Things are getting crazy, and you need to be ready.
You know what’s bad about that statement? As I write it, it’s true. But let’s be honest, these days I could say it anytime and it’d be true.
So, if chaos breaks out around you, here’s what to do as a mom or dad.
Picture this…
You’re driving home from a ball game with your kids in the backseat, or maybe you’re walking as a family downtown after grabbing dinner. Out of nowhere, a protest flares up. People are yelling, crowds are moving fast, and suddenly you’re stuck in the middle of it.
This isn’t the time to freeze. As parents, our job is to get our family out safely. That’s it. Everything else- curiosity, pride, or “wanting to see what’s going on” takes a backseat.
Here are a few things I keep in mind:
Key Family Safety Tactics
✔ Situational Awareness. Teach your kids (in age-appropriate ways) to notice what’s happening around them. You need eyes up, not down in a phone.
✔ Stay Gray. Blend in, keep a low profile, and don’t stand out. Bright colors, loud arguments, or filming the chaos make you a target.
✔ Avoid if possible. If you know demonstrations are planned nearby, change your route. Don’t risk it.
✔ Shelter smart. If you’re already in the affected area, sometimes it’s safer to wait it out indoors. Close windows, block smoke, and stay off the street.
✔ Prep essentials. Keep quick-grab bags with ID, medicine, infant supplies, and chargers handy. You won’t have time to pack when things get hot.
✔ Car tactics. If you’re driving and see a crowd forming, turn away early. Don’t let curiosity pull you closer. If you’re trapped, windows up, doors locked, and be ready to move the second you see a safe exit.
And one hard truth: if your family is in immediate danger, you may have to make tough choices, such as ramming through a violent crowd or defending yourself physically. That’s not something anyone wants to do, but protecting your kids comes first. Always.
What to Watch For-
👥 People covering their identity mid-crowd—masks, bandanas, or matching “uniforms” like all-black clothing. These are often the agitators who escalate things.
👥 Small clusters of loud, animated individuals. They’re usually the flashpoint for when things turn violent. Steer clear.
👥 Don’t be tempted to “see what’s happening.” Curiosity gets families hurt.
Being prepared doesn’t mean living in fear. It means having a plan so when chaos hits, you don’t freeze. You act, and your family gets home safe.
Preparedness Quick Tip: Family Safety in a Riot
If you ever find yourself walking or driving with your family and a protest or riot erupts, your #1 job is to get everyone home safe.
✔ Stay aware of your surroundings. Eyes up, not down.
✔ Avoid crowds if possible; don’t let curiosity pull you closer.
✔ Blend in (grayman tactics). Don’t stand out or argue.
✔ If trapped in your car: windows up, doors locked, and be ready to turn away or move when safe.
✔ Watch for agitators (masked, uniformed, or overly animated groups). That’s where trouble starts.
Preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about having a plan when chaos hits.
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This information may not be relevant to you right now, so I recommend one or all of the following…
- Saving it to an email folder titled “Prepared”
- Saving it as a PDF in a file called “Prepared” so you don’t have to worry about your email provider
- Printing it out and putting it in a binder with a word on the front in big fat letters…yes, you know it…”Prepared”.*
*No. 3 is the gold standard EMP proof recommendation.