The US is gearing up for what could be a period of unrest after US Election Day, regardless of whether its Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Joe Biden who wins.

Federal authorities plan to erect a non-scalable fence around the White House perimeter ahead of potential protests, while some retailers have started boarding up their stores in hopes of avoiding property damage from any acts of violence.

On Monday, Australian TV presenter Carrie Bickmore said such scenes from America make it look like the apocalypse.