How to Protect Homes in a Riot

Protecting your home is a priority when riots occur.

Rioting in times of unrest is both scary and destructive. Those caught in the middle between rioters and law enforcement trying to restore order may fear for their safety as well as that of their homes. With a little know-how and some foresight, it's possible for you to protect your property to lessen potential damages and, most importantly, save both your life and and those of your loved ones living in the home.

Things You'll Need

• Clear plastic sheets
• Knife
• Duct tape
• Fire extinguishers

Instructions

1. Cut clear plastic sheets that are the same size and dimension of any doors and windows that face the road or street. Lock each door and window. Place a plastic sheet over each opening and use several strips of duct tape to hold them place. This prevents or minimizes smoke from fires set by the rioters or law enforcement tear gas from entering the home. This also provides a barrier to prevent broken window glass from scattering into the home.

2. Remove any furniture or fixtures from the front porch or yard if you have them. This helps to avoid attraction from looters who may see your home as a potential target or give them something to throw at your house. Lock any gates leading to your property.

3. Place one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Place the extinguisher in a conspicuous, easily accessible place. This is done to quickly deal with petty fires that may be set by rioters or, in more extreme cases, combustible fires set by exploding Molotov bottles.

4. Gather the family in the rear of the home, as far away from the street as possible. This provides a quick escape route if necessary. Do not gather in a basement or attic, as this will cut off any escape route. Set up a TV set in this room as a way to monitor news coverage of the situation as it develops.

References

• "It's a Disaster! . . . And What Are You Gonna Do About It?"; Bill & Janet Liebsch; 2009