Civil Unrest, Martial Law & Insurrection Act: Complete Survival Guide

Understanding the Scenarios

Civil unrest exists on a spectrum, from peaceful protests to full societal breakdown. Understanding where a situation falls on this spectrum helps you respond appropriately and proportionally.

The Insurrection Act Explained

When Can It Be Invoked?

The President can invoke the Insurrection Act under three conditions:

1. At state request: When a state legislature (or governor if legislature cannot convene) requests federal assistance to suppress an insurrection.
2. To enforce federal law: When unlawful obstructions or rebellion make it impracticable to enforce federal laws through normal proceedings.
3. To protect constitutional rights: When state authorities are unable or unwilling to protect citizens' constitutional rights.

What Changes When Invoked?

• Military in streets: Active duty soldiers may patrol, set up checkpoints, and enforce orders
• Curfews: Strict curfews with military enforcement
• Travel restrictions: Movement may be limited or require authorization
• Detention: Possible detention of suspected participants
• Communication monitoring: Increased surveillance of communications
• Property seizure: Government may commandeer private property for emergency use

Historical Invocations

The Insurrection Act has been invoked numerous times, including:

• 1957: Little Rock, Arkansas (school desegregation)
• 1962: University of Mississippi integration
• 1967: Detroit riots
• 1968: Riots following MLK assassination
• 1992: Los Angeles riots

What Martial Law Means

What to Expect Under Martial Law

• Military tribunals: Civilian courts may be suspended; military courts handle cases
• Habeas corpus suspension: Possible detention without immediate court review
• Curfews: Mandatory stay-at-home orders with limited exceptions
• Rationing: Government control of food, fuel, and essential supplies
• Communication control: Media restrictions, possible internet shutdowns
• Checkpoints: Military checkpoints controlling movement between areas
• Searches: Property searches without traditional warrant requirements

Compliance Strategy

During martial law, the balance shifts toward compliance over resistance:

• Follow lawful orders: Comply with curfews, checkpoints, and official directives
• Document everything: Keep records of interactions, orders received, property taken
• Stay informed: Monitor official channels for changing rules and curfew times
• Avoid confrontation: De-escalate all interactions with authorities
• Keep identification ready: Carry ID and proof of residence at all times
• Know your routes: Understand which roads remain open for essential travel

Warning Signs & Indicators

Early recognition of escalating situations gives you time to prepare or evacuate before conditions worsen.

Early Warning Signs (Days to Weeks Out)

• Major political events or court decisions expected
• Large demonstrations announced in your area
• Increased social media tension and calls for action
• Businesses preemptively boarding up windows
• Schools announcing closures or remote learning
• Government buildings increasing security

Immediate Warning Signs (Hours to Days)

• National Guard mobilization announced
• Emergency declarations by governor or mayor
• Curfew announcements
• Public transit suspensions
• Major retailers closing stores
• Banks limiting cash withdrawals
• Reports of violence or property damage nearby

Critical Indicators (Evacuate/Shelter Now)

• Sounds of gunfire, explosions, or breaking glass in your neighborhood
• Visible fires or smoke nearby
• Crowds moving toward your area
• Power or communication outages
• Police/military establishing perimeter near your location
• Official evacuation orders for your area

Surviving Tear Gas & Pepper Spray

Chemical agents like CS gas (tear gas) and OC spray (pepper spray) are commonly used for crowd control. Understanding how to protect yourself and treat exposure is essential.

Types of Chemical Agents

Protection Before Exposure

Immediate Treatment for Exposure

Decontamination Supplies

Protection from Rubber Bullets & Impact Munitions

"Less-lethal" munitions like rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, and foam batons can cause serious injury or death, especially at close range or when striking the head, neck, or torso.

Types of Impact Munitions

• Rubber bullets: Solid rubber projectiles, extremely dangerous at close range
• Foam batons: Foam-tipped projectiles, still capable of serious injury
• Bean bag rounds: Fabric pouches filled with lead shot
• Pepper balls: Projectiles that burst on impact, releasing OC powder
• Stinger grenades: Devices that release multiple rubber pellets

Protection Strategies

Clothing Recommendations

• Multiple layers: Several layers of loose clothing absorb impact better than single thick layer
• Long sleeves and pants: Cover all skin
• Sturdy boots: Ankle support, closed toe, good for running
• Avoid loose accessories: Scarves, necklaces, anything that can be grabbed
• Secure hair: Tie back long hair
• Avoid distinctive clothing: Neutral colors, nothing that stands out

Treating Impact Injuries

• Assess for bleeding: Apply direct pressure to any open wounds
• Check for fractures: Immobilize if bone injury suspected
• Ice for swelling: Apply cold compress as soon as possible
• Monitor for internal injury: Abdominal or chest strikes need medical evaluation
• Document injuries: Photograph all injuries with timestamp
• Seek medical care: Any head strike, difficulty breathing, or severe pain requires professional evaluation

Bug Out Planning & Evacuation

Sometimes the safest option is to leave. Having a pre-planned evacuation strategy means you can move quickly when the decision is made.

Pre-Planned Evacuation Routes

• Primary route: Fastest path to your destination under normal conditions
• Secondary route: Alternate path avoiding highways and major intersections
• Tertiary route: Back roads, possibly longer but avoids all urban areas
• On foot option: Walking route if vehicles are impossible

Evacuation Destinations

Have multiple destinations pre-arranged:

1. Nearby (5-20 miles): Friend/family in quieter neighborhood or suburb
2. Regional (50-100 miles): Another city or rural area outside affected zone
3. Distant (200+ miles): Completely different region if prolonged crisis expected

Bug Out Bag Essentials

Vehicle Preparation

• Keep gas tank at least half full at all times
• Store 5-gallon gas cans with stabilizer
• Maintain vehicle in good running condition
• Keep copies of important documents in vehicle
• Store emergency supplies in trunk (water, food, first aid)
• Have paper maps as backup to GPS

Use our Evacuation Time Calculator to estimate how long different routes will take.

Shelter in Place Strategy

In many scenarios, staying home is safer than evacuating through dangerous areas. Effective sheltering requires advance preparation.

Home Security Improvements

For a complete guide to securing your home, see our Home Hardening & Security Guide.

Shelter-in-Place Checklist

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 2-4 weeks (Calculate your needs)
• Food: 2-4 weeks of non-perishable supplies (Calculate your needs)
• Medications: 30+ day supply of all prescriptions
• First aid: Comprehensive kit including trauma supplies
• Power: Batteries, flashlights, power bank, generator if possible
• Communication: Battery radio, charged phones, backup chargers
• Cash: $500-1000 in small bills
• Important documents: Copies in waterproof container
• Fire extinguishers: ABC-rated, multiple locations
• Tools: Basic hand tools, duct tape, plastic sheeting

Low-Profile Strategy

During unrest, avoid drawing attention to your home:

• Keep lights dim or use blackout curtains at night
• Avoid visible signs of hoarding or preparation
• Don't run generators loudly or visibly
• Keep yard maintained to appear occupied but not wealthy
• Vary routines if you must go outside
• Don't advertise your supplies to neighbors

Essential Supplies Checklist

Immediate Protection Supplies

Communication & Power

Food & Water

Use our calculators to determine exact quantities:

• Water Storage Calculator
• Food Storage Calculator
• Survival Calorie Calculator

Communication Planning

During civil unrest, normal communication can fail. Cell networks become overloaded, internet may be restricted, and power outages disable landlines.

Family Communication Plan

• Designated contact: Out-of-area person everyone checks in with
• Meeting points: Primary and secondary locations if separated
• Code words: Phrases that signal specific situations
• Check-in schedule: Regular times to make contact
• Backup methods: Multiple ways to reach each other

See our Family Communication Plan Guide for complete details.

Communication Redundancy

1. Cell phone: Primary method, but unreliable during crisis
2. Text messages: Often work when calls fail
3. Two-way radios: No network dependency, limited range
4. Satellite communicator: Works when all else fails
5. Physical notes: Leave messages at predetermined locations

Financial Preparedness

During civil unrest or martial law, normal financial systems can be disrupted. ATMs may be empty, card readers offline, and banks closed.

Cash on Hand

• Keep $500-2000 in small bills at home in secure location
• Include variety of denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
• Rotate cash occasionally to maintain condition
• Don't keep all cash in one location

Other Financial Preparations

• Multiple bank accounts: Accounts at different institutions
• Credit cards: Keep balances low, cards available
• Important documents: Copies of account info, insurance policies
• Precious metals: Small amounts of gold/silver as deep backup
• Cryptocurrency: Cold wallet with some funds (requires internet/power)

Use our Emergency Budget Calculator to plan your financial preparedness.

Post-Event Recovery

Immediate Aftermath

• Wait for all-clear: Don't assume it's safe when things seem quiet
• Document damage: Photograph all property damage for insurance
• Check on neighbors: Especially elderly or vulnerable people
• Assess supplies: Inventory what you used and need to replace
• Contact insurance: File claims promptly

Long-Term Recovery

• Mental health: Seek support if experiencing trauma symptoms
• Community rebuilding: Participate in neighborhood recovery efforts
• Lessons learned: Document what worked and what didn't
• Replenish supplies: Rebuild your emergency stocks
• Update plans: Revise your preparedness plans based on experience