Preparing for Troubled Times: Political Unrest and Civil Disorder

Egyptian Flag

As today marks the one year anniversary of the political revolution in Egypt, I am reminded that Everyday Providence has had little to say about political unrest and civil disorder.  I pray that you never come face to face with those harsh situations, but there are circumstances that move people to act.  The discussions surrounding man-made emergencies are more delicate and emotional.  A family that is not directly involved in unrest may still be affected by its impact on a community.

1) Unintended victims suffer damage when people aggressively make their opinions known.  In 1773, the American Sons of Liberty protested a British tea tax on the colonies and the entrapment of privately owned ships by the British government with the deliberate destruction of privately owned tea. 

2) People often feel unsafe and afraid during and after periods of civil disorder.  Reluctance to be exposed to present or presumed dangers will keep people off the streets.  Some may chose to ignore work, leisure and shopping.

3) An incident can quickly escalate into a larger situation of vandalism, looting, and violence.  Although peace is usually restored quickly, nearby residents may need to wait it out or flee to safety.

4) An incident of unrest can lead to a cascade of problems that may affect everyday life.  The anthrax attacks following 9/11 in 2001 cost over $1 billion in initial clean up costs and resulted in greater expenses, delays and losses in much of the business world.

What can you do?  Even in the shadow of the dark days described above, you can prepare to keep your family safe and sound. (And you may recognize these familiar points.)

• Keep a well stocked emergency kit (and a full pantry) so that you have the food, water, medicine and supplies you need to keep out of harm's way until peace is restored.
• Have a disaster plan that includes sheltering in your home, an alternate meeting place if your home is not accessible, and an evacuation route and destination if you cannot return home.
• Have a communication plan that lists detailed contact and location information for everyone including cell numbers, email, work, school, and other locations.  Know work and school emergency plans.
• Listen for more information.  Use radio, television, newspapers, social media, texting, and the internet to stay up to date on concerning situations.