WASHINGTON – As D.C. works to increase security measures ahead of Election Day, people are also doing everything they can to ensure the safety of their businesses by boarding up their glass windows and doors.

Some of the business owners who spoke to FOX 5 said they would have to do this if there were outbreaks of violence in the District.

At 17th and Pennsylvania, numerous restaurants, cafes and even a McDonald's are boarded up from top to bottom. More places across the city are expected to do the same — particularly businesses near the White House.

“For protection reasons and just to be prepared,” said Marcus Donovan, who runs Pow Pow in the Northeast.

Donovan says he has more than just plywood to protect 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 constructed by the property manager of the building. Donovan says he wishes that 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 we have to put the whole thing together ourselves,” he said.

Over at 13th and Pennsylvania, more buildings are being boarded up.

“This was our first time and when we eat inside it's a completely different feeling with all the windows boarded up,” David Lauder told FOX 5.

Lauder has called the city home for almost 30 years. He says that until recently there had never been such a feeling during elections.

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

Others who live in the district say the panels are a bit too big and disruptive.

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” said D.C. resident Phillip White. “This shouldn’t happen.”

FOX 5 asked a business owner how long he plans to keep the food banks up. He says at least for the next week, then they will remove the boards and put them back up in early January.