violent, affecting
local stability.
During peaceful demonstrations, individuals gather to voice opinions
(02:51):
without causing harm.
However, when it escalates into physical confrontations, it
can involve violence and property damage.
It's crucial to distinguish between peaceful demonstrations, possibly
confrontational protests, and potentially dangerous riots.
Understanding how to stay safe during times of
(03:11):
civil unrest is more important than ever, especially
if you find yourself near the action.
Knowing some key safety tips can make a
world of difference.
I'll break down how to maintain personal safety
and protect your loved ones while navigating through
these tense situations.
From emergency preparedness to effective crisis management, I'll
cover all the bases you need to feel
better prepared for such a scenario.
(03:33):
These are difficult steps if you've already been
prepping, even if you're a newbie.
You've been doing a lot of this already.
First, being aware of the causes and triggers
of civil unrest keeps you ahead of the
curve.
Knowing what it entails and recognizing its causes,
you can better prepare and respond to these
events.
Civil unrest can stem from various social, political,
(03:54):
or economic issues.
Common triggers include unresolved grievances, inequality, and government
policies.
When these issues reach a breaking point, it
leads to civil unrest.
Some of the common causes would be social
inequality, which is disparity in wealth, rights, and
opportunities.
Political changes, like controversial policies or leadership.
(04:15):
Economic hardships, like job loss, inflation, or resource
scarcity.
Needless to say, we're experiencing all of these
things right now.
Being aware of the depth of these issues,
even if it doesn't directly affect you, will
help you and your community address root issues
constructively and recognize when things are reaching the
point of social disturbance.
(04:36):
Recognizing signs of escalation is key to staying
safe during civil unrest.
Look for increasing tensions in local news, larger
crowds, and heightened emotions.
These signs often precede more serious unrest.
Monitor national and local news.
Stay informed about developments through reliable and varied
sources.
(04:57):
Don't let a certain news outlet that had
to pay millions for lying to its viewers
convince you that there is out-of-control
civil unrest using old, unrelated footage and performative
outrage.
We have enough to worry about without adding
undue and untrue trauma.
If a report of unrest appears sensational or
dangerous, especially in a state, county, or city
you're in or planning to visit, double and
(05:19):
triple check the information.
Check with people who live in the area.
Not receiving accurate information can impact your daily
routine, travel plans, and mental well-being.
Street violence is serious, and what is happening
should not be played down or exaggerated, as
it can put people at risk.
Observe crowd behavior.
(05:41):
Notice changes in crowd size and mood.
If you're part of a protest and there's
opposition, or you begin to feel that it
will escalate into conflict or become over-policed,
remove yourself from the crowd and out of
the area as quickly as possible without running
or drawing attention to yourself.
Trust your gut.
If that inner voice tells you it's time
to go, go.
(06:02):
Listen to authorities' warnings.
Pay attention to any public safety announcements, and
if you're part of the protest, definitely those
from authorities who may be present at the
event.
If it's announced that more aggressive tactics are
going to be used if specific orders aren't
followed, believe it, especially now.
Then assess your risk.
Before things escalate, and it can very quickly,
(06:24):
decide if staying there is worth whatever physical
harm that may come to you.
Preparing your loved ones for possible civil unrest
matters, whether you're at the event, happen to
come across a protest that's becoming aggressive, or
you're at home but close to the action.
Make sure everyone knows safety protocols and evacuation
routes.
So hold family meetings.
(06:44):
If there's a chance for a protest or
civil unrest in your area, discuss emergency plans
right away.
Assign roles.
Designate tasks to each family member.
Stay connected.
Use group chats or apps to maintain contact.
And have your bug out bags ready, in
case you believe the situation is so dangerous
that you need to leave the area or
(07:05):
you're evacuated.
By taking these steps, you can reinforce your
family's safety and readiness.
Be your priority.
When participating in protests, safety should be your
priority.
Here are some guidelines.
Travel in groups.
There's safety in numbers.
Don't stay too long in any one area.
If your instincts tell you to move, do
(07:26):
it.
Trust your gut.
But stay as close to the outside of
the crowd as possible in case you want
or have to.
Leave in a hurry or immediately seek shelter.
Avoid confrontations.
Steer clear of heated areas.
Bring a portable charger to keep communication devices
powered.
A small first aid kit.
Address minor injuries promptly.
(07:48):
Comfortable clothing.
Wear neutral colors and clothes suited for quick
movement.
Wear shoes that cover your entire foot.
Stay fueled and hydrated.
Bring water, snacks, and medical supplies.
Stay connected by using group chats or apps
to maintain contact with those who are with
you.
Make sure that everyone has their emergency contact
information.
(08:09):
Identify safe zones so you know local places
to seek shelter and regroup.
Of course, maintaining situational awareness helps you make
informed decisions during unrest.
You can stay vigilant, safe, and reduce risk.
Stay informed.
Keep up with local news and alerts.
Be sure to follow the social media accounts
of your state, county, and city, and sign
(08:30):
up to receive alerts from the area you're
in for any announcements not made on the
ground.
Know your surroundings.
Make a note of key landmarks and local
streets in the area.
Avoid distractions.
If you're in an area where a protest
or unrest is happening or about to happen,
you must be alert.
So avoid using earphones or being overly focused
on your phone.
(08:51):
Identify escape routes and credit areas in case
you need to leave.
If you're in an area when things suddenly
go south, it's time for some crisis management.
Effective crisis management involves quick thinking and adaptability.
And the four things you must do are.
Number one, stay calm.
Keep emotions in check to think clearly, especially
(09:13):
if you're with children.
They will be depending on you and will
be sensitive to how you react and every
decision will.
And every decision you make will be crucial.
Number two, assess the situation.
Be prepared to think on your feet and
act quickly.
However, number three, evaluate risks before acting.
(09:33):
Always prioritize your safety by avoiding confrontation and
noticing hazards such as fire or other obstacles.
Take a quick look for any phone alerts
that may advise you of what's happening or
indicate the direction to take to get out
of there.
Communicate clearly.
Share information with clarity and precision.
Have a plan to regroup if separated and
ensure that everyone has their contact information readily
(09:54):
available.
And number five, and this may be controversial,
but John of the Women's Firearm Academy, who
was a police officer, said that if you're
in a situation like that, you should go
towards the police with your hands up and
scream for help.
The instinct would be to recognize you as
a victim, not a perpetrator.
And that may help you get to safety,
especially if you had children with you.
(10:17):
Now, I understand that specific communities, including my
own, may not feel confident using this tip,
but these are the kind of decisions you'll
have to make on the fly.
Implementing these strategies can enhance your ability to
handle crisis effectively and hopefully get to safety
as soon as possible.
Civil unrest is a situation that is not
(10:38):
an if, but when.
It's essential to stay informed and have a
plan in case you intend to join a
protest or need to navigate an area where
one may be occurring.
Thanks for listening and stay safe out there.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Did you know that the No Kings protest
and other protests that have been occurring, even
when peaceful, are still considered civil unrest?
Violent or destructive episodes of it haven't been
widespread yet.
So, what is civil unrest and how do
you prepare for or navigate it?
Listen to find out.
Hi, I'm the Urban Lady Prepper.
(00:21):
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
Back in March, I did an episode about
martial law.
I've stated that I believe, and so do
many others, that the current administration is purposely
building anger and anxiety to cause massive civil
(00:41):
unrest and have a reason to impose it.
We've already seen how quick it was to
deploy the military on our fellow citizens, so
it leaves no doubt that they will be
quick to call martial law the minute they
feel they have a good enough excuse to.
So, what is the true definition of civil
unrest?
How do you prepare for it and how
do you keep you and your loved ones
safe while navigating an increasingly tense social landscape?
(01:04):
You may not have been aware, but even
peaceful protests are considered a form of civil
unrest.
There haven't been extensive violent or destructive episodes
of it yet.
There have been skirmishes like the small ones
of pockets in L.A. with ice and
citizens standing up against emboldened hate groups.
But I expect that we'll start seeing more
expansive episodes of this kind of civil unrest
(01:25):
sooner rather than later.
There is widespread anxiety across the U.S.,
but we haven't fully coalesced into a collective
anger.
But we're getting there.
I believe we're at a tipping point, which
will begin to manifest in actual and sizable
civil unrest episodes.
Some of the reasons would be the mass
deportations, which are becoming increasingly unpopular.
(01:47):
Tariffs and higher food prices will likely lead
to shortages.
Empowered, greedy companies with newly relaxed regulations that
are ready to bleed the people dry while
causing environmental damage that will affect our health
and water supply.
Our economy is circling the drain and taking
many livelihoods with it, some that have been
in families for generations.
The loss of rights and the willfully erasure
(02:08):
and whitewashing of American history.
The encouragement of sexism and racism, all stemming
from the current regime with whom there is
increasing discontent even among previous staunch supporters.
There are a lot of pissed people and
the number of them is growing.
So what is civil unrest exactly?
Civil unrest refers to a situation where a
(02:30):
group of people in a community expresses dissatisfaction
through protests, demonstrations, rallies, or riots.
Civil unrest can be sudden, but we're experiencing
the kind that builds over time, affecting communities
in various ways.
These events can be peaceful or violent, affecting
local stability.
During peaceful demonstrations, individuals gather to voice opinions
(02:51):
without causing harm.
However, when it escalates into physical confrontations, it
can involve violence and property damage.
It's crucial to distinguish between peaceful demonstrations, possibly
confrontational protests, and potentially dangerous riots.
Understanding how to stay safe during times of
(03:11):
civil unrest is more important than ever, especially
if you find yourself near the action.
Knowing some key safety tips can make a
world of difference.
I'll break down how to maintain personal safety
and protect your loved ones while navigating through
these tense situations.
From emergency preparedness to effective crisis management, I'll
cover all the bases you need to feel
better prepared for such a scenario.
(03:33):
These are difficult steps if you've already been
prepping, even if you're a newbie.
You've been doing a lot of this already.
First, being aware of the causes and triggers
of civil unrest keeps you ahead of the
curve.
Knowing what it entails and recognizing its causes,
you can better prepare and respond to these
events.
Civil unrest can stem from various social, political,
(03:54):
or economic issues.
Common triggers include unresolved grievances, inequality, and government
policies.
When these issues reach a breaking point, it
leads to civil unrest.
Some of the common causes would be social
inequality, which is disparity in wealth, rights, and
opportunities.
Political changes, like controversial policies or leadership.
(04:15):
Economic hardships, like job loss, inflation, or resource
scarcity.
Needless to say, we're experiencing all of these
things right now.
Being aware of the depth of these issues,
even if it doesn't directly affect you, will
help you and your community address root issues
constructively and recognize when things are reaching the
point of social disturbance.
(04:36):
Recognizing signs of escalation is key to staying
safe during civil unrest.
Look for increasing tensions in local news, larger
crowds, and heightened emotions.
These signs often precede more serious unrest.
Monitor national and local news.
Stay informed about developments through reliable and varied
sources.
(04:57):
Don't let a certain news outlet that had
to pay millions for lying to its viewers
convince you that there is out-of-control
civil unrest using old, unrelated footage and performative
outrage.
We have enough to worry about without adding
undue and untrue trauma.
If a report of unrest appears sensational or
dangerous, especially in a state, county, or city
you're in or planning to visit, double and
(05:19):
triple check the information.
Check with people who live in the area.
Not receiving accurate information can impact your daily
routine, travel plans, and mental well-being.
Street violence is serious, and what is happening
should not be played down or exaggerated, as
it can put people at risk.
Observe crowd behavior.
(05:41):
Notice changes in crowd size and mood.
If you're part of a protest and there's
opposition, or you begin to feel that it
will escalate into conflict or become over-policed,
remove yourself from the crowd and out of
the area as quickly as possible without running
or drawing attention to yourself.
Trust your gut.
If that inner voice tells you it's time
to go, go.
(06:02):
Listen to authorities' warnings.
Pay attention to any public safety announcements, and
if you're part of the protest, definitely those
from authorities who may be present at the
event.
If it's announced that more aggressive tactics are
going to be used if specific orders aren't
followed, believe it, especially now.
Then assess your risk.
Before things escalate, and it can very quickly,
(06:24):
decide if staying there is worth whatever physical
harm that may come to you.
Preparing your loved ones for possible civil unrest
matters, whether you're at the event, happen to
come across a protest that's becoming aggressive, or
you're at home but close to the action.
Make sure everyone knows safety protocols and evacuation
routes.
So hold family meetings.
(06:44):
If there's a chance for a protest or
civil unrest in your area, discuss emergency plans
right away.
Assign roles.
Designate tasks to each family member.
Stay connected.
Use group chats or apps to maintain contact.
And have your bug out bags ready, in
case you believe the situation is so dangerous
that you need to leave the area or
(07:05):
you're evacuated.
By taking these steps, you can reinforce your
family's safety and readiness.
Be your priority.
When participating in protests, safety should be your
priority.
Here are some guidelines.
Travel in groups.
There's safety in numbers.
Don't stay too long in any one area.
If your instincts tell you to move, do
(07:26):
it.
Trust your gut.
But stay as close to the outside of
the crowd as possible in case you want
or have to.
Leave in a hurry or immediately seek shelter.
Avoid confrontations.
Steer clear of heated areas.
Bring a portable charger to keep communication devices
powered.
A small first aid kit.
Address minor injuries promptly.
(07:48):
Comfortable clothing.
Wear neutral colors and clothes suited for quick
movement.
Wear shoes that cover your entire foot.
Stay fueled and hydrated.
Bring water, snacks, and medical supplies.
Stay connected by using group chats or apps
to maintain contact with those who are with
you.
Make sure that everyone has their emergency contact
information.
(08:09):
Identify safe zones so you know local places
to seek shelter and regroup.
Of course, maintaining situational awareness helps you make
informed decisions during unrest.
You can stay vigilant, safe, and reduce risk.
Stay informed.
Keep up with local news and alerts.
Be sure to follow the social media accounts
of your state, county, and city, and sign
(08:30):
up to receive alerts from the area you're
in for any announcements not made on the
ground.
Know your surroundings.
Make a note of key landmarks and local
streets in the area.
Avoid distractions.
If you're in an area where a protest
or unrest is happening or about to happen,
you must be alert.
So avoid using earphones or being overly focused
on your phone.
(08:51):
Identify escape routes and credit areas in case
you need to leave.
If you're in an area when things suddenly
go south, it's time for some crisis management.
Effective crisis management involves quick thinking and adaptability.
And the four things you must do are.
Number one, stay calm.
Keep emotions in check to think clearly, especially
(09:13):
if you're with children.
They will be depending on you and will
be sensitive to how you react and every
decision will.
And every decision you make will be crucial.
Number two, assess the situation.
Be prepared to think on your feet and
act quickly.
However, number three, evaluate risks before acting.
(09:33):
Always prioritize your safety by avoiding confrontation and
noticing hazards such as fire or other obstacles.
Take a quick look for any phone alerts
that may advise you of what's happening or
indicate the direction to take to get out
of there.
Communicate clearly.
Share information with clarity and precision.
Have a plan to regroup if separated and
ensure that everyone has their contact information readily
(09:54):
available.
And number five, and this may be controversial,
but John of the Women's Firearm Academy, who
was a police officer, said that if you're
in a situation like that, you should go
towards the police with your hands up and
scream for help.
The instinct would be to recognize you as
a victim, not a perpetrator.
And that may help you get to safety,
especially if you had children with you.
(10:17):
Now, I understand that specific communities, including my
own, may not feel confident using this tip,
but these are the kind of decisions you'll
have to make on the fly.
Implementing these strategies can enhance your ability to
handle crisis effectively and hopefully get to safety
as soon as possible.
Civil unrest is a situation that is not
(10:38):
an if, but when.
It's essential to stay informed and have a
plan in case you intend to join a
protest or need to navigate an area where
one may be occurring.
Thanks for listening and stay safe out there.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
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