When civil unrest erupts, the rules of normal society get tossed out the window. If you find yourself in Pennsylvania during a riot—whether in Philly, Pittsburgh, or a small town—you need to shift from civilian mindset to survivalist instinct fast. I’ve lived through hurricanes, blackouts, and civil unrest. Let me tell you: chaos doesn’t send a warning text.
If you’re caught unprepared, you’re a target. But with the right mindset, skills, and tools, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how a seasoned survival prepper handles a riot scenario.
First: Situational Awareness is Your Survival Bedrock
Before you ever have to throw a punch or swing a bat, your awareness will keep you alive. Monitor your surroundings constantly. Know the difference between a peaceful crowd and a mob ready to burn everything in sight. Stay updated on local news, and if something starts brewing, trust your gut. Don’t wait. Get out early if you can.
Install police scanner apps and follow local emergency channels. If you’re on foot, avoid bottlenecks like alleyways or fences. If you’re in a vehicle, keep your gas tank above half at all times and know at least three alternate routes out of town.
8 Self-Defense Skills Every Prepper Should Master
In a riot, 911 is likely overwhelmed or unavailable. That means you are your own first responder. Whether you’re defending yourself or your family, here are the self-defense skills that matter most:
- Situational De-escalation
Learn how to defuse tension verbally and with body language. Sometimes not fighting is the smartest fight you’ll win. - Krav Maga Basics
This Israeli martial art was designed for real-world violence. Focus on neutralizing threats fast—groin strikes, eye gouges, and throat punches are not dirty; they’re smart. - Palm Heel Strikes
Avoid hurting your own hand. A palm heel to the nose or jaw is devastating and easy to learn. - Elbow Strikes
In close quarters, nothing beats the elbow. Short, fast, and bone-breaking. - Improvised Weapon Training
Know how to turn a flashlight, pen, or belt buckle into a weapon. A sturdy tactical pen can be life-saving. - Ground Defense
If you end up on the ground, know how to protect your face and get back up. Jiu-jitsu fundamentals are invaluable here. - Escape From Grabs
Practice breaking holds. A wrist grab can lead to a beatdown—or a quick reversal if you’ve trained properly. - Weapon Retention & Disarmament
If someone pulls a weapon on you, your goal is either to flee or disarm fast. Learn the basics of redirecting a knife or firearm—timing and confidence are everything.
3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Make at Home
Even if you don’t own firearms or they’re not accessible, you can arm yourself legally and discreetly with DIY tools that pack serious deterrent value.
1. PVC Pipe Baton
- Materials: 1-inch diameter PVC pipe (2 feet), sand or BBs, duct tape.
- Instructions: Fill the pipe with BBs or sand to give it weight, seal both ends, wrap with duct tape for grip. It hits hard and won’t attract as much attention as a metal bat.
2. Improvised Spear
- Materials: A broomstick, kitchen knife, duct tape, paracord.
- Instructions: Lash the knife to the end of the stick tightly. Works for both defense and deterrent purposes, especially if you’re defending your home.
3. Slingshot with Metal Ammo
- Materials: Commercial slingshot, ball bearings or marbles.
- Instructions: Practice accuracy. A slingshot can take down small game or discourage an aggressive attacker without the noise of a firearm.
How To Fortify & Escape Your Home During a Riot
If a riot is headed your way, bugging in is your first line of defense. Fortify your home with these quick strategies:
- Block ground-floor windows with furniture or plywood. You’re not trying to win a war, just discourage entry.
- Turn off all lights at night to avoid drawing attention.
- Create a safe room. If intruders enter, you need one locked, fortified space to regroup and plan an escape if needed.
If the situation escalates and you must bug out:
- Don’t take major roads. They’re likely jammed or under police/military lockdown.
- Move at dawn or dusk. Less visibility, less risk.
- Dress like a grey man. Neutral colors, no tactical gear that screams “prepared.” You want to blend in, not stand out.
Quick-Access Riot Survival Kit
Here’s what every Pennsylvanian should keep ready when unrest flares up:
- Tactical flashlight with strobe
- Filtered water bottle or Lifestraw
- Multi-tool or fixed blade knife
- First aid kit with blood clotting gauze
- Smoke mask or N95
- Sturdy gloves (for climbing or dealing with debris)
- Copies of ID in a waterproof bag
- Map with marked safe routes out of town
- Cash in small bills
- Energy bars or MREs
Mindset: The Ultimate Survival Tool
If you panic, you lose. Stay calm, focused, and decisive. Panic is contagious. So is confidence. Your demeanor will influence your family and those around you. In a riot, fear spreads like fire. Be the firebreak.
Trust your instincts. Don’t hesitate. If you see things are spiraling, don’t wait for permission to act. It’s always better to leave too early than one minute too late.
Final Thoughts From a Seasoned Prepper
Riots in Pennsylvania aren’t just a big-city problem anymore. With social tension boiling across the country, even rural towns can become hotspots overnight. You don’t need to be a doomsday bunker-dweller to be prepared. You just need to take your safety seriously.
Train your body. Train your mind. Prepare your home. Learn to defend yourself and protect what matters.
Because in the end, when the system fails, you’re all you’ve got.
TheDailyChristian 