Surviving Civil Unrest

The news is awash with protests in different cities regarding immigration, the MIddle East, and other issues. It seems clear to me that demonstrations in the U.S. these days are becoming more frequent and, unfortunately, violent. There is always a risk of injury to those in the general vicinity.

I haven’t personally been near a protest since the Vietnam era, and that was just on the way to a college class. Back then, I could hightail it out of there when the pepper gas flew. Even if you’re an Olympic sprinter, however, it’s a good idea to have a riot survival strategy. Whether you’re participating with your “save the whales” sign or just a bystander, it goes without saying that your objective should be to stay away from the where the violence is occurring. The safest place to be in a violent protest is probably your own home.

Of course, you could inadvertently walk smack-dab into a demonstration. If so, things can get dicey pretty fast. I’ve written a lot about situational awareness in the past, and that mindset will serve you well. Here are some thoughts that might help you avoid injury at a protest:

Always be in a state of “Yellow Alert”. Yellow alert simply means being aware of your surroundings and the people around you. When people are behaving strangely, take note and avoid them. Read my article or watch my video on the OODA loop. The OODA Loop, developed by USAF Colonel John Boyd, is a decision-making model used to quickly assess and respond to situations, particularly in dynamic or competitive environments. It stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. By repeatedly cycling through these four stages, you can adapt more effectively to changing circumstances.

Aside: Colonel Boyd actually developed his OODA loop to apply to aerial dogfights!

Always mentally map out routes of escape as you walk along. Where’s the nearest side street? Is there a building or subway entrance that will get you off the street? If you don’t know the area, move away to where you know the lay of the land.
If you have to make your way through the crowd, stay on the fringes. Center-middle might be great at a rock concert, but not so much at a protest. Avoid getting caught in the masses of people surging away (or towards) the violence. If you’re stuck in the middle, they are deciding your movements, not you.
Avoid confrontation with protesters. In other words, take off your “Make American Great Again” hat if there are 500 anti-Trumpers in front of you (unless you’re ready to rumble).
Have a bandanna handy. This essential survival supply isn’t a gas mask, per se, but it helps at riots when tear gas is sprayed. Some advocate the soaking of the cloth with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
Wear sneakers or other footwear that will allow you the most mobility. The only women wearing heals at these things are reporters. Make sure you’re well-clothed so that your skin is protected. You’ll need to wash clothes thoroughly that have been exposed to tear gas, or just throw them away. Consider wearing glasses instead of contact lenses, which can trap irritants.
Be aware of the movement of law enforcement officers, but don’t approach them. Their job is tough enough, and they won’t be able to hear you above the roar of the crowd. If you have to approach them, show them your hands to indicate you’re not a threat.
Don’t run if you can help it. Unless everyone else is running, you will attract unwanted attention. Walk fast and purposefully around a corner, to higher ground, or another safe spot.
Be inconspicuous. This may be difficult if you’re 6 foot 8 inches tall, but otherwise, do you best to be “the gray man.” That is, be invisible. No “I’m With Stupid>>>>” or other large, easily recognizable logos.
If you’re with friends, stay together. If you can’t be together, agree on a meeting place beforehand in case you get separated moving through the crowd.
Avoid being caught against walls, fences, blockades, or other solid objects. People can get crushed by masses of protesters.
Carry some water, milk, or diluted liquid antacid (like Maalox) in a container if you know you’re heading into a protest area, especially if you’re participating. If sprayed with tear gas, move quickly into an area of fresh air and pour the liquid on your face (especially your eyes). Drink it if you get sprayed in the mouth. Milk or liquid antacid are thought by some to work better than water, but there’s no hard data one way or another. The effects of the tear gas will resolve over a short time in most cases
If you’re part of the protest itself, carry a basic medical kit that will help to treat injuries like bleeding or burns.