Get familiar with your area. If you’re just visiting a location for a season or two, you should still get to know your surroundings as intimately as possible. Study a map until you’re very comfortable with the area where you work, the area where you live, and the routes between those. Think about your possible escape routes and safe havens before anything actually happens. Crossroads are good because you’ve got at least one road to race off down if rioters go crazy or the police start charging. If you work in a volatile environment, make sure you know several routes for getting home so that you have a number of methods of escape in the event of a riot. Carry small amounts of cash with you in case you need to quickly arrange transportation, pay off looters, or address your basic needs.
Remember that you’re in a position of power when you’re driving. Don’t let a few angry people stop you from driving your car and keep going unless you absolutely can’t. Many activists are afraid of cars because there have been cases of drivers running down the protesters on the roads. Remember to be firm, but not aggressive, to avoid giving the wrong impression.
Continue to move with the crowd until you can escape into a doorway, an alley, a side street, or a safe building. If you’re in the middle of a crowd, it’s especially important to try to move in the direction of the crowd until you make your way to the outside of the crowd.
Avoid major roads. Major roads, squares, and other high traffic areas are likely to be crowded with rioters. If possible, stick to less-traveled side streets to avoid the mobs. Avoid public transportation. Buses, subways, and trains will likely be out of service, and stations and depots will probably be packed with people.
Lock the doors and windows and stay away from them. Though you may be tempted to watch the riot from the windows, this will increase your chances of getting hurt. Move to rooms that do not lead directly outside to avoid getting hit by stones, bullets, or other projectiles. Look for at least 2 exits in the building in case you need to leave in a rush. Just look out for fire. If an angry mob turns toward the building, it can be a target.
Social media may provide new information as rapidly as possible, though it may not be as accurate, so keep your bases covered. Remember that staying informed can help you avoid a riot even better than it can help you survive it. Staying on top of the news can help you know which areas should be avoided in advance.
Every crowd of rioters is unique. Though you can’t do a costume change in the middle of a riot, you should try to avoid looking like the rioters if you can. For example, if you’re caught in a riot and are wearing the same sweatshirt as the rioters, take it off.
You can also carry toothpaste with you and smear it under your eyes if tear gas is released and you have nothing else available to protect you.
Avoid wearing oil-based moisturizer or sunscreen as chemicals cling to these on your skin. Remove them with detergent-free soap before going near the riot. [1] X Research source Wear glasses rather than contact lenses; tear gas behind contact lenses can cause intense pain. Swimming goggles can protect your eyes, as can a gas mask. [2] X Research source Put wet bandannas in a plastic bag and carry these for your mouth. Wrap them around your mouth if tear gas is released. They need constant replacement as they will keep soaking up the gas. [3] X Research source Wear vinyl or latex gloves to protect your hands from pepper spray. [4] X Research source Carry spare clothes to change if you’re hit by chemicals or a water cannon. Put them in a plastic bag for protection. Avoid rubbing your hands or fingers into eyes, nose, mouth, etc. after a chemical attack. Stay calm.
