Do you know what to do if you get stuck in the middle of a rioting crowd? If the thought of this scenario already makes you sweat and panic, now is the time to figure out your emergency preparedness plan for similar events.
Riots can start without warning, with peaceful protests suddenly turning into dangerous and even deadly scenarios. The best way to stay safe is to avoid them completely, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll never encounter one in your daily life.
Read on for tips on how to protect yourself and your family if you are stuck in a rioting crowd. (h/t to SimpleFamilyPreparedness.com)
Bug out if possible
If you get wind of an upcoming riot, you may want to bug out with your family to avoid danger, especially if the group has a history of violent behavior.
Get your bug-out bags and drive your your hideout until things quiet down.
Bug out at the crack of dawn
If you’re worried about the aftermath of a dangerous riot, bug out before 4 a.m. This is ideal because most protesters are going to be sound asleep at that time and resting for the next day of protests.
Take this as your cue to leave the city with little to no chance of anyone noticing your departure.
Drive slowly
If you are driving somewhere when a rioting crowd forces you to wait in traffic, drive slowly. Don’t rush it because this can put your life in danger.
Always carry cash
Don’t leave the house without cash in your wallet. If you are walking somewhere and rioters target you, they might leave you alone if give them some or all your money.
If you’re calm, you will be able to make sound decisions so you can stay safe even when you’re dealing with angry protesters or the police.
Always be aware of your surroundings
Improving your situational awareness is also key to staying calm under pressure.
Your brain can often disappoint you when you need it most. Someone facing danger may experience “tunnel vision,” which occurs when you are unable to focus on anything but the immediate threat. This can be dangerous because you need to have your wits about you to survive a rioting crowd.
If you are trapped in the middle of a riot, being aware of your surroundings can help you find the safest place to hide or the quickest escape route. Don’t give in to your panic, stay calm and focus on getting away.
Don’t move against the direction of a rioting crowd
Don’t run against the direction of rioters because this can make you stand out. You don’t want them to target you while tensions are high.
To escape from a crowd, move in the same direction as them but at an angle. This can make it easier to find the right moment to get out.
Do not confront rioters
If you are driving and you come across a group of rioters, let them pass. Do not confront them so they don’t start attacking you or destroying your car.
Find an open building and hide there
If rioters are everywhere and leaving is not an option, find an open door and hide inside a building until things settle down. Once you’re inside, stay quiet.
You may have to stay inside for hours, but note that protesters usually get tired after 2-3 a.m. There’s a risk of rioters finding your hiding spot, but finding an open building can save your life if they decide to move on instead while you’re hiding.
Walk if the group is running
Walking when rioters are running will get you noticed.
Walk fast if they are running, and don’t stop moving. Wait for the right moment to escape.
If you have a gun, keep it hidden
If you are carrying a gun, people might notice it even if it’s safely concealed under your shirt since the shirt will mold over it. This could draw the wrong kind of attention.
Don’t think police officers will lead you to safety
If you’re trapped among angry rioters, don’t give the police a reason to see you as a potential threat. Trying to talk to them or ask for help may make them think you are up to no good.
Remember that they are not there to protect you or lead you to safety.
During a riot, police officers are there to get the riot under control. Stay calm, avoid large clusters of people and wait for the right moment to escape to safety.
Stick to the walls
Unless you’re trapped in the middle of the riot, stay close to walls and away from the light if you encounter a group at night. Staying near walls can give you several chances to find an open door and take shelter.
Keep a small and reliable flashlight in your everyday carry kit (EDC kit) so you can safely navigate dark spaces.
Prepare for exposure to tear gas
Even if you’re an innocent civilian trapped in a rioting crowd, police officers won’t take the time to check if you’re guilty or not before they start using tear gas.
If you’re hit with tear gas, do not rub the affected areas even if it hurts because this will make things worse. Try to hold your breath to avoid inhaling the vapors through your nose.
It’s not safe to keep your eyes closed for a long time, but you can open them for a couple of seconds to see where you’re going, then close them again and walk quickly to get away.
Carefully move away from the source of tear gas and head for an area with fresh air. Vapor from tear gas settles to the ground, so try to seek high ground.
When you get home, remove your clothes and take a long shower with soap and water. Clear your eyes by flushing them with water until all the tear gas is gone.
Wash your clothes at least three to four times before you can wear them again.
Wrap a wet bandanna soaked in lemon juice or vinegar
If you have a bandanna, wrap it across your mouth and nose to prevent it from getting inside your respiratory system.
However, if you want to protect your entire body you need to wear protective clothing like long pants and long sleeves. If you don’t have a bandana, wrap any other breathable material but don’t expose other body parts when you do so.
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