Quick Answer: Protecting your home during civil unrest requires reinforced entry points, active monitoring technology, a family action plan, and personal safety tools – ideally put in place before trouble reaches your street.
Most homeowners never think about civil unrest until it’s trending on their local news. By then, preparation time shrinks fast.
The numbers make a strong case for acting early. The 2020 George Floyd protests resulted in over $2 billion in insured property damage across more than 20 states – the costliest civil disorder in U.S. history, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
The second costliest was the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which caused $775 million in insured losses (about $1.4 billion in 2020 dollars). According to Allianz Commercial’s 2025 Political Violence and Civil Unrest Trends report, civil unrest now ranks as the top concern for more than 50% of companies globally, with incidents increasing in both frequency and duration. The U.S. ranks among the world’s top hotspots for protest and riot activity.
The good news: most of what protects your home against burglars protects it during unrest too. The difference is timing. In a civil disturbance, you may have hours, not days, to act.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Civil Unrest and Crime: What the Data Shows
- Step 1: Strengthen Your Home’s Physical Security Against Looting
- Step 2: Activate Smart Security Technology for Home Protection During Riots
- Step 3: Reduce Your Home’s Target Profile
- Step 4: Build a Civil Unrest Home Safety Plan for Your Family
- Step 5: Personal Safety and Tactical Gear for Civil Unrest
- Step 6: Know Your Insurance and Legal Rights During Civil Unrest
- Securing Your Home Against Civil Unrest: Next Steps
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Key Takeaways
- The most effective civil unrest home protection combines physical hardening of entry points, active monitoring technology, a family communication plan, and personal safety tools.
- The 2020 civil disorder caused over $2 billion in insured U.S. property losses – the highest ever recorded from a single event, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
- Standard homeowners insurance typically covers riot and civil commotion damage; document your belongings in advance to streamline any claim.
- Motion-activated lights, outdoor cameras, and a monitored alarm system with cellular backup are the three most effective deterrents against opportunistic looting.
- Alarm systems with cellular backup continue transmitting to monitoring centers even when Wi-Fi and power are disrupted.
- Browse Batten’s alarm systems collection for expert-tested monitoring options built to work during real emergencies.
Civil Unrest and Crime: What the Data Shows
Understanding the actual risk helps you prioritize your preparation. Here’s what verified data tells us about civil unrest and property crime in the U.S.:
- The 2020 George Floyd unrest spread across 140 U.S. cities, triggered deployment of the National Guard in 21+ states, and resulted in over $2 billion in insured losses – the first time the Property Claim Services (PCS) unit declared a civil disorder a catastrophe since 1992.
- According to Allianz Commercial, there were more than 80,000 protest and riot incidents recorded in the top 20 countries during 2024 alone, with the U.S. ranking as a primary hotspot.
- Civil unrest events lasting longer than three months have become more common – 18% of significant protests since 2017 exceeded that duration, per Allianz Research.
- The 1992 Los Angeles riots caused $775 million in insured losses (approximately $1.4 billion in today’s dollars) over just six days, according to Insurance Information Institute data.
- In Minneapolis–Saint Paul in 2020, over $500 million in property damage was recorded at 1,500 locations in just three nights of unrest.
- FEMA reports that in the aftermath of any emergency – including civil unrest – local responders cannot reach everyone immediately, and households need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.
These aren’t worst-case scenarios pulled from history books. They are documented events from recent American cities – many of them suburban, not just urban cores.
Step 1: Strengthen Your Home’s Physical Security Against Looting
Opportunistic looting follows the path of least resistance. Homes that look hardened – visible cameras, strong entry points, active lighting – get skipped. Soft targets don’t.
Reinforce Doors and Entry Points
Your front door is the most common breach point. A standard deadbolt with a weak strike plate can be forced open with a single kick. Upgrade to a heavy-duty deadbolt paired with a reinforced strike plate secured with 3-inch screws going into the door frame stud. For renters or anyone wanting an immediate, tool-free upgrade, the Buddybar Door Jammer Home Security Door Bar is one of the most effective options available – it resists up to 2,560 lbs of force, requires no installation, and works on carpet, tile, concrete, or hardwood.
Sliding glass doors are another vulnerability. A security rod in the track prevents the door from being forced open – and costs almost nothing. Garage doors deserve attention too. A zip tie through the emergency release cord takes thirty seconds and prevents the common “fishing” technique used to open them from outside.
Secure Windows Against Forced Entry
Ground-floor windows are the second most common entry point during civil unrest. Security window film – adhesive Mylar-coated sheeting applied directly to existing glass – won’t stop repeated high-force impacts, but it holds shattered glass in place and slows casual forced entry long enough for an intruder to move on. For heightened threat situations, pre-cut plywood boards stored in your garage are the fastest and most affordable solution for ground-floor windows.
For ongoing protection, the SABRE 120 dB Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm pulls double duty – it physically blocks doors and sounds a piercing alarm if entry is attempted. It works on any door, installs in seconds, and operates without Wi-Fi or power.
Your Physical Security Upgrade Checklist
- Front Door: Heavy-duty deadbolt + reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws
- All Exterior Doors: Buddybar Door Jammer or equivalent security bar
- Sliding Doors: Security rod in the track
- Garage Door: Zip tie through the emergency release to prevent external opening
- Windows: Security window film on ground-floor glass
- Window/Door Entry Points: SABRE Wedge Door Stop Alarm on interior doors
- Valuables: Relocated away from ground-floor windows; stored in a SentrySafe Digital Home Safe
Step 2: Activate Smart Security Technology for Home Protection During Riots
Technology doesn’t panic. It keeps monitoring even when you can’t. That makes it your most reliable layer when tensions escalate.
Outdoor Security Cameras
Visible cameras change behavior. Looters and intruders looking for easy targets will move on when they see active surveillance. The Wyze Cam v4 2.5K Security Camera is a strong choice for both deterrence and evidence: it delivers 2.5K resolution for clear facial identification, has a built-in spotlight for color night vision, and works reliably both indoors and outdoors. Position cameras at the front door, driveway, and any side gates or back entries. Make them visible – concealment is for investigative purposes, not deterrence.
Read Batten’s guide to outdoor security cameras for full 2025 model comparisons and placement tips.
Motion-Activated Floodlights
A sudden flood of light at 2 a.m. is one of the most effective deterrents available at any budget. Darkness is a primary condition that opportunistic looters rely on. Pair lights with cameras for maximum effect – any approach trip the light and gets captured on video simultaneously.
Alarm Systems with Cellular Backup
This is the most important technology investment for civil unrest preparedness. During widespread unrest, power outages and internet disruptions are common. A standard broadband-dependent alarm goes dark when the router loses power. Systems with cellular backup – like SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, and ADT – continue transmitting to 24/7 monitoring centers even when the grid is down.
The Batten SimpliSafe vs. ADT comparison breaks down how both systems handle emergency response. Explore Batten’s alarm systems collection for current pricing and expert-reviewed options.
Smart Security Technology: Quick Comparison
| Technology | Best Option | Key Benefit During Unrest | Works Without Wi-Fi? |
| Outdoor Camera | Wyze Cam v4 2.5K Spotlight | 2.5K resolution, built-in spotlight | Local storage option |
| Door Security Bar | Buddybar Door Jammer | Resists 2,560 lbs of force | Yes – no power needed |
| Door/Window Alarm | SABRE 120 dB Wedge Alarm | Audible deterrent + physical block | Yes – battery powered |
| Alarm System | SimpliSafe / Ring Alarm | Cellular backup, 24/7 monitoring | Yes – cellular backup |
| Emergency Radio | Esky Hand Crank Radio | Receives alerts without grid power | Yes – hand crank |
| Safe | SentrySafe Digital Safe | Protects irreplaceable items | Yes – battery lock |
Step 3: Reduce Your Home’s Target Profile
Security isn’t only hardware. How your home looks from the street matters just as much as what’s behind the door.
- Exterior Appearance: Keep lights on timers to suggest occupancy, even when you’re home and staying low-profile. Avoid leaving high-value items visible outside – bikes, tools, generators, and packages are targets.
- Social Media Silence: Don’t post your location, announce that you’re home alone, or broadcast your preparedness during a live unrest event. This applies to all family members.
- Security Signage: Alarm company yard signs and window decals are proven deterrents. Visible monitoring equipment signals that any intrusion will be documented.
- Vehicle Security: Move vehicles into the garage when possible. If not, park away from major intersections or storefronts where unrest concentrates.
- Valuable Storage: Move jewelry, important documents, cash, firearms, and electronics away from ground-floor areas. A SentrySafe Digital Home Safe handles documents, cash, and small valuables – and is both fireproof and tamper-resistant.
- Low Profile Inside: Stay away from windows if unrest is active nearby. Avoid turning on lights that draw attention to occupied rooms at the street-facing front of the house.
Step 4: Build a Civil Unrest Home Safety Plan for Your Family
Physical hardening is only half the job. Your family needs to know what to do, who does what, and when to act – before the situation develops.
Establish Alert Levels
Model your family plan on a simple three-tier system. Write it down and make sure every household member knows it before you need it.
| Alert Level | Trigger Situation | Immediate Actions |
| Yellow | Unrest reported in your city, not your neighborhood | Check news, charge all devices, review emergency kit, top up cash |
| Orange | Unrest within 5 miles or moving toward your area | Lock and reinforce all entry points, activate alarm, limit movement outside |
| Red | Active unrest in your immediate neighborhood | Shelter in place, stay away from windows, maintain communication, do not open the door |
Assign Roles
Confusion during emergencies causes costly mistakes. Assign specific roles in advance:
- Information Monitor: Tracks news, local alerts, and social media (Nextdoor, local emergency channels)
- Security Lead: Checks and reinforces all entry points when alert level rises
- Supplies and Family Manager: Manages children, pets, and emergency kit access
- Communications Lead: Keeps contact with neighbors and maintains external communication
Communications and Supplies
Keep the Esky Emergency Hand Crank Radio and Charger charged and accessible – it receives AM/FM and NOAA weather alerts, charges devices via USB, and works without grid power. It belongs in every home’s emergency kit. FEMA recommends a minimum 72-hour supply of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, and medications. Keep cash on hand in small denominations – ATMs and card readers can go offline during widespread disruptions.
Review Batten’s emergency preparation guides for a complete family checklist.
Step 5: Personal Safety and Tactical Gear for Civil Unrest
Physical security systems buy time. Personal safety tools give you options when the situation is unavoidable and you need to act.
This isn’t about escalating confrontation – it’s the opposite. The right personal safety tools let you de-escalate, escape, communicate, and stay safe without relying on infrastructure that may be compromised.
Communication Tools for When the Grid Goes Down
When cell towers are congested or down entirely, standard communication fails. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator operates via satellite – independent of cell towers, Wi-Fi, and power grids. It can send SOS alerts, two-way messages, and GPS tracking data from anywhere in the world. For homeowners who travel, have family members who commute, or live in areas where civil unrest could disrupt normal communication, it’s the most reliable communication backup available.
Non-Lethal Personal Defense Options
Non-lethal tools are the smart first layer of personal protection. They’re legal in most jurisdictions, require no special licensing, and give you a meaningful response option without lethal force.
The SABRE 2-in-1 Stun Gun combines a stun gun with a bright LED flashlight – two tools in one rechargeable device. SABRE is a trusted brand used by law enforcement agencies, and the combination of flashlight and stun capability is practical for home defense scenarios where you may need to illuminate a dark entryway and have a defensive option within the same tool.
For everyday carry beyond the home, the Atomic Bear Tactical Pen is a discreet, always-legal self-defense option – it’s a fully functional ballpoint pen with a hardened glass breaker tip and a grip designed to deliver a serious defensive strike if necessary. It’s the kind of tool that goes anywhere, including places where other self-defense tools can’t.
Tactical Lighting
During civil unrest, power outages are common and nighttime movement around your property becomes riskier without reliable light. A quality Tactical Flashlight with high lumens output does more than illuminate – a sudden high-intensity beam in an intruder’s eyes is a genuine disorienting deterrent. Keep one charged and within reach at all times during elevated alert periods.
Survival and Utility Tools for Extended Disruptions
Longer civil unrest events can disrupt services for days. Having utility tools on hand keeps you functional without depending on outside support:
- Survival Hatchet: Multi-purpose utility and emergency tool; useful for clearing debris, emergency tasks, and as a last-resort defensive option
- Yeacool Survival Folding Shovel: Compact multi-tool for digging, clearing, and emergency tasks; folds flat for storage
- Black Beard Arc Lighter: Windproof electric lighter for emergency fire starting when standard lighters fail
- Stormproof Matches: Backup fire-starting capability that works in rain, wind, and adverse conditions
Browse Batten’s full tactical gear collection for the complete lineup of expert-tested personal safety and survival tools.
Personal Safety: Avoiding Confrontation Is Always the Priority
The best outcome in a civil unrest situation is one where you never have to use any of these tools. The EMS.gov guidance on civil unrest is clear: your best course of action is to stay home and avoid areas of active unrest entirely. If you are outside when unrest escalates, the priority is to get home safely – not to observe, not to confront, and not to engage. Personal safety tools are a last resort, not a first response.
Step 6: Know Your Insurance and Legal Rights During Civil Unrest
Two things most homeowners don’t know until it’s too late.
Insurance Coverage
According to the Insurance Information Institute, standard homeowners and renters policies cover damage caused by riots, civil commotion, vandalism, and fire – including damage to both the structure and personal belongings. If your home is rendered uninhabitable, most policies also provide Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage for temporary housing.
Document your belongings with photos or video before any event occurs, and store that documentation in the cloud or off-site. Review your specific policy for any exclusions on high-value electronics, jewelry, or firearms – these sometimes require riders for full coverage.
Legal Rights
Understanding property defense laws before a crisis is far more useful than learning them during one. Castle Doctrine laws exist in 46 U.S. states, giving residents the right to defend their home without a duty to retreat. However, state laws vary significantly. Some states require a duty to retreat before using force outside the home; others (Stand Your Ground states) do not. The level of force permitted is also jurisdiction-specific – using force proportionate to the threat is the universal standard.
The bottom line: your home is your castle, but knowing your state’s specific rules before an incident puts you in a much stronger legal and practical position.
Securing Your Home Against Civil Unrest: Next Steps
Civil unrest moves fast. The window between “protests reported downtown” and “unrest in your neighborhood” can be measured in hours.
The smartest preparation borrows from standard home security – reinforced entry points, active monitoring technology, a low target profile, and a family plan with clear roles. Layer personal safety tools on top for situations where you need options beyond the home itself. These preparations work against everyday burglars and against widespread civil unrest alike.
The single most valuable investment for emergency scenarios where 911 response times stretch is a monitored alarm system with cellular backup. Browse Batten’s complete alarm systems collection for expert-reviewed options from SimpliSafe, Ring, and ADT – all tested by our team of former Navy SEALs and security veterans. For personal safety tools, explore Batten’s tactical gear collection for everything from non-lethal defense options to satellite communicators.
Not sure which alarm system holds up when the power goes out and response times slow? See Batten’s expert-tested alarm systems – monitored options built for real emergencies, not just everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Protect My Home During Civil Unrest If I’m a Renter?
Renters have strong no-modification options. Door security bars like the Buddybar, the SABRE Wedge Door Stop Alarm, battery-powered cameras, and window security film all install without tools or drilling. SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm use peel-and-stick wireless sensors and move with you when you leave. Check Batten’s apartment security camera guide for renter-friendly options.
Should I Stay Home or Evacuate During Civil Unrest?
Staying home is generally the safer choice if your property is secure and you have adequate supplies. Evacuating through active unrest carries serious personal risk. The EMS.gov civil unrest guidance recommends staying indoors and only leaving if law enforcement issues an evacuation order or your immediate area becomes directly threatened. If you must evacuate, plan multiple routes in advance – you never know which roads will be blocked.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Riot and Looting Damage?
Yes, in most cases. The Insurance Information Institute confirms that standard homeowners policies cover fire, riot, civil commotion, and vandalism damage to both the structure and personal belongings. Document your belongings with photos or video stored off-site. Review your policy for exclusions on high-value items – some require separate coverage riders for full protection.
What Are the Best Non-Lethal Home Defense Options During Civil Unrest?
The SABRE 2-in-1 Stun Gun with LED flashlight is one of the most practical non-lethal options – it’s rechargeable, police-trusted, and combines two tools in one. For everyday carry, the Atomic Bear Tactical Pen works anywhere, including places where other tools can’t go. Explore Batten’s tactical gear collection for the full range of expert-tested personal defense options.
How Do Civil Unrest Events Affect 911 Response Times?
During widespread civil unrest, emergency services are simultaneously deployed across multiple incidents. Major unrest events directly correlate with delayed law enforcement response in affected areas. A monitored home alarm system with a 24/7 monitoring center provides faster emergency dispatch than relying solely on 911 – one of the strongest arguments for professional monitoring during high-demand situations.
What Should Be in My Emergency Kit for Civil Unrest Preparation?
FEMA recommends water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food, medications, and a first aid kit as the foundation. For civil unrest specifically, add cash in small denominations, a battery or hand-crank radio, charged power banks, and key documents in a fireproof container. Batten’s emergency preparation guides have a complete family checklist.
How Does Civil Unrest Historically Compare to Everyday Burglary Risk?
Everyday burglary is statistically more likely than major civil unrest, but unrest dramatically amplifies property crime risk when it does occur. The 2020 civil unrest caused over $2 billion in insured losses across 20+ states in under two weeks. Most home security measures address both threats simultaneously – reinforced doors, visible cameras, alarm systems, and motion lighting deter burglars every day and looters during acute events.
Sources
- “Civil Disorders and Insurance,” 2024, Insurance Information Institute, https://www.iii.org/article/civil-disorders-and-insurance
- “Political Violence and Civil Unrest Trends 2025,” 2025, Allianz Commercial, https://commercial.allianz.com/news-and-insights/reports/political-violence-and-civil-unrest-trends.html
- “Civil Unrest Resources,” 2020, EMS.gov (U.S. Department of Transportation), https://www.ems.gov/assets/Guidance_Resources_Civil_Unrest.pdf
- “Prepare for the Unexpected: Build an Emergency Kit,” 2025, FEMA, https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250121/prepare-unexpected-build-emergency-kit
- “Build a Kit,” 2025, Ready.gov (U.S. Department of Homeland Security), https://www.ready.gov/kit
- “United States Racial Unrest (2020–2023),” updated 2025, Wikipedia (citing ACLED data), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_racial_unrest_(2020%E2%80%932023)
- “Outdoor Security Cameras for 2025: Best Picks for Any Budget,” 2025, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/briefs/outdoor-security-cameras/
- “SimpliSafe vs ADT 2026: Monitoring and Contracts,” 2026, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/briefs/simplisafe-vs-adt-2025-best-home-security/
- “Emergency Preparation Guides,” 2025, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/preparation-guides/
- “Best Security Camera for Apartments 2025,” 2025, Batten Home Security, https://battenhomesecurity.com/briefs/best-security-camera-for-apartments-2025/
- Insured Losses Due to Civil Unrest Seen Nearing 1992 Levels. 2020. Insurance Information Institute. https://insuranceindustryblog.iii.org/insured-lossesdue-to-civil-unrestseen-nearing-1992-levels/
- How 2020 Protests Changed Insurance Forever. 2021. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2021/02/2020-protests-changed-insurance-forever/
- Bonding Committee Approves Measure to Help Cover Costs of Recovery from Last Summer’s Civil Unrest. 2021. Minnesota House of Representatives. https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/15614
