Preparing for mass rioting in mid to large cities

[D13s3L]

Greetings, now that there will be a trial in the Zimmerman case, i'm growing increasingly concerned about the inevitable riots that will take place if a "not guilty" a verdict is reached. We saw mass looting and violence after Rodney King and I suspect that will happen again.

I'm not looking to discuss the case or anything political. However, I was curious to know what precautions any of you urban dwellers are taking? I have a single family home in a medium sized, mid-western city that i'm sure will be turned upside-down if a particular verdict is reached. I have three children - one of whom is an infant. I feel like I have enough food and water to wait out any unrest and have enough guns & ammo to protect my family from all but the biggest hoards. However, my new baby daughter is a wild card.

If the worst happens and things start spiraling out of control, would you guys suggest getting out of dodge completely or bugging in and waiting it out? If bugging in, what sort of supplies would you make sure were on hand? I'm torn. Thanks.

[vmaxx]

Bug in or out either way you'll need a month's supply of pampers, formula & BBC (baby butt cream) congrats on the family.

I've been thinking the same, what if or when he's found not guilty? It most likely will be in the heat of the summer and anything can happen.. I'm closer then I'd like to be to a larger city (Pontiac) things could go south real quick with is why I'll be heading north.

[Swstock]

I go to school in NYC. Hopefully the verdict comes after the end of the semester.

[Ga Shooter]

Unless this is fast tracked this won't actually go to trial for up to 2 years and by then maybe it will be nothing but a bad memory.

[Grand58742]

If the worst happens and things start spiraling out of control, would you guys suggest getting out of dodge completely or bugging in and waiting it out? If bugging in, what sort of supplies would you make sure were on hand? I'm torn. Thanks.

The question is, do you have a place to get out of Dodge already established?

What kind of neighborhood do you live in? I.E. how far away from the "bad" parts of town is it? Suburb? Semi-suburb? Center of town?

What are your neighbors like? Will they help or hurt? Neighborhood watch program (no, not making a reference to anything) or even an HOA that can help with preparing your neighborhood? Not a fan of HOAs, but they can help with preparedness from time to time as long as you package it as "emergency preparedness in case of natural disasters or things like that." Stupid doomsday prepper shows ruined it for just about everyone since anyone who remotely prepares is obviously a kook. Be prepared to be "diplomatic" and quite vague if dealing with establishing emergency plans with an HOA.

But, no man is an island nor is a single family. If you plan on bugging in, you could probably use neighbor support and assistance. Don't think you will be the lone soldier defending the wagon train against the hostile Indians. Create contacts with your neighbors now, make plans now. Even if you do bug out, do you have a reliable neighbor that can help watch over your place?

Do you have good bug out plans in case all else fails if you do bug in? Are there semi-secure roadways out of your neighborhood that avoid the potential problem areas? Minimum three routes of travel planned in advance heading out of the city? Do you already have a location established to bug out to (first question coming up once again) that you know for a fact will be okay? Do you have important documents (insurance copies, mortgage papers, proof of ownership certificates, etc) or copies prepared to go in case of a bug out? Are your vehicle tank(s) at least half if not more full? Baby "BOB" packed and ready?

And the most important question...are you and your family prepared to leave your house within 15 minutes of getting the notification that trouble is heading your way?

Just a few questions to be asking before deciding on staying or going.

As for the supplies, the 30 days of baby items is easily the most identifiable item needed. Prepping takes on a whole slew of new problems and items when you are dealing with infants.

[Swstock]

I'm on Long Island. We have a unique problem here.

All evacuation routes by land lead through NYC.

I think that staying until it cools off is our only option.

[D13s3L]

The question is, do you have a place to get out of Dodge already established?

Yes, my wife's grandmother lives about 20 minutes away.

What kind of neighborhood do you live in? I.E. how far away from the "bad" parts of town is it? Suburb? Semi-suburb? Center of town?

It is a nice semi-suburb part of town. We are basically 5 miles form the dead-center of downtown. The "bad" part of town is approx 2 miles to the west of us. However, we do live on a major thru-road to the downtown area so it is likely that if people are going to join in any downtown mayhem, they will drive literally 30 feet from my doorstep.

What are your neighbors like? Will they help or hurt? Neighborhood watch program (no, not making a reference to anything) or even an HOA that can help with preparing your neighborhood?

I'm a bit ashamed to say that we don't know a lot of our neighbors. There are a lot of rentals in the general area and people sort of come and go. I would not count on any help in any sort of emergency.

Even if you do bug out, do you have a reliable neighbor that can help watch over your place?

Yes, our next door neighbor could do that but they have kids as well and would likely get out of dodge as well.

Do you have good bug out plans in case all else fails if you do bug in? Are there semi-secure roadways out of your neighborhood that avoid the potential problem areas? Minimum three routes of travel planned in advance heading out of the city? Do you already have a location established to bug out to (first question coming up once again) that you know for a fact will be okay? Do you have important documents (insurance copies, mortgage papers, proof of ownership certificates, etc) or copies prepared to go in case of a bug out? Are your vehicle tank(s) at least half if not more full? Baby "BOB" packed and ready?

No - we are relatively unprepared for this sort of thing. I would like to start putting together the necessary supply ASAP. We are in good shape with defensive weaponry - I have many handguns and a few ARs. I've had extensive training both in the military and Vickers classes. We are not nearly as ready with the BOB or food/water.

And the most important question...are you and your family prepared to leave your house within 15 minutes of getting the notification that trouble is heading your way?

Not really - i was hoping that this discussion would help lead us to that end.

Thanks for the replies so far! I'm glad i'm not the only one thinking about this.

[Grand58742]

Biggest thing to remember about defensive weaponry is the defensive part of that name. Use only when you must. I figure you know this already but it bears repeating.

Biggest thing about a bug out...be prepared to move at the drop of a hat. Alert grandma in advance you are coming for a visit if things get bad and will be heading that way. Don't know how well your grandmother's place is prepared to receive a family of five, so I'll leave that to you.

Preparing BOBs and stuff. If you are bugging out by car, makes things far easier. But still having the basics ready to load in again the 15 minutes of time from "let's roll" to putting the key in the ignition. What do you need for three days in a pack? You aren't worried about moving through the woods avoiding tactical teams. Clothing, food and toiletries for three days since you aren't going that far. Packs or easy to shoulder bags for each of your family members.

Biggest thing is planning. You need to let your wife know what's going on and get her on board. She may think you are a little crazy, but reminders about LA and NOLA will at least get her to thinking. Make her part of the process instead of doing everything by yourself. Certainly get her advice on packing for the baby. Talk to your children about not being in places they should be and let them know you might have to leave on a "vacation" for a few days in the near future. Not scare tactics, but make it like a game for them. "Let's see how quickly we can pack a bag and get in the car!" Just like shooting, repetition is key and the more people (including children) do something, the better at it they will be. When and if the time comes to bug out, play the "game" with them.

Travel your routes in advance if you can. Might waste a tank of gas doing so, but it will give you the peace of mind to know Route 1 is blocked by rush hour traffic in the afternoon, but Route 2 and 3 are relatively clear. Or Route 2 takes you a little closer to the bad neighborhoods you want to avoid. Route 3 has "targets of opportunity" (places where looters would tend to congregate) near intersections that can be blocked. So on and so forth. Always travel your intended routes in advance at different times. Morning, afternoon, evening and night. It makes a huge difference.

As for supplies, how do you plan for a week long camping trip? What do you take? How much food will be needed? Clothing? Water? Provided it's going to an established place (grandma's house), but planning for that is not much different (hopefully she has sheets for you lol). I'm sure Momma packed a "baby bag" when she was pregnant to go to the hospital. Not much different so to speak.

If you really want to be prepared, stash some things away at the in laws place in advance. Clothing and whatnot. Makes it a lot easier to get going if you don't get much warning.

I'm not specifically advocating bugging out, but there is a lot more planning that goes into that than battening down the hatches and sitting the troubles out.

[ra2bach]

Unless this is fast tracked this won't actually go to trial for up to 2 years and by then maybe it will be nothing but a bad memory.

true but don't think this won't mollify all the agitators. they want an issue this summer. and they will probably get it...

[glocktogo]

Greetings, now that there will be a trial in the Zimmerman case, i'm growing increasingly concerned about the inevitable riots that will take place if a "not guilty" a verdict is reached. We saw mass looting and violence after Rodney King and I suspect that will happen again.

I'm not looking to discuss the case or anything political. However, I was curious to know what precautions any of you urban dwellers are taking? I have a single family home in a medium sized, mid-western city that i'm sure will be turned upside-down if a particular verdict is reached. I have three children - one of whom is an infant. I feel like I have enough food and water to wait out any unrest and have enough guns & ammo to protect my family from all but the biggest hoards. However, my new baby daughter is a wild card.

If the worst happens and things start spiraling out of control, would you guys suggest getting out of dodge completely or bugging in and waiting it out? If bugging in, what sort of supplies would you make sure were on hand? I'm torn. Thanks.

How are your defense preparations against molotov cocktails? I ask because all the ammo, pampers & food in the world will do no good if your home is targeted from a blind approach with one. I wouldn't risk bugging out through a mob, but getting out the back way or before an impending riot is a good idea. Perhaps a vacation coinciding with the jury deliberations?

I live in a suburb about 17 miles from the rough side of the local metropolis. I do not drive through it to/from work. There about 6 ethnic families in our neighborhood, but ours is quite open and friendly. We communicate and wave at each other as we pass. I expect no issues when the inevitable unrest occurs.