WASHINGTON – As DC works to improve security measures ahead of Election Day, people are also doing what they can to keep their businesses safe by boarding up their glass windows and doors.

Some business owners who spoke to FOX 5 said this is something they need to do in case violence breaks out in the district.

At 17th and Pennsylvania, a number of restaurants, coffee shops and even a McDonald’s are boarded up from top to bottom. More places in the city are expected to do the same, especially businesses near the White House.

“For protection and just to be prepared,” said Marcus Donovan, who leads Pow Pow at Northeast.

Donovan says he has more than just plywood protecting his Franklin Square restaurant.

“It’s like a fortress,” Donovan said. “If we had a boat it would be even better.”

It is a structure that the building manager built. Donovan says he wishes this wasn’t the reality, but it has to be done and he can’t rely on the city right now.

“It would be nice if the city was better prepared for January 6, although we understand the scenario and the situation with Trump, but it’s the whole thing of putting it together for ourselves,” he said.

More buildings are being boarded up at 13th and Pennsylvania.

“This was our first time and when we eat inside, it feels very different when all the windows are boarded up,” David Lauder told FOX 5.

Lauder has called the city home for almost thirty years. He says it has never felt like this during an election until recently.

“It saddens me that our elections are free, then we are locked in by boarded up windows and our beautiful city is diminished,” Lauder said.

Others who live in the district say they find the signs a bit much, and an inconvenience.

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said DC resident Phillip White. “It shouldn’t happen.”

FOX 5 asked a business owner how long he plans to keep the signs up. He says they will be removing the planks at least next week and reinstalling them in early January.