🔥 SPECIAL EDITION: Civil Unrest Preparedness — Part 3

Vehicle Readiness for Civil Unrest

“Your vehicle is your lifeboat. Treat it like one.”

In periods of widespread unrest, your vehicle becomes more than just transportation—it can be your lifeline, your shelter, and your fastest path to safety. But that only holds true if you’ve prepared it in advance.

In Part 3 of our 4-part Civil Unrest Preparedness series, Sentinel Combatives breaks down what it means to have a riot-ready vehicle—covering gear, mechanical prep, positioning, and family tactics for high-stress mobility.

Why Vehicle Readiness Matters

When chaos erupts, roads may be blocked, gas stations closed, and navigation systems overwhelmed. Law enforcement might not be able—or willing—to respond to calls inside riot zones.

Your vehicle may be your only chance to evade danger, transport your family, or escape confinement.

Common threats during civil unrest:

• Blocked or rerouted traffic
• Impromptu roadblocks or mobs in the street
• Vandalism, looting, or targeted attacks on drivers
• Limited or no access to fuel, food, or medical aid

Basic Vehicle Setup for Emergency Use

Every car should be staged to operate independently for at least 72 hours in crisis conditions.

Maintenance & Mechanical Basics

• Keep the tank full or at least above half
• Functional spare tire + tire pressure checks (A rapid tire repair kit is a great bonus)
• Jumper cables or a battery jump box
• Operational windshield wipers & fluid
• Basic toolkit and extra fluids (oil, coolant)

Essential Riot-Ready Vehicle Kit

Inside the Cabin:

• Phone charger + multiple backup power banks
• Trauma kit/IFAK (tourniquet, chest seal, gauze)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• N95 or similar masks (for smoke/gas)
• Safety glasses or ballistic eyewear
• Multi-tool or rescue knife
• Notebook and pen

In the Trunk or Rear Compartment:

• Automotive fire extinguisher
• Emergency food and water (minimum 72 hours)
• Emergency blanket & all-weather clothing
• Folding shovel or entrenching tool
• Fuel siphon (if legally allowed in your area)
• Duct tape, zip ties, small crowbar
• Spare fuses & relays
• Spare household batteries (AA, AAA, CR2032, 123)

Optional but Recommended:

• Pepper spray (any legal non-lethal irritant)
• Dashcam or interior camera system
• Dynamic tow straps with soft shackles

Vehicle Tactics During Civil Unrest

Your mindset and movement are just as important as your gear.

Before You Drive

• Know multiple alternate routes—never rely solely on GPS
• Pre-load maps, and yes—HAVE PHYSICAL MAPS!
• Use traffic and police scanner apps to spot hot zones
• Dress down—no tactical clothing or gear that invites attention
• Keep all doors locked and windows up

While Driving

• Maintain a space cushion—you should see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead
• Avoid dense crowds and confined intersections
• Scan rooftops, overpasses, alleyways
• Keep moving slowly if approached—only escalate if your life is clearly at risk
• Use headlights and hazards to increase visibility and deter confrontation

Riot-Specific Tips

• Park nose-out from driveways or lots for fast exits
• If surrounded, stay calm—look for the gap, not the wall

(Stick to the far-right lane whenever possible)

• Never leave your vehicle unlocked or running unattended
• This is not the time to film content—get clear, not Instagram “likes"

Vehicle Considerations for Families

• Pre-pack snacks, comfort items, and basic meds for kids
• Designate roles:

In a tactical environment (and a riot is one), drivers drive—passengers handle navigation and electronics

• Add a privacy blanket or rear window shade to shield young passengers
• Discuss and rehearse evacuation or shelter-in-vehicle plans with your family now—not when it’s already happening

🔜 Coming Next:

👉 Part 4 – What to Do If You Inadvertently Walk or Drive Into a Riot
Composure saves lives. Learn what to do if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of an unrest zone—and how to get out safely.

Sentinel Combatives
Mobility is survival. Prepare your vehicle like your life depends on it—because it might.

📧 Contact: jerry@sentinelcombatives.com
📞 Phone: 828-415-0826