How to survive a riot
- Try to stay indoors and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. This will help protect you from debris and to minimize exposure to tear gas or pepper spray if you get caught outside. Wear clothing that blends in, without bright colors or logos that attract attention. Don’t wear dark clothing, hoodies, or any clothing that looks like a uniform as it can be misinterpreted by police or military. Stay calm and stay out of it. Stay up to date on what’s happening. You can plan an escape route, if needed, away from the mobs.
- If you’re driving, drive away from the mobs, and drive slowly so you don’t attract attention.
- Walk away from problem areas. Leave your baggage behind, but carry your travel documents, cell phone, and some food with you.
- Avoid getting hit by riot control chemicals and weapons.
- Carry some toothpaste to smear under your eyes if tear gas is released.
- Bring a bandanna soaked in lemon juice or vinegar and keep it in a bag. You can breathe through it to give you some protection from the gas. Keep rinsing the bandanna as it gets saturated with gas.
- Carry a solution of half liquid antacid and half water, which can be used to rinse your eyes if you’re exposed to tear gas.
- Wear glasses for eye protection, not contacts that can be very painful if tear gas gets underneath them; or wear swim goggles or a gas mask if you have any.
- Don’t rub your eyes, nose, or mouth; this will spread the chemicals that may have been sprayed on you.
- If you have an extra set of clothes, carry them with you in a plastic bag so you can change in case you’re hit with chemicals.
- Wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect your hands from pepper spray; getting the spray on your hands is very painful.
- Avoid wearing creams or sunblock, because chemicals can adhere to them and prolong the pain.
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