When chaos breaks loose in a quiet state like North Dakota, it catches most folks off guard. But if you’re a survival-minded individual like me, you know complacency is the enemy. Riots don’t give warnings. They flare up fast—often within minutes—and turn peaceful towns into danger zones. Whether it’s Bismarck or Fargo, once tensions boil over, it’s too late to start thinking about a plan. You either have one, or you don’t. Today, I’m laying out a no-BS guide on how to keep yourself and your family safe when the streets go hot.
Understanding the Threat
Riots are unpredictable, often driven by political unrest, economic frustration, or social tension. While North Dakota isn’t known for civil unrest, don’t confuse calm with permanent peace. If you’re reading this, you’re probably not one to bet your life on the odds—and that’s good. Always expect the unexpected.
The key is preparation. That means having gear, knowing your surroundings, mastering self-defense, and—if it comes down to it—having the skills to build what you need to survive.
8 Self-Defense Skills You Must Master
These aren’t movie tricks or TikTok tactics. These are real, actionable skills that can keep you alive.
1. Situational Awareness
The number one tool in your arsenal isn’t a weapon—it’s your mind. Always scan your environment. Look for exits. Watch body language. If the energy in a crowd shifts, you should feel it before you see it. Trust your gut and act early.
2. De-escalation Tactics
You’re not a hero, and this isn’t the time for ego. If someone confronts you, your first goal is to avoid conflict. Use calm tones, non-threatening gestures, and strategic positioning to keep distance. Walk away before fists fly.
3. Basic Striking Techniques
If you’re forced to fight, keep it simple: palm strikes, elbow strikes, and low kicks. These are powerful, easy to execute, and don’t require years of training. Aim for soft targets like the throat, groin, and solar plexus.
4. Escaping Holds and Grabs
Learn how to break free from wrist grabs, bear hugs, and chokeholds. Use leverage, not strength. The goal is not to overpower, but to escape and move to safety.
5. Improvised Weapon Usage
Know how to use what’s around you. A belt with a heavy buckle, a pen, a sturdy flashlight—these can all become defensive tools. Don’t rely on carrying weapons—rely on your adaptability.
6. Weapon Disarming Basics
This is only for dire situations. If you’re unarmed and someone threatens you with a weapon, disarming could be your last shot. Focus on redirecting, controlling, and neutralizing. It’s risky but better than freezing.
7. Ground Defense
If you’re knocked down, your fight isn’t over. Learn to protect your head, use your legs to create space, and stand back up with control. Never stay on the ground in a crowd—it’s where you’ll get stomped.
8. Team Tactics
If you’re with family or a group, work as a unit. Assign roles—one leads, one watches the rear, one carries supplies. Communicate clearly and stay together. Never let panic scatter your team.
3 DIY Survival Weapon Builds
Sometimes, carrying a weapon isn’t an option. But necessity is the mother of invention. These DIY weapons can be made from common materials and pack enough punch to give you an edge.
1. PVC Pipe Baton
Materials: 1″ diameter PVC pipe (2–3 feet), sand or metal nuts, duct tape.
Instructions: Fill the pipe with sand or metal nuts for weight. Seal both ends. Wrap the grip with duct tape or paracord for handling. It’s light, sturdy, and can deliver bone-crushing force when needed.
2. Nail Bat
Materials: Wooden bat or thick branch, nails, hammer.
Instructions: Drive nails through one end of the bat. Wrap the handle with cloth or tape for grip. This is a last-resort weapon—lethal and intimidating. Use only if you’re in extreme danger.
3. Sling Shot Survival Tool
Materials: Y-shaped branch, surgical tubing or bike inner tube, leather pouch.
Instructions: Cut a solid Y-branch and secure tubing to the arms. Attach a leather patch to hold ammo—rocks, bolts, or steel bearings. Silent, light, and powerful at close range.
Best Practices for Riot Survival in North Dakota
Let’s get specific. Here’s how to survive if a riot breaks out in your area:
1. Avoid Hot Zones
If you see smoke or hear sirens—go the opposite direction. Monitor local police scanners or emergency apps like PulsePoint. Avoid downtown areas, government buildings, and protest gathering spots.
2. Shelter in Place if Possible
If your home is secure, don’t go outside. Board up windows, block entrances, and stay quiet. Have a backup power source, drinking water, and a go-bag ready in case you need to leave fast.
3. Blend In
If caught outside, don’t stand out. Ditch any flashy or tactical gear. Neutral colors, no logos. Move like you belong—confident but not confrontational.
4. Know Your Escape Routes
Always have three ways out—on foot, by car, and through side streets or back alleys. Practice these routes with your family. GPS won’t help if networks go down.
5. Communicate Off-Grid
When the grid fails or networks are jammed, use walkie-talkies or ham radios. Texts may still go through when calls won’t. Establish code words with your group ahead of time.
Final Thoughts from a Lifelong Prepper
You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall back on your training. That’s the survivalist creed. During a riot, it’s not about being a hero. It’s about being alive when the dust settles. I’ve seen too many people freeze when the world went sideways, and I’ve made it my life’s work to make sure that never happens to me—or to those who listen.
North Dakota might seem low-risk, but don’t bet your family’s safety on peace lasting forever. Stockpile smart, train harder, and plan like it’s already happening. Because when the streets turn to war zones, it won’t matter who started it—it’ll only matter who walks away.
Stay sharp. Stay prepared. And remember: it’s better to be a year too early than a second too late.
TheDailyChristian 