Unfortunately, even our universities and public parks are not immune to the potential of a riot.

Here are five areas to avoid at all costs if civil unrest breaks out.

1. Check-Cashing & Quickee Loan Offices

Those who are used to cashing their pay checks at offices that often don’t require identification or are just convenient for those without a bank account know that these places have cash on hand but don’t have the security of a “real” bank.

2. Auto Parts Stores

During the LA Riots of 1992, the auto parts stores were stripped clean within a matter of minutes.

Everything from motor oil to brake pads to carburetors that people needed for tune-ups and repairs.

3. Shoe Stores

True story… when conflict broke out in Panama in 1989, the very next day after our initial attack, it seemed like every kid in the country had a brand new pair of shiny white tennis shoes.

Specialty shoe stores that harbor those $200 Air Jordans become one of the first shopping points for young, angry men who couldn’t afford them before the choas hit.

4. Convenient Stores

First of all, they’re a prime “target of opportunity” because they’re everywhere.

And they have 2 things looters prize almost more than shoes: drugs and diapers!

Nuff said.

5. Sporting Goods Stores

Another hot-spot during the LA Riots were the sporting goods stores.

Why?

Guns. Guns. Guns.

It’s like the ultimate Christmas for criminals who can’t legally buy a firearm but can suddenly get all they can carry for free and without registering.

Riots have become a sad reality in an awful lot of our urban centers and even in some suburbs.

That is why it is paramount that you avoid certain areas with certain types of establishments if you find yourself in the middle of civil unrest.

To learn more on how to avoid riots and looters, check out Modern Combat and Survival.