When the Streets Erupt: Civil Unrest, Martial Law, and How to Stay Safe

Coby Coonradt
Jul 10
4 min read

Civil unrest isn’t just a prepper fantasy or dystopian movie plot. It’s a reality that plays out somewhere in the world almost every single year. From protests over social injustice to riots sparked by economic collapse, the triggers vary—but the chaos looks remarkably similar.

Storefronts smashed. Police cruisers overturned. Curfews announced. National Guard rolling in. Rights suspended. Suddenly, what felt like a normal Tuesday turns into a city-wide emergency.

In this week’s episode of The Collapse Chronicles, we dive into civil unrest and martial law—why it happens, how fast it escalates, and what you can actually do to stay out of the crossfire when the world around you goes sideways.

Why Civil Unrest Happens So Often

At this point, civil unrest is routine. A single viral video, a controversial arrest, or an unpopular policy can turn peaceful streets into battlegrounds overnight.

Look at what just happened in Los Angeles. Aggressive ICE raids sparked protests that escalated into riots. Freeways shut down. Stores looted. Over 250 people arrested. National Guard and Marines deployed to restore order.

But it’s not just Los Angeles. We’ve seen it in:

2020 George Floyd protests (nationwide riots and curfews)
Ferguson, Missouri (2014) (tear gas, armored vehicles, national outrage)
January 6th, 2021 (Capitol lockdown and armed response)
Paris, Sri Lanka, Canada’s trucker blockades—the list goes on

The truth is, people are stretched thin. Inflation, layoffs, insane rents, and rising gas prices all build pressure. Add political and racial tensions on top, and it’s like stacking dynamite under a burning fuse.

What Triggers Civil Unrest?

Some common sparks include:

🔥 Economic inequality and hardship – When basic needs become unaffordable🔥 Political oppression and corruption – When people lose faith in their leaders🔥 Social injustice and discrimination – Systemic problems that never get fixed🔥 Police brutality – Excessive force ignites anger, especially in marginalized communities🔥 Loss of civil liberties – Restrictions on speech, assembly, or movement🔥 Rapid cultural change – Shifting norms create conflict between groups🔥 Environmental crises – Disasters that strain resources and patience🔥 Misinformation – Fake news spreads faster than facts🔥 Sports wins (or losses) – Yes, even championships can spark riots

When Civil Unrest Turns Into Martial Law

It usually starts when local law enforcement gets overwhelmed. Too many people. Too much chaos. Not enough officers.

That’s when the mayor or governor calls in backup:

Curfews imposed
Roads blocked off
National Guard deployed

And just like that, it’s not just police on the streets—it’s the military. Emergency powers kick in, and your rights can be suspended: no public gatherings, restricted movement, monitored phones, even detention without charges under “public safety” orders.

Suddenly, what started as a protest looks like a warzone: armored vehicles, sandbags, drones, and riot shields. If things get worse, federal agencies step in—DHS, FBI, and even U.S. Marines, as seen recently in L.A.

Historic Martial Law Examples

📜 Hawaii (1941) – After Pearl Harbor, the military took over government, courts, and police for nearly three years.

📜 Los Angeles (1992) – Rodney King riots saw over 60 killed, thousands injured, and a billion dollars in damage before order was restored with National Guard and Marines.

📜 Thailand (2014) – A military coup led to martial law, banning political gatherings and broadcasting armed soldiers on every street corner.

How Preppers Can Stay Safe During Civil Unrest

✔ Stay Situationally Aware – Follow local news, emergency alerts, and police scanner apps. If you don’t live in a high-risk area, don’t go there. Avoidance is your #1 safety tactic.

✔ Have a Get-Home Plan – Map out at least three alternate routes home without highways. Share them with your family and set secondary meetup points.

✔ Be Bug-In Ready – Stock two weeks of food and water per person, blackout supplies, and strengthen home security.

✔ Keep Your Vehicle Prepped – Always maintain at least a half tank of gas, keep EDC essentials, and stash emergency cash.

✔ Know the Legal Landscape – Understand your rights under martial law in your state. Carry ID, stay compliant, and avoid unnecessary confrontations.

✔ Practice the Gray Man Mindset – Don’t stand out. Blend in with neutral clothing and keep tactical gear tucked away. In a riot, your goal is to be invisible.

✔ Build a Riot Response Kit – N95 masks, eye protection, gloves, a power bank, small bills, a printed map, and a neutral hoodie can make a big difference if you’re caught in the chaos.

🎯 This Week’s Challenge

Map out three alternate routes from your work or school to home without using highways. Bonus points if you identify a public place to avoid and stash a mini car kit with water, snacks, cash, and a charger.

💡 Final Thoughts

Civil unrest doesn’t give a warning. It erupts. The more you prepare now, the less you’ll panic later. Stay ready, stay alert, and stay the heck out of the riot.

✅ #StaySurvived