Civil Unrest and Election Day: New Report Signals a Season of Increased Tensions

With the 2024 election season heating up, recent insights from Verisk Maplecroft—a data analytics and risk analysis firm—show that the U.S. is at its highest risk of civil unrest since 2020. Verisk tracks risks globally for governments and businesses, and they’re saying our current situation could bring prolonged instability to many parts of the country. A recent report from Policy Horizons Canada includes the potential for U.S. civil unrest in its strategic preparedness plan, viewing it as a significant threat with possible ripple effects beyond U.S. borders.

This isn’t just about Election Day; unrest can—and often does—stretch out for months, especially if election results get challenged. Social tension is undeniably high, too. According to Pew Research

71% of Harris supporters feel extremely or very angry about Trump, while 59% of Trump supporters feel the same about Harris. Such intense emotions underscore the unpredictable climate this season, where unrest could arise at any time through early 2025.

While we all hope cooler heads will prevail, hope alone isn’t a plan. Taking action early demonstrates strong leadership by protecting your people, community, and livelihood—enabling you to stay ahead of events rather than merely reacting to them.

What Civil Unrest Means for Your Business

Unrest can disrupt physical locations, supply chains, employee safety, and customer trust. The financial impacts can be significant, with damages, downtime, and potential long-term effects like increased insurance costs. Businesses that take the time now to prepare, rather than waiting for the first signs of trouble, will fare better in the long run.

Four Steps to Get Ahead of Potential Unrest

1. Assess Risks Specific to Your Business: Start by understanding the unique risks in your area and industry. Knowing what you’re up against means you can prepare more effectively.
2. Fortify Contingency Plans: Cover the basics—strengthen security protocols, map out your communication strategy, and line up alternative suppliers if disruptions hit.
3. Equip and Inform Your Team: Don’t leave your employees in the dark. Regularly update them on plans, run drills, and ensure they know what to do if unrest comes near.
4. Consider Risk Transfer Options: Explore insurance solutions and security partnerships that could lessen potential financial impacts.

Why Act Now?

Unrest can develop quickly, and once it starts, resources like security or logistical help get stretched thin fast. The smart move? Get ahead now. At TAL Global, we help businesses stay steady through tough times with tailored security strategies that keep both assets and people protected. Ready to secure peace of mind? Reach out to us for a consultation, join one of our webinars, or check out our resources to stay prepared, whatever the season brings.

We invite you to follow us here for more tips, strategies, and analysis. Reach out today to learn how we can help safeguard your business from the growing threat of civil unrest.

About TAL Global

TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management, offering tailored solutions for your organization. Our experts are recognized thought leaders in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing strategic security plans, and delivering engaging training programs.

With decades of experience and hundreds of successful interventions, we have consistently protected people and assets. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for tips and strategies. For a deeper look into security insights, subscribe to our newsletter. You can also Talk To Us for more custom-made, expert solutions.