When civil unrest breaks out, things can spiral fast—especially in cities where tensions are already boiling over. I’ve lived through chaos, trained for uncertainty, and helped others get out of life-threatening situations with nothing but grit, brains, and a well-packed bug-out bag. If you’re in Michigan and riots hit your area, don’t rely on chance or hope. Rely on skills. This guide lays out what you need to know to stay safe and survive a riot.
Mindset: Situational Awareness Over Fear
Before you start swinging bats or thinking you can brawl your way out of trouble, let me give you the golden rule of surviving civil unrest: avoidance is better than confrontation. Awareness and preparation beat strength every time. You have to be calm, fast-thinking, and light on your feet. Always know where your exits are, who’s nearby, and what’s happening within your line of sight.
You don’t have to be a fighter to survive—but knowing how to defend yourself if it comes to it? That’s priceless.
8 Self-Defense Skills Every Civilian Should Master
- The Hammer Fist Strike
Easy to learn, devastating to apply. Use the meaty bottom of your fist like a hammer—target the nose, collarbone, or side of the head. Practice this with a tire or punching bag until it becomes second nature. - Knee Strikes
When it’s close-quarters, your knees are deadly weapons. Drive them upward into the attacker’s midsection, groin, or thigh. Knee strikes can neutralize even larger opponents when timed right. - Elbow Strikes
In tight crowds, swinging a fist is tough. Your elbows, however, are perfect for close-range defense. Practice horizontal and downward elbow strikes—aim for the temple, jaw, or ribs. - Wrist Grab Escape
Riots are chaotic, and people may grab you—either to harm you or stop you. Learn the wrist escape: rotate your wrist toward the attacker’s thumb and pull sharply away. This simple trick can save your life. - Chokehold Escape (Standing Rear Choke)
If someone catches you from behind, don’t panic. Step to the side, lower your center of gravity, and strike backward with elbows or stomp their foot—then peel their arm from your neck. Learn this through video demos or martial arts classes. - Use of Makeshift Shields
Riot environments often rain debris. Use a backpack as a shield. A rolled-up jacket wrapped around your arm can block blades. Know how to turn everyday items into protection. - Ground Defense Basics
If you fall, don’t curl up. Get into a defensive position—knees up, arms shielding your head—and find a way to get back to your feet fast. Ground-and-pound situations are deadly. - Weapon Retention
If you’re carrying any tool or weapon, you better know how to keep it. Practice keeping control of your gear, especially if you’re carrying a baton, pepper spray, or a knife. If someone takes it from you, they’ll use it on you.
Your Riot Survival Toolkit
Michigan’s weather can be unpredictable, and that adds another layer to any survival situation. A good kit is half the battle won. Here’s what you need in a mobile, low-profile riot survival bag:
- Compact first-aid kit
- Bandana (for dust, debris, or makeshift tourniquet)
- Flashlight with strobe feature
- Leather gloves
- Water bottle with purification tablets
- Energy bars
- Power bank
- Folding knife or multi-tool
- Pepper spray or gel (gel preferred in wind-prone Michigan cities)
- Backup phone with prepaid SIM
- Map of your local area (yes, paper—because GPS may go down)
Keep your kit light and ready to go. Leave flashy gear at home. You want to blend in—not stand out.
3 DIY Survival Weapon Builds
Let me be clear: these are for defense. Never use these for aggression. But when you’re cornered and the law is twenty minutes away—or not coming at all—you’ll be glad you know how to improvise.
- PVC Pipe Baton
- Materials: 18-24” of 1-inch PVC pipe, steel bolts, duct tape
- Fill the pipe halfway with bolts or small stones. Cap both ends. Wrap the grip with duct tape. You now have a makeshift baton that’s light but delivers heavy hits.
- Sling Shot from Paracord and Metal Spoon
- Cut the handle off a sturdy metal spoon. Bend the bowl into a Y-shape. Attach paracord or surgical tubing to the arms. Use small stones or ball bearings as ammo. Great for distracting and defensive distance strikes.
- Canister Flash Device
- Use a small metal container (Altoids tin), flashlight guts, and a burst of magnesium shavings (from fire-starter blocks). When ignited briefly, it creates a blinding flash that gives you 3–5 seconds to escape. Do not use near flammable material.
Route Planning and Escape Strategy
If you’re in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, or Lansing—expect the possibility of demonstrations getting heated. The key to riot survival is knowing multiple exits and blending in.
Do:
- Memorize 2-3 escape routes from your home and workplace.
- Know where police stations, hospitals, and fire stations are.
- Avoid main roads and commercial districts after dark.
- Dress neutral: gray, black, or navy. No flashy gear.
Don’t:
- Film everything. You’re not a journalist. Phones attract attention.
- Wear open-toed shoes. Always be ready to run or fight.
- Get involved in any protest unless you understand the risks.
Teamwork: Survive Together
If you’ve got a family, establish a rally point. If phones go down, have backup communication plans like whistles or pre-set radio channels (FRS/GMRS). Practice this with your kids if you have any. Drill it. Repetition builds instinct.
Got neighbors you trust? Form a mutual watch agreement. Strength in numbers still applies when society breaks down.
Final Thoughts
Riots are terrifying not because of one threat—but because they contain many threats. Fires. Gunfire. Crowds. Police responses. Opportunistic criminals. In those moments, law and order are concepts, not guarantees. Your survival depends on how quickly you recognize danger, how well you prepare, and how ruthlessly you execute your plan.
If you’re reading this after the chaos starts—get somewhere safe, quiet, and defensible. If you’re reading this before it starts, you’re already ahead of the curve. Stay gray. Stay smart. Stay alive.
TheDailyChristian 