Before an Event
Preparation is key. If you are planning to participate in events to exercise your First Amendment rights, you can follow these tips to stay safe:
- Use the buddy system and ask a friend to go with you. Have a plan where to meet if you get separated.
- Let someone you trust, who is not involved in the event, know where you are going. Make arrangements to keep them posted on your status during and after the event: Where will you be? How will you get there? Where do you intend to go in an emergency? What time do you intend to get back?
- Items to bring: water, sunglasses, mask, hand sanitizer, tissues, first aid kit, snacks, hat to protect from the sun and help cover your face, any emergency medications (if you have a medical condition)
- Do NOT bring alcohol, cannabis or cannabis products, or other drugs.
- Wear comfortable, protective shoes.
- Fully charge your phone and consider bringing an extra battery pack and charger, if possible.
- Stay hydrated and dress for the expected weather.
- Take supplies to protect from and safely remove chemical irritants (face covering, milk of magnesia, towelettes).
Research the event:
- Is this event sponsored by a group you trust?
- Do the organizers have a safe plan and good communication with participants?
Know the environment:
- Have an offline map of the venue and surrounding areas available as cell service may be limited in some cases.
- Plan multiple routes into and out of the protest area.
- Set a rally point with others for where you will meet in the event of an emergency.
During an Event
- Stay Aware & Secure
- Stay focused and maintain “360 situational awareness” – Know what is going on in your surroundings at all times.
- Be alert to anything that seems suspicious: this could be a person’s behavior, unclaimed packages, unusual activity, and vehicles.
- If you see something, say something.
- Stay hydrated by frequently drinking water.
- Don’t shake hands, hug, share drinks or engage in long face-to-face conversations.
- Stay vigilant – while you may have every intention to demonstrate peacefully, realize that protests have the potential to become unsafe quickly.
- Document injuries with photos and note the time and location.
- If your eyes are exposed to pepper spray or tear gas:
- Do not rub them; blinking and rinsing are most effective.
- Tilt head sideways and rinse each eye with water (and diluted baby shampoo if available).
- Do not rinse with milk, because the goal is to flush, not neutralize.
- Observe, Orient, Decide, Act – The “OODA Loop” is a useful framework to stay calm and make decisions during high-stress situations:
- Observe: Identify the source of danger and your surroundings
- Orient: Determine where you are and where you need to go
- Decide: Choose a course of action that minimizes risk
- Act: Implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment
- Be Prepared to De-Escalate. If you find yourself in a tense situation, practice de-escalation techniques:
- Stay calm and keep your voice steady
- Avoid provocative behavior
- If necessary, walk away and remove yourself from the situation
After an Event
- Take care of yourself physically and mentally.
- Nourish your body with the food you have available to you, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
- Reach out to your support system and practice self-care.
Sources: Human Rights Campaign / HRC.org/resources & Drexel University / drexel.edu
