How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in North Dakota

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.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Tennessee

When the streets boil over with chaos and the sirens echo louder than common sense, you’ll quickly learn one brutal truth: you’re either prepared or you’re prey. As a survival prepper with years of training in self-defense and bushcraft, I’ve witnessed the fine line between survival and tragedy. Riots are unpredictable beasts. They erupt fast, spread faster, and leave devastation in their wake. Whether you’re in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or a small town that rarely makes the news, knowing how to stay safe during a riot isn’t just smart—it’s survival.

Let’s walk through essential knowledge that’ll help you stay alive and protect those you love. This isn’t sugar-coated theory; it’s the kind of practical, field-tested advice forged in fire and reality.


Mindset Before Mayhem: Stay Aware, Stay Ahead

Before we dive into self-defense and survival builds, understand this: survival starts before the first brick is thrown. Situational awareness is your first line of defense. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see protests forming or tension rising—leave. You don’t want to be a spectator to chaos.

Stay informed through police scanners, local news, and social media, but avoid getting glued to your screen. Have a “go-no-go” bag ready, and a family emergency plan rehearsed.


8 Essential Self-Defense Skills to Survive a Riot

You don’t need to be Bruce Lee. You need to be efficient, decisive, and confident. Here are eight self-defense skills every Tennessean should master to stay alive during a riot:

1. The Fence and Verbal De-escalation

The “fence” is a non-threatening stance with your hands up and open between you and a potential attacker. It’s defensive but looks passive. Combine it with calm, confident verbal de-escalation—your first attempt should always be to defuse, not escalate.

2. Situational Awareness Training

Learn to read a crowd, pick out threats, notice body language, and spot exits. Trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

3. Basic Striking Techniques

Master open palm strikes, elbows, and knee strikes. These are devastating in close quarters and don’t injure your hands like punching can. Learn to target the nose, chin, solar plexus, and knees.

4. Escape from Grabs

If someone grabs your wrist, shirt, or backpack, you need fast, instinctive techniques to break free. Use leverage, not strength. Practice wrist breaks, lapel releases, and hair-pull escapes.

5. Ground Defense

In a riot, being on the ground is dangerous. Learn how to break your fall, protect your head, and get up quickly using shrimping and tactical rolls.

6. Improvised Weapon Use

A belt, flashlight, rolled-up magazine, umbrella, or even a backpack can be a weapon. Train with common objects and learn how to use them effectively.

7. Mob Navigation Techniques

Move with the flow of a crowd, not against it. Keep your arms up to protect your chest, and wedge yourself sideways like a swimmer cutting through water. Never get pinned against a wall or fence.

8. Mental Conditioning and Fear Control

Your ability to manage fear is everything. Practice stress inoculation—simulate stressful environments while training. Adrenaline dumps can paralyze or energize; it’s up to your mindset and preparation.


DIY Survival: 3 Ways to Build Weapons for Defense

In Tennessee, you might find yourself miles away from police protection. If looters are breaking into homes or mobs are closing in, having defensive tools—preferably homemade and legal—can save lives.

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Materials: 1-inch PVC pipe (18-24 inches), sand, duct tape.
How: Fill the pipe with sand or small gravel, seal both ends with caps or duct tape, and wrap the outside with grip tape. This baton is strong, heavy, and can be carried discreetly.

2. Slingshot with Ball Bearings

Materials: Y-shaped tree branch, surgical tubing, leather pouch, and steel ball bearings.
How: Carve a strong, symmetrical Y-branch, attach surgical tubing to the ends, and fit a leather pouch in the middle. This DIY slingshot can easily deliver deterrent-level damage and fits in a pocket.

3. Door Brace Spear

Materials: Wooden broom handle, long steel screw, electrical tape.
How: Sharpen one end of the broom handle or insert a long steel screw (tip exposed) into the end, and wrap with electrical tape to secure. You now have a spear you can brace behind a door or use in self-defense if a home invasion occurs.

Note: Always check Tennessee state laws about homemade weapons to avoid legal trouble.


Quick Riot Survival Checklist

When a riot ignites, every second matters. Here’s your fast-response list:

  • Keep your bug-out bag (BOB) packed and in your vehicle or near the exit.
  • Include water, energy bars, first aid, cash, flashlight, local maps, multi-tool, and ID.
  • Wear neutral clothing (no logos, nothing politically charged).
  • Use a mask and goggles for tear gas protection.
  • Have a rally point for your family to meet if separated.
  • Avoid major intersections and commercial zones where looters gather.
  • Park your vehicle nose-out for a quick escape.
  • NEVER try to reason with a riot. Escape is your mission, not confrontation.

Escape & Evasion in Tennessee’s Terrain

If you’re forced to flee urban areas, Tennessee’s wilderness can be your sanctuary. Know how to use the landscape:

  • Wooded Escape Routes: The Smokies, Cumberland Plateau, and local greenways offer excellent cover and mobility.
  • Creekbeds and Rail Lines: Use these to move unseen and avoid roadblocks or mobs.
  • Abandoned Barns and Outbuildings: Many rural areas have old shelters that can be used temporarily if you need to lay low.

Final Word: Preparation Is the Ultimate Equalizer

When law and order break down, your ability to stay calm, defend yourself, and move smart becomes your currency of survival. Tennessee is a proud, resilient state with a deep heritage of independence. Channel that strength, but don’t let pride get you killed. You’re not trying to win a fight—you’re trying to win the right to keep living.

Stay alert. Train hard. Prep smart. And remember: fortune doesn’t favor the bold—it favors the prepared.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Pennsylvania

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:

  1. Situational De-escalation
    Learn how to defuse tension verbally and with body language. Sometimes not fighting is the smartest fight you’ll win.
  2. 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.
  3. Palm Heel Strikes
    Avoid hurting your own hand. A palm heel to the nose or jaw is devastating and easy to learn.
  4. Elbow Strikes
    In close quarters, nothing beats the elbow. Short, fast, and bone-breaking.
  5. Improvised Weapon Training
    Know how to turn a flashlight, pen, or belt buckle into a weapon. A sturdy tactical pen can be life-saving.
  6. 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.
  7. Escape From Grabs
    Practice breaking holds. A wrist grab can lead to a beatdown—or a quick reversal if you’ve trained properly.
  8. 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.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in New Jersey

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in New Jersey
By a Skilled Survival Prepper

When chaos hits your doorstep, especially in a densely populated place like New Jersey, your survival depends on preparation, quick thinking, and decisive action. Riots aren’t just distant news stories—they can ignite in your neighborhood in a matter of hours. I’ve lived through civil unrest before. I’ve seen what happens when the power grid flickers, the police are overwhelmed, and people panic.

If you’re not prepared, you become a target. But if you take the time to train, plan, and stay sharp, you’ll not only survive a riot—you’ll come out stronger and more aware.

Let me walk you through what you need to know.


Understand the Nature of Riots

Riots are unpredictable, emotional surges of violence and destruction. They can start from political unrest, police incidents, or even after sports events. New Jersey’s urban centers—Newark, Jersey City, Camden, Trenton—can become flashpoints due to their population density and social dynamics.

When a riot breaks out, the goal isn’t to be a hero. Your only mission is to survive and protect your loved ones.


The 8 Self-Defense Skills You Must Master

Whether you’re caught on the street or defending your home, these skills are critical.

1. Situational Awareness

Your best defense is always being aware. Before a riot even starts, know your surroundings—routes in and out, crowd behavior, and potential threats. Listen, watch, and keep your phone charged with a scanner or citizen-reporting app.

2. Verbal De-escalation

You’d be surprised how far a calm voice and firm posture can go. Learn to manage a confrontation before it becomes physical. Practice phrases that redirect or de-escalate hostile intent.

3. Escape and Evasion

Can you disappear in a crowd? Do you know how to change your appearance fast? Learn basic disguise techniques, like using reversible jackets, hats, or sunglasses. Blend in or slip away unnoticed.

4. Basic Striking and Blocking

Train in boxing or Krav Maga. A solid jab, cross, and elbow strike can disable an attacker. Learn to block and deflect blows, especially from blunt weapons.

5. Joint Locks and Control Holds

If you’re grabbed, you need to know how to break free. Wrist locks, arm bars, and finger manipulation give you the upper hand without needing to be the strongest person.

6. Ground Defense

If you’re taken to the ground, many untrained people panic. Practice defensive ground positions like guard and shrimping. Learn how to get back up quickly without exposing your back.

7. Improvised Weapons

Know how to use what’s around you—keys, pens, belts, a rolled-up magazine. These everyday items can become effective weapons in a pinch. Practice using them safely and effectively.

8. Multiple Opponent Tactics

In a riot, you may face more than one threat. Never get surrounded. Use angles and movement to keep attackers on one side. Always look for escape routes, not victories.


How to React When Riots Break Out in New Jersey

  1. Don’t Wait for the News
    Have a trusted app or radio tuned to local law enforcement frequencies. By the time a riot is televised, it’s already too late.
  2. Bug-In or Bug-Out?
    If you’re in a high-risk area like Newark or Paterson and live in an apartment building, it may be safer to bug out early. If you’re in a suburban or fortified home, bugging in and defending may be smarter. Know which option fits your environment and plan both.
  3. Create a Safe Room
    One room in your home should be fortified with strong locks, minimal windows, supplies, and communication tools. It’s where you regroup, rest, or make your last stand if needed.
  4. Dress for Urban Survival
    Wear muted colors, comfortable shoes, and bring a backpack with essentials: water, snacks, gloves, flashlight, and basic first aid. Leave no jewelry or flashy items on you.
  5. Avoid Choke Points
    Stay away from bridges, tunnels, and crowded highways. New Jersey has lots of them, and they’re the first places to clog or turn hostile.
  6. Protect Your Vehicle
    If you’re using your car to escape, fill the tank early, tint the windows, and remove any identifying bumper stickers. Keep a getaway kit in the trunk—tools, maps, jumper cables, and a fire extinguisher.

3 DIY Survival Weapon Builds

You don’t need to be a blacksmith to protect your home. Here are three practical DIY weapon builds:

1. PVC Pipe Baton

Take a 24-inch length of 1-inch PVC pipe, fill it with sand or lead shot for weight, and wrap the ends in duct tape or paracord for grip. It’s lightweight, concealable, and can deliver serious stopping power.

2. Nail Bat

Get an old wooden baseball bat. Drill holes through the top and hammer in large nails, then bend them slightly outward with pliers. It’s a brutal deterrent and sends a clear message: your home is not an easy target.

3. Slingbow

With a sturdy slingshot frame and some elastic tubing, you can convert it into a slingbow capable of firing arrows. Add a whisker biscuit to hold arrows in place and you’ve got a silent, reusable ranged weapon. Perfect for defending at range without attracting attention.


Mental Strength and Leadership

During civil unrest, panic is as deadly as violence. You must stay calm. Your family or group will look to you for strength. Build trust before the crisis. Establish a communication plan. Give roles to each member—guard, lookout, medic, communicator.

And remember: self-defense doesn’t end when the threat passes. There’s often looting, fires, and injuries that come after the riot. Be ready for prolonged instability—especially if supply chains get disrupted or law enforcement is pulled back.


Post-Riot Recovery and Threat Assessment

Once the initial riot is over, don’t assume it’s safe. Stay alert. Some of the most dangerous moments happen in the aftermath when emergency services are stretched thin, and criminals feel emboldened.

  • Check perimeter security: Barricade broken doors, replace locks, and create noise traps.
  • Assist only if safe: Help neighbors or others only if you can do so without exposing your group.
  • Debrief and improve: After it’s over, review what worked and what didn’t. Sharpen your weaknesses.

Final Words from a Fellow Prepper

New Jersey is no stranger to unrest—between political protests, economic tensions, and dense population centers, the potential for riots is real. You don’t have to live in fear, but you do have to live prepared.

Take the time to build skills, gather tools, and fortify your mindset. When the storm comes, you won’t be just another person running scared. You’ll be ready. You’ll lead. You’ll survive.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Montana

Riots can spark anywhere—yes, even in the wide-open expanses of Montana. From Bozeman to Billings, no place is immune when tensions rise and order collapses. I’ve spent decades preparing for the unexpected: training in self-defense, bushcraft, and survival tactics in all environments, urban and wild. And today, I’m going to share essential techniques to stay alive, stay sharp, and stay free during civil unrest.

A riot is not a political movement; it’s chaos in motion. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of it unprepared. Whether you’re protecting your homestead, bugging out, or just trying to get your family to safety, here’s a hard-hitting, no-BS guide for staying safe in a Montana riot.


8 Essential Self-Defense Skills You Need to Master

1. Situational Awareness
Before you even throw a punch or grab a weapon, you need to see the danger coming. Situational awareness means being alert to shifts in crowd energy, sudden movement, or bottlenecks in a street. Keep your head on a swivel. Use reflections in windows, avoid distractions like phones, and always have an exit route mapped out in your head. Know the difference between a protest and a riot—there’s a fine line, and you’ll know when it’s crossed.

2. Verbal De-escalation
This skill can save your life more often than a right hook. Speak calm, clear, and firm if someone gets in your face. Don’t posture or insult. Disengage and redirect attention if possible. The real win in self-defense is not having to fight at all.

3. Improvised Weapon Training
If you didn’t bring a weapon, make one. A metal flashlight, car keys in your fist, or even a rolled-up magazine can become effective tools in the right hands. Train with random objects, learn their weight, balance, and striking capabilities.

4. Palm Heel Strikes and Elbow Hits
Punching is for boxers. In a real street fight, your fist can break easier than you think. Instead, use your palm heel to strike the nose or chin. Elbows are devastating in close quarters. Fast, brutal, and less likely to injure your own hand.

5. Escaping Holds and Grabs
You get grabbed, you get dead—unless you know how to break free. Practice escaping wrist locks, bear hugs, and chokes. Remember, leverage beats strength. Use momentum and body positioning. Bite, gouge, and stomp if needed—this is survival, not a dojo tournament.

6. Shielding Techniques
Learn how to protect your vital organs and head during a physical confrontation. Using your arms to form a shield in front of your head and torso can minimize damage from blunt-force attacks. Practice this while moving; it should be second nature.

7. Ground Defense
If you fall, the fight isn’t over—it just changed levels. Learn to fight off your back, using kicks, sweeps, and fast recoveries. Getting to your feet quickly is essential. On the ground in a riot means you’re a target. Don’t stay there.

8. Escape and Evasion Tactics
You need to know how to disappear. Blend in with the crowd, avoid attention, and use alleyways and side streets. In Montana’s urban zones like Missoula or Helena, scout areas ahead of time and plan low-traffic exit routes. Carry a bandana or mask for dust, smoke, and ID concealment.


3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Build in a Pinch

When lawlessness takes over, you might have to defend your family. These DIY weapons are quick, legal to build, and effective.

1. The Sock Mace
Take a heavy padlock, drop it into a thick athletic sock, and tie a knot at the open end. Swing it fast and hard—it’s like a medieval flail. Easy to conceal, quick to make, and hits like a hammer.

2. PVC Pipe Spear
Cut a length of PVC pipe around 4 to 5 feet. Sharpen a steel tent spike or long nail and attach it to one end with paracord and epoxy. Wrap the handle with duct tape or cloth for grip. It’s lightweight and effective for self-defense or even hunting if the grid stays down.

3. Duct Tape & Razor Blade Knuckle Guard
Wrap several razor blades in layers of duct tape with a handle-sized gap in the center. Strap it around your knuckles like brass knuckles. Not for long fights, but if someone closes in and you need to make space now, this gets the job done.


Riot-Specific Safety Tips for Montana

Montana’s geography and sparse population may feel like a safety net—but don’t let it fool you. When unrest hits a major town, help could be hours away.

  • Don’t rely on 911 – First responders will be overwhelmed. Prepare to be your own backup.
  • Dress down – Wear neutral, non-descript clothing. No camo, no slogans, no red or blue. Blending in buys time.
  • Avoid major routes – Highways and main roads will be jammed or blocked. Know alternate routes through backroads, fire trails, or even hiking paths if needed.
  • Stay indoors unless escaping – A fortified home is better than a panicked crowd. Use furniture to block entry points and keep your lights low.
  • Have a rally point – If separated from family or your group, have a pre-determined location to regroup. Practice getting there without phones.

Gear You Need (And Why)

  • Multi-tool – Your lifeline for prying, cutting, fixing.
  • Flashlight with strobe – Disorient attackers or signal in the dark.
  • Water filter straw – If stores are ransacked and water lines shut off, this can save you.
  • Rugged gloves – Protect your hands from glass, debris, and cold.
  • Kevlar hoodie or jacket – Looks normal, but resists knives and some blunt trauma.
  • Tactical pen – Writes like a pen, strikes like a spike.

The Prepper’s Mindset: Cold, Calm, Calculated

In a riot, emotions run hot. But you? You stay cold and clear. You don’t get swept into arguments or moral debates—you get home safe. Always think defense first, offense last. You’re not out there to prove anything. Your mission is survival.

Understand that most people don’t prep. They panic. They look for someone to follow—or someone to fight. Stay away from crowds. Keep communication short, decisions fast, and movement constant.

If you’re with others, assign roles: lookout, navigator, enforcer, medic. Train your family. Kids can learn basic defense. Spouses can carry gear and give first aid. A team that trains together survives together.

How To Stay Safe and Survive During a Riot in Wisconsin

If you’re reading this, it means you take survival seriously — and you should. Riots are unpredictable, dangerous, and often strike with little to no warning. I’ve seen how quickly a peaceful protest can turn into a battleground. Whether you’re in Milwaukee, Madison, or some small Wisconsin town, chaos doesn’t check your zip code. As a trained survival prepper and self-defense instructor, I’m here to walk you through how to stay safe, avoid confrontation, and — if absolutely necessary — defend yourself and your family.


First Rule: Don’t Be There

This might sound obvious, but it’s the #1 rule in riot survival. If you know tensions are high — political rallies, court verdicts, or viral incidents — stay informed. Download police scanner apps. Monitor social media and local news. If things are heating up in your area, get out early. Don’t wait until you hear sirens.

But let’s say you can’t leave. Maybe you’re trapped at work, or your home is directly in the hot zone. That’s when the real prepping comes into play.


The 8 Self-Defense Skills Every Prepper Needs During Civil Unrest

When push comes to shove, you need more than just courage. You need technique. These self-defense skills will keep you alive and out of harm’s way:

1. Situational Awareness

Most fights are won before a punch is thrown. Train yourself to read body language, listen for crowd shifts, and scan for weapons or hostile movements. Get your head out of your phone and observe your environment like your life depends on it — because it might.

2. Escape & Evasion Tactics

You don’t always have to win a fight — you just need to avoid it. Learn how to identify exits, blend into crowds, and move without drawing attention. A hoodie and a clean pair of sneakers can be your best friends when you need to vanish.

3. Open-Hand Strikes

When you’re unarmed, your hands are your weapons. Master palm strikes, hammer fists, and elbow smashes. These are effective, legal in most jurisdictions, and won’t injure your hand like a closed-fist punch might.

4. Close-Quarters Defense

Riots get messy. If someone grabs you or gets in your face, you need to know how to break free. Practice wrist escapes, choke counters, and clinch control. A strong base and good leverage go a long way.

5. Improvised Weapons Training

A metal pen, a tactical flashlight, even a belt can be a weapon. Know how to use everyday items to defend yourself. A rolled-up magazine can be used like a baton. Don’t underestimate what’s in your pocket.

6. Defensive Knife Handling

If you choose to carry a blade, learn how to deploy it safely and defend yourself without escalating unnecessarily. Wisconsin law allows folding knives and certain fixed blades — know what’s legal and train accordingly.

7. Adrenaline Management

Your heart rate will spike during a riot. Train your breath to stay calm under stress. Practice box breathing (inhale 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4). A calm fighter survives longer.

8. Verbal De-escalation

Sometimes your voice is the strongest weapon. Learn how to stay calm, speak with authority, and de-escalate angry people. Not every encounter needs to go physical. If you can talk your way out, do it.


Shelter in Place: Fortify Your Home

If you’re stuck inside and the riot is moving your way, here’s how to hold your ground:

  • Lock all doors and reinforce weak entry points with furniture or braces.
  • Close blinds to avoid drawing attention.
  • Keep a low profile: No lights, no loud noise, no posting on social media.
  • Prepare a “silent room” — preferably a bathroom or interior closet with water, first aid, a flashlight, and a blunt object for defense.

DIY Survival Weapon Skills (When Lawful Defense is Necessary)

You don’t need a full arsenal to defend your home. You need creativity, resourcefulness, and a calm mindset.

1. Homemade Baton from a Broomstick

Break or saw a wooden broom handle into 24-inch sections. Wrap the grip with duct tape or paracord. A simple stick can deliver powerful strikes. Always aim for limbs or midsection — never lethal zones unless it’s truly life-or-death.

2. PVC Pipe Slingshot

Using ½” PVC pipe, surgical tubing, and a leather pouch, you can make a compact slingshot capable of launching marbles or steel balls. It’s quiet, easy to hide, and great for distracting or deterring without drawing attention.

3. Pepper Spray Substitute

Crush red pepper flakes or hot chili powder into water and load it into a cleaned-out spray bottle. It won’t be as potent as commercial pepper spray, but it’ll give you an edge in a pinch. Aim for the eyes, then get out of there fast.


Supplies Checklist for Riot Survival

Keep this kit ready and portable:

  • Flashlight (with strobe mode)
  • N95 mask (for smoke/tear gas)
  • Goggles (construction style)
  • Work gloves
  • First-aid kit
  • Bottled water and energy snacks
  • Portable power bank
  • Tactical pen or legal pocketknife
  • Duct tape and zip ties (multi-purpose)
  • Maps — don’t rely on GPS

Escape Routes and Contingency Plans

Know your city. Study maps. Identify alternate routes — alleys, side streets, overpasses, even drainage ditches. Keep your gas tank above half. If you can leave by car, do it early. If you’re on foot, travel in pairs and avoid bottlenecks like bridges or tunnels.

Wisconsin cities are grid-like, which helps. Avoid state highways if protests are near government buildings. Stick to residential neighborhoods to pass through unnoticed.


What Not to Do

  • Don’t wear camo, tactical gear, or anything that draws attention.
  • Don’t film or provoke rioters — phones are targets.
  • Don’t try to “patrol” your neighborhood unless you’re part of an organized, trained group.
  • Don’t assume police will help you — during riots, they often have bigger priorities.

After the Riot: Reassess and Recover

When the dust settles, check in with neighbors. Document damage for insurance. If you had to defend yourself, document everything and contact a lawyer. Always stay inside legal boundaries — even in chaos, the law still applies.


Final Word from a Veteran Prepper

You don’t have to be a combat veteran or martial arts expert to survive a riot. You just need clear thinking, simple skills, and the will to act. Preparation beats panic every single time.

If you’re in Wisconsin — or anywhere these days — don’t wait until the streets are burning. Train now. Gear up now. Get mentally sharp now.

Because when it all goes sideways, no one’s coming to save you but you.

How To Stay Alive During a Riot in Nevada

There’s an old saying I live by: “When chaos erupts, the prepared don’t panic.” I’m not just a survivalist—I’m someone who has spent decades training, drilling, and building the tools necessary to outlast disaster. If you find yourself in Nevada during a riot—be it sparked by political unrest, resource scarcity, or civil disorder—your ability to stay alive will depend on how fast you think, how well you move, and how seriously you’ve prepared. Let’s talk brass tacks. I’ll share eight must-know self-defense skills and three DIY survival weapon hacks that could save your life when society turns savage.


Understand the Environment

Nevada is a diverse landscape. Riots in Las Vegas are different from disturbances in Reno or Carson City. Urban areas bring dense crowds, narrow alleys, and concrete traps. In more rural regions, you might have more space—but fewer resources and longer emergency response times.

During a riot, law enforcement is often overwhelmed, distracted, or ordered to stand down. That means you are your own first responder. Your mindset, your preparedness, and your skillset will determine whether you make it through or become another statistic.


8 Self-Defense Skills Every Prepper Should Master

These are not abstract martial arts moves. These are battlefield-tested skills. Learn them, practice them, and teach them to your family.

1. Situational Awareness (SA)
This is your first line of defense. You must learn to read a crowd, spot anomalies, and anticipate violence before it starts. Train your brain to scan exits, identify chokepoints, and watch hands (not eyes). The guy who spots the threat five seconds earlier wins the encounter.

2. De-escalation Tactics
Sometimes the smartest thing to do is avoid a fight. Learn calm, assertive language and body positioning. Keep your hands visible, speak slowly, and avoid aggressive eye contact. Blend in or appear harmless until you’re ready to break away.

3. Escape & Evasion
You need to know how to move undetected. Learn to move quietly, use cover and concealment, and understand the urban terrain. Practice going over fences, moving through alleys, or crawling under debris. Your legs are your best weapons—use them to run smart, not just fast.

4. Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat
Focus on real-world application: palm strikes, elbow strikes, knee kicks, and eye gouges. No flashy kicks—just dirty, effective moves. Train in Krav Maga or Systema if you’re looking for combat-efficient styles.

5. Knife Defense and Use
In a riot, weapons are common. You must know how to disarm, redirect, or use a knife if your life depends on it. Practice with rubber knives and get used to rapid close-quarter drills. Also, know how to safely conceal and draw a blade.

6. Improvised Weapon Use
Anything can be a weapon. A pen, belt, broken bottle, or car antenna. Learn how to spot and adapt everyday items to your defense. Practice using them at home. Muscle memory is everything under stress.

7. Crowd Navigation
Getting caught in a mob can kill you. Learn how to “swim” through crowds diagonally rather than head-on. Don’t resist the flow—move with it while subtly navigating toward an exit. Use people as cover if necessary.

8. Tactical First Aid
If you’re bleeding out, no self-defense skill matters. Learn how to use a tourniquet, pack a wound, and treat blunt trauma. Carry a compact IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) with you at all times.


3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Build in Minutes

I’m not saying you should walk around armed like Mad Max. But when riots break out, you need something between your fists and a firearm. These three DIY weapons are fast to make, brutal in effect, and legal in many areas if used as “tools.”

1. Slap Sap (Improvised Impact Weapon)

  • Materials: Sock + handful of quarters, rocks, or nuts/bolts
  • How-To: Drop the heavy items into the toe of a sock. Tie it off.
  • Use: Swing it fast and low. Aim for knees, thighs, or temples.
  • This is a modern take on the blackjack. Easy to conceal. Devastating.

2. PVC Pipe Spear

  • Materials: PVC pipe (3–4 ft), duct tape, fixed-blade knife
  • How-To: Tape the knife securely to one end. Reinforce with paracord.
  • Use: Great for defense in confined areas or deterrence against aggressors.
  • Not a weapon for active combat—but incredible for holding ground or intimidation.

3. Tactical Torch (Blinding Tool + Striker)

  • Materials: Flashlight with crenellated bezel (think tactical LED)
  • Bonus: Wrap with paracord for grip, coat bezel edges with superglue and salt for extra abrasiveness
  • Use: Blind an attacker, then strike. Keep it in your car, backpack, or belt at all times.

Nevada-Specific Considerations

Nevada is open-carry friendly, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get away with pulling a firearm during civil unrest without consequences. If you do carry, train legally and tactically. Know your state’s self-defense laws cold.

Also: riots affect supply chains. Las Vegas gets food via trucks—if I-15 or US-95 shuts down, panic hits fast. Always keep 72 hours of water, food, and medical supplies in your go-bag.


5 Extra Tips That Could Save Your Life

1. Keep your head on a swivel – Riots are chaotic and unpredictable. Don’t fixate—scan constantly.
2. Wear neutral clothing – No team colors, political slogans, or loud prints. Blend in.
3. Have a safe rally point – Choose a pre-decided place to regroup with family or friends.
4. Learn to drive under duress – That means fast turnarounds, off-road escape, and ramming through light debris.
5. Carry cash and burner phone – ATMs go down. Comms get shut off. Always have a backup.


Final Word

In Nevada—or anywhere—when riots break out, the question isn’t “What will the government do?” It’s “What will you do in the first 10 seconds?” That’s where lives are lost—or saved.

Train now. Prepare now. Because when the mob is coming, it’s too late to Google how to survive.


How Not to Die During a Riot in Minnesota

Let’s get this straight: when chaos hits your backyard—whether it’s a protest gone rogue or full-scale urban collapse—you don’t get second chances. Riots are loud, chaotic, fast, and unforgiving. I’ve walked through enough civil unrest zones, from Minneapolis to Atlanta, to know that what saves you isn’t luck or brute strength. It’s preparation, awareness, and controlled aggression.

In this guide, I’ll break down the real skills that’ll keep you alive during a riot in Minnesota—or anywhere else it kicks off. And we’re not talking theoretical fluff here. I’m giving you 8 street-proven self-defense skills and 3 DIY methods to rig up survival weapons if you’re caught empty-handed. You’ll walk away with the mindset of a hardened prepper, not a scared civilian.


🛡️ 8 Self-Defense Skills to Survive a Riot

  1. Situational Awareness (The Most Important Skill)
    Before you even throw a punch or grab a weapon, train your eyes and brain. In a riot, you need 360-degree awareness—who’s moving, who’s armed, where the exits are, where the bottlenecks are. Practice “war-gaming” situations in your head when walking down a street. Anticipate trouble before it explodes.
  2. Verbal De-Escalation
    Not every threat needs to be neutralized with force. Sometimes, the best win is walking away. Learn how to use your tone, body language, and words to defuse aggression. A low voice, non-threatening posture, and firm tone can buy you the seconds you need to slip away.
  3. Palm Heel Strike
    Forget Hollywood punches. The palm heel strike is fast, powerful, and won’t break your knuckles. Aim for the nose, chin, or solar plexus. It’ll stun your attacker and give you the opening to escape.
  4. Elbow Strikes in Close Quarters
    If you’re shoulder-to-shoulder in a dense crowd, fists won’t work. Use elbows—downward, across, or upward strikes. These are short-range power tools for busting jaws and breaking free.
  5. Knee Strikes to Thigh or Groin
    When there’s no space, your knees become battering rams. Slam them into the thigh to deaden the attacker’s leg or go for the groin to drop them instantly.
  6. Escaping Holds
    Whether it’s a bear hug from behind or someone grabbing your arm, learn how to break out. Drop your weight, twist your body, and use leverage. If you train in anything, make it Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which both excel in real-world escapes.
  7. Improvised Weapon Use
    Bottles, pens, belts, keys—learn to use what’s around you. A pen jammed into a neck artery or a belt swung like a flail can buy you time or space. Train with random objects at home. Make it muscle memory.
  8. Team Movement and Buddy Cover
    If you’re with friends or family, never separate. Move like a team. One person watches the rear, another scans forward, the rest guard the flanks. Practice this in your house or yard. During a riot, unity is survival.

🧰 3 DIY Survival Weapon Skills (Urban Guerrilla Edition)

You might find yourself unarmed. You still need to defend. Here’s how to rig up protection on the fly:

1. PVC Pipe Baton

  • Materials: 1.5″ thick PVC pipe, duct tape, sand or nails.
  • Fill the pipe with sand or metal bits, then seal both ends with duct tape. This adds weight and turns it into a club that hits hard.
  • Grip the handle area with paracord or tape for extra traction.
  • Use: Cripples limbs, breaks glass, and fends off attackers in close combat.

2. Tactical Slingshot

  • Materials: Y-shaped branch, rubber tubing (bike inner tube), leather pouch.
  • Carve the branch into a slingshot frame. Tie rubber tubing to the forks, attach leather in the middle. Use stones, ball bearings, or hex nuts as ammo.
  • Use: Long-range defense, distractions, disabling threats from a distance.

3. Canister Mace (Chemical Defense)

  • Materials: Small spray bottle, vinegar, black pepper, hot sauce.
  • Mix ingredients, shake well, and fill a spray bottle.
  • Aim for the eyes and face. It’s non-lethal but incredibly disorienting.
  • Use: Crowd deterrent, escape tool, surprise countermeasure.

🧠 Mental Game: The Unseen Weapon

Weapons and fighting mean nothing without the mindset. You’ve got to decide—before the riot breaks out—that you’re not going to freeze. Train your instincts, rehearse your escape plan, and practice drills in your garage or backyard. The goal isn’t to fight for fun; it’s to neutralize and escape.


📍Minnesota Specific Riot Survival Tips

  1. Know Your City Grid
    Minneapolis and St. Paul have river divides, skyway systems, and alley loops. Use them to vanish fast. Train yourself to know at least three escape routes from any location you frequent.
  2. Avoid Major Intersections
    Riots love to choke traffic and trap civilians in intersections. Use side streets, parks, and bike trails to move unseen.
  3. Cache Supplies
    In riot zones, access to gas, food, and clean water gets cut quick. Store mini survival kits in your car, garage, and backpack. Include: multitool, flashlight, pepper spray, emergency phone charger, protein bars.

🏕️ Final Thoughts from a Seasoned Survivalist

Look—I’m not writing this to scare you. I’m writing this because I’ve seen good people get chewed up in bad situations because they thought it would never happen in their town. Riots move fast and break things, and if you’re not thinking three steps ahead, you’ll be the one on the pavement while others walk away.

Train your body. Train your mind. Learn to use what’s around you. Build your team. Run drills. Think like a predator but act with discipline.

Minnesota isn’t exempt from unrest. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that even the most peaceful cities can become war zones overnight.

So here’s the mission: Get ready now. Because when the streets go hot, you won’t have time to read a guide.

How To Stay Safe and Not Die During a Riot in Arizona

Let me level with you—if you’re living in or traveling through Arizona and the streets erupt into chaos, your survival depends on how well-prepared you are and what you know how to do under stress. Riots aren’t just crowds and chants. They can turn violent, fast. It only takes one spark—one broken window, one thrown rock—for things to spiral.

I’ve trained in multiple survival disciplines, from urban escape tactics to hand-to-hand combat, and I’ve seen what happens when people freeze. If you’re reading this, you already know instinct and information can mean the difference between getting home safe and getting carried away on a stretcher—or worse.

Understand the Threat

In Arizona, you have to factor in more than just the human element. Heat, dehydration, and distance between safe zones can complicate everything. If a riot breaks out in Phoenix, Tucson, or even Flagstaff, you’re looking at blocked roads, limited law enforcement, and a population on edge. Cell service might crash. Water may be scarce. Stores will close. That’s your setting. Now let’s get to what matters—staying alive.


8 Self-Defense Skills That Could Save Your Life

1. Situational Awareness

This is your first weapon. Know your exits. Watch people’s hands, not their mouths. Scan for objects being thrown, vehicles approaching, or mobs changing direction. You want to read a situation five steps ahead before it turns hostile.

2. Verbal De-escalation

Before fists fly, words can buy you time or a safe retreat. Learn how to lower your tone, control your breathing, and not appear aggressive or confrontational. Most people just want to vent, not fight—unless you give them a reason.

3. Palm Heel Strike

Forget Hollywood punches. A palm heel strike to the chin or nose can disorient an attacker instantly. Aim upward, push through the target, and get moving. You want space, not a brawl.

4. Escape from Grabs

If someone grabs your wrist, don’t yank. Rotate your arm toward the attacker’s thumb (weakest part of the grip) and pull free. Then move—don’t try to “win” a street fight.

5. Improvised Weapon Use

A pen, flashlight, or belt can become a defensive tool. Know how to use everyday items for leverage, distraction, or deterrence. A heavy-duty flashlight to the collarbone? That drops anyone.

6. Ground Defense

If you’re taken to the ground, stay calm. Use your legs to create distance—what we call “kicking range.” Protect your head and get to your feet fast. Never let someone pin you during a riot. You’re vulnerable to trampling, looting, and worse.

7. Multiple Attacker Strategy

Don’t try to fight off a group. Prioritize movement. Use obstacles like cars, fences, or trash cans to create bottlenecks. Focus on evasion, not dominance.

8. Weapon Retention (and Use)

If you’re carrying a legal concealed weapon—know how to keep it. If it’s exposed, it becomes a target. Know your state laws, and if you’re forced to use it, make sure it’s a last resort. Understand where to aim, and always assume witnesses are filming.


3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Build Fast

1. PVC Pipe Baton

What you need:

  • 1.25-inch PVC pipe (2 feet long)
  • Sand or gravel (for weight)
  • Duct tape or paracord (for grip)

Fill the pipe with sand, cap both ends, and wrap the handle with grip tape. This can’t be legally classified as a weapon in most areas—but it’s solid enough to break glass or defend against an attacker.

2. Sling Shot with Surgical Tubing

What you need:

  • Y-shaped tree branch or pre-cut handle
  • Surgical tubing (from medical or hardware store)
  • Leather patch (cut from old glove)

This gives you range defense. You can launch rocks, steel bearings, or marbles. It’s silent, and if you know how to aim, it can stop someone at 20 feet—hard.

3. Tactical Spear (Hiking Staff Mod)

What you need:

  • Hardwood staff or aluminum hiking pole
  • Duct tape
  • Fixed blade knife (full tang preferred)

Secure the knife at one end with duct tape and paracord. You now have a spear for distance defense, animal deterrent, or window breaking. It doubles as a walking stick.


Urban Survival Mindset

Here’s the thing people forget: a riot isn’t a movie. It’s loud, confusing, and people lose their minds when they feel anonymous. Your best defense is to avoid the fight altogether. But if you can’t, move with confidence. Confidence is disarming.

Dress down—no flashy gear or brands. Wear neutral colors. Tactical gear attracts attention in crowds. Go gray man. That means blending in while being fully prepared to respond.

Carry a get-home bag. Keep:

  • Water (1 liter minimum)
  • Multi-tool
  • Flashlight
  • Spare cash
  • Portable charger
  • Copies of ID and emergency numbers

Always let someone know where you’re going. Plan routes with backup exits. Use alleys, fire escapes, and rooftops if necessary.


Arizona-Specific Tips

Heat is a weapon. You need hydration, even in the winter. Don’t underestimate how fast you can dehydrate during physical exertion in 90+ degree weather.

Terrain awareness is key. Arizona has wide-open roads and large urban sprawl. If riots shut down interstates or key highways (I-10, I-17), you’re walking a long way.

Law enforcement response will vary. Arizona cities have tactical response teams, but they may not prioritize you. In chaos, you’re on your own.

Watch for flashpoints. Areas near government buildings, universities, or police departments are usually the first to blow. Avoid them at all costs.


Final Advice

You don’t need to be a black belt. You don’t need a bug-out bunker. You just need to know what to do, and have the guts to do it when the time comes.

Keep your eyes open. Move smart. Fight only when you have to—and if you fight, finish it fast and get out.

Survival isn’t about macho. It’s about staying quiet, staying sharp, and staying alive.


How To Stay Alive During a New York Riot

Let’s be real — when chaos strikes in a place like New York City, it happens fast, and it hits hard. I’ve lived through enough urban unrest and trained others on how to navigate it without freezing up or making deadly mistakes. Riots are unpredictable, and the average person doesn’t have a plan. But you’re not average — not if you’re reading this. So let me give it to you straight, skill for skill, tool for tool, mindset for mindset. Here’s how to stay safe and survive during a riot in New York.

First Rule of Survival: Know the Terrain

New York is dense. That’s both your greatest challenge and greatest advantage. High population means riots escalate quickly, but it also means there are more exits, more cover, and more places to hide. If you live here, walk your neighborhood weekly. Know alternate exits in every subway station. Know where alleyways connect, which buildings have open lobbies, and where construction zones give access to makeshift cover.

A prepper doesn’t wait for things to go sideways to start learning the streets.

8 Self-Defense Skills You Need to Master

1. Situational Awareness (SA)
This isn’t just “looking around.” SA means understanding what people are doing and why. If you see crowds forming, tension rising, and aggressive energy building — that’s your signal to exit. Notice patterns. Stay off your phone. Constant scanning of exits, people’s hands, and body language can give you a 30-second advantage. That’s life or death.

2. Verbal De-Escalation
It’s not cowardly to avoid a fight — it’s smart. Learn how to lower your voice, use non-threatening body posture, and speak in a way that calms aggressors. You want to give off the vibe: “I’m not your enemy, and I don’t want trouble.” That buys you time.

3. Close Quarters Elbow Strikes
In a crowd, you don’t have space for wide punches. Your elbows are devastating and fast. Strike to the jaw, neck, or ribs. Your goal isn’t to fight — it’s to escape. Learn how to use your elbows like daggers.

4. Knife Defense
If someone pulls a blade on you in a riot, distance is king. But if you’re trapped, you need to know how to redirect, trap, and disable. Look into techniques like the “Pak Sao” (slap-and-trap) used in Filipino martial arts and Krav Maga. Practice with a training knife at home.

5. Escape from Holds and Grabs
Get someone trained to help you drill escapes from wrist grabs, shirt grabs, and rear chokes. You’re more likely to be grabbed in a riot than punched. Your escape moves need to be muscle memory. There’s no time to think.

6. Improvised Weapons
Turn what you have into a tool. A pen in your hand is a stabber. A heavy keychain is a flail. Your belt buckle? A swing weapon. Everything around you can become a defense mechanism when you’re trained to see it.

7. Mobility Training
Learn how to jump fences, scale small walls, and squeeze through tight spaces. If you’re boxed in, mobility is your freedom. Practice parkour basics — vaulting, rolling, and wall climbs — in safe environments.

8. Striking for Distraction, Not Domination
You don’t need to knock someone out. A quick jab to the throat, kick to the knee, or rake across the eyes gives you a chance to run. That’s your win condition.

3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Make at Home

1. Tactical Baton from a Flashlight
Get a heavy-duty flashlight like a Maglite. Wrap the handle in paracord for grip and stability. It’s legal, useful, and when used right, it’s a powerful blunt-force tool. Bonus: you’ve still got a working light source.

2. PVC Pipe Blow Dart Launcher
You’d be surprised how easy this is. Use a 1/2” PVC pipe, 2 feet long. Carve darts from wooden skewers or nails. Fletch with duct tape. Add a mouthpiece from rubber tubing. Can be used for distraction, pest control, or quiet defense if you train with it.

3. Slingshot with Steel Ball Bearings
Use surgical tubing and a forked branch or 3D-printed frame. Aim for temple, throat, or knee shots if you’re forced to defend. It’s silent, powerful, and easy to hide. Practice precision at 15–25 feet.

Remember: weapon legality in New York is strict. Keep these tools for survival, not aggression. And always know the law.

Shelter In or Bug Out?

If a riot breaks out while you’re home — shelter in. Secure your doors with a bar lock or wedge. Turn off lights, stay silent, and stay away from windows. Keep water and canned food in a blackout kit. Have a backup escape route — like a fire escape or rear hallway — if the building gets compromised.

If you’re caught outside, get out of the crowd. Head perpendicular to the mob’s direction. Avoid getting funneled into alleys or dead ends. Blend in — don’t make yourself stand out. Drop flashy gear and logos. A gray hoodie and jeans go unnoticed.

Survival Gear Checklist for Riot Conditions

  • N95 mask (for smoke, dust, pepper spray)
  • Impact-resistant goggles
  • Compact first aid kit (with clotting agent and bandages)
  • Sturdy gloves (for climbing, protection)
  • Water bottle with filter
  • Tactical flashlight (doubles as weapon)
  • Multi-tool
  • Bandana or shemagh (disguise or filter air)
  • Cash (small bills)
  • Burner phone or power bank

Everything fits in a small, inconspicuous backpack. This is your Riot Go-Bag. Always ready, never flashy.

Mental Fortitude

A lot of survival is mindset. Fear makes people freeze or panic. You’ve got to stay calm, assess, act. Practice stress inoculation: train under pressure, simulate chaos, learn how your body reacts. Breathe slow. Focus your senses. Move with purpose.

You aren’t a hero in a riot. Your goal is survival. You save yourself, your family, your gear. Anyone looking to play vigilante ends up in jail — or worse.

Team Up and Have a Plan

If you’ve got family or close friends in the city, establish a rendezvous point. Make a signal — a phrase or emoji — that means “Meet now.” Text is better than voice. Don’t rely on GPS or phone service. Have an offline map.

Train together. If someone panics, it drags the whole group down. Practice drills. Role-play. Even one hour a month of coordinated prep makes a difference.

Final Word

Riots are like wildfires — unpredictable and destructive. But they’re survivable if you’re trained, aware, and prepared. Whether you’re in Queens, the Bronx, or downtown Manhattan, the same rules apply: stay calm, be smart, and use what you’ve got.

You don’t need to be a Navy SEAL to survive. You need street sense, grit, and the will to keep moving when others freeze. I’ve trained a lot of people, and the ones who make it through the chaos are the ones who prepared when it was calm.

This city tests you. But you’ve got the tools now. So prep smart — and walk safe.