3 Immediate Actions to Take When Civil Unrest is Imminent

Most business owners are aware of the potential for civil unrest within or near their communities. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, there have been more than 700 significant antigovernment protests in more than 147 countries worldwide since 2017. While some citizens take to the streets with good intent to protest peacefully, history shows it doesn’t take much for gatherings to quickly escalate and cause damage to people and property alike.

 

Prepared business owners have already taken steps to secure their property against threats from civil unrest. But what do you do when the violence actually arrives on your doorstep? Here are three immediate actions to take if civil unrest or riots occur near your business.

 

1. Be vigilant and stay informed. Seek out news sources to identify where the protests/riots may be occurring. Check into neighborhood apps and groups, but be sure to confirm information informally shared on social media. Tap into your relationships with your neighbors to spread reputable information and take turns watching your own streets. Consider communicating with neighboring businesses to agree upon shortened hours for the safety of your employees, allowing them to return home safely and not be left alone in vulnerable locations.
2. Evacuate the area. Do not put yourself in harm’s way if it can be avoided, and do not wait until the last minute to make your plan of evacuation. Never leave an employee to “guard” your business; ideally you’ve already lined up official security resources to contact if you don’t use them regularly. Remember that the safety and health of your employees —and your own wellbeing —outweighs material items that might be damaged.
3. Ensure security measures are in place. Hopefully, you’ve already done your due diligence in prepping your properties for the potential of riots and unrest. Now is the time to ensure everything is activated and utilized properly. Make sure all doors are locked, cameras are on and working, batteries are stocked, and safes are secure. Consider a backup generator or other power sources to ensure your measures can withstand power outages.

 

Staying alert and informed can make the difference in serious loss of property — and even life —when the worst-case scenario starts unfolding around you. While order will eventually be restored and help will eventually arrive, it’s always best to be prepared and able to hold your own if the situation calls for it.

 

Additional immediate action recommendations are included in the Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company Civil Unrest/Riot toolkit, available for free to our members. Request your copy by emailing riskmgmt@phmic.com.

 

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group is a nationally recognized leader providing insurance and risk management within industries including pharmacy, healthcare, and more. This information is intended to provide general information only on certain risk management topics and is not intended to provide any coverage determinations or coverage positions, nor is it to be construed as providing legal, medical, or professional advice of any form whatsoever. Learn more about how we help our members mitigate their risks.