Staying Safe in Civil Unrest

Objective

Move, shelter, or evacuate safely during protests or riots while minimizing exposure and avoiding escalation.

Scenario (Example)

Example: Demonstrations turn volatile near your work. Transit halts, crowds form along your preferred route home.

Pre-Movement Checks

• Dress neutral—no logos, team colors, or political symbols.
• Secure backpack straps; remove dangly items.
• Stash ID, cash, phone (battery ≥50%).

Route Strategy

• Use parallel streets one or two blocks off the main avenue.
• Avoid choke points (bridges, tunnels) and police lines.
• Move in pairs; keep visual contact and rendezvous points.

De‑Escalation

• Hands visible; palms down; slow movements.
• Verbal: short, neutral statements—“I’m moving that way,” “I don’t want trouble.”

Irritant Exposure

• Turn away; blink, don’t rub; flush with clean water.
• Leave the area upwind; remove contact lenses as soon as safe.

Shelter‑in‑Place

• Interior room, lights low, blinds down; lock doors; move away from windows.
• Park vehicle in garage or off-street; avoid curiosity drives.

Real Example

A pair used side streets, skipped a chokepoint overpass, and reached a hotel lobby safe room to wait out the surge before continuing home.

Checklist

• Neutral clothing, closed shoes, hat
• Goggles, water bottle
• Cash, ID copies, phone with power bank

Contingencies

• Separated → meet at pre‑agreed point B; if unsafe, move to point C.
• Transit down → walk to a rideshare perimeter 1–2 miles away.

After‑Action

Update your alternate commute map with safe lobbies and alleys identified.

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