(TacticalNews.com) – Everyday carry (EDC) consists of the items you carry with you every time you leave the house. In the world of tactical preparedness, this goes beyond your wallet or purse, cell phone and car keys. It involves carrying items for use in self-defense, or to survive an emergency.
Unfortunately, the state of the world makes having a well thought-out EDC kit more important than ever. With civil unrest rampant and political rage gripping the country, no one should leave home unprepared.
In the following video, Freedom Prepper breaks down what EDC items you need on hand to survive a riot:
The first component of riot EDC is a backpack. Not only will a backpack provide more storage space for essential supplies; it can also serve as improvised armor, if fighting should break out. A backpack worn on the chest can absorb blows, while protecting vital organs. For added protection, add an armor plate or bulletproof vest. There are also bulletproof backpacks available to purchase, which may be a better option.
The second component is a handkerchief. When soaked in water, a handkerchief will help block fumes from tear gas. Additionally, wearing one will make you blend in with the rioters, allowing you to work your way out of the crowd toward safety. Unfortunately, the police won’t be unable to distinguish you from the rioters, so remove the face covering as soon as possible.
Sunglasses can protect the eyes from common threats in a riot, such as broken glass, rocks, and even bean bag projectiles. For the maximum level of protection, glasses with a high impact rating are recommended.
To get yourself out of a riot safely, hiking boots or sturdy work boots are a must. Riots are messy business, and stepping on broken glass, wood, or metal can cause serious injury. Having your feet trampled is also a possibility in a riot scenario. Getting out in one piece is the highest priority, and a hurt foot will make it harder to remove yourself from the situation without further injury.
When facing a potential riot, having a gun is one way to stay safe (that is, in areas where it’s legal to own and carry firearms). A gun should only be used for self-defense in life-threatening situations. However, even when used in self-defense, firing a gun in public can result in injury or death, and may carry legal ramifications.
Pepper spray, a non-lethal option for self-defense, is another important item to carry. Capable of clearing a crowd in some circumstances, pepper spray can mean the difference between getting caught up in a brawl and escaping unharmed.
A flashlight is a must-have for any EDC kit. It can light up dark alleys and serve as a weapon to fight off would-be attackers. Metal flashlights are best, since they are less likely to break. Your flashlight doesn’t have to be large—in fact, it can be small enough to fit into your fist. As an added bonus, a small flashlight can serve as a fist pack if you need to throw a harder punch.
The last two items in your EDC are cash and a personal water filter. An emergency can strike at any time, and having these items could change the game. If civil unrest leads to power outage, or vice versa, having cash on hand will enable you to purchase items you need. Additionally, a personal water filter can provide clean drinking water in the event that public facilities shut down.
If you find yourself caught up in a riot, you must be prepared to defend yourself. The likelihood of emergency services coming to save you are slim to none—so have your EDC ready to go at all times.
For more information on how to survive a riot, check out our article here.
Do you have an EDC kit? If so, what does yours consist of? If you don’t have one, do you plan on making one after reading this article? Reply to your email and share your thoughts, we would love to hear from you!
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