In recent events in America things have felt extremely heavy lately. It’s been hard not to feel very negative but I remember that these are problems we’ve faced before and have overcome. So I feel like things are about to hit the fan. So
Milk (preferably whole milk) is good to neutralize pepper spray
Wear a mask or turn a Long sleeve into a mask to cover a majority of your face
Water with baking soda for tear gas (3 teaspoons baking soda for 8 ounces of water)
Do not use oil based sun screen it’ll make tear gas worse
For those with medication you cannot skip take them with you in their original prescription bottle so they can/will administer your medication if you’re being detained
Also for those with medical conditions/disabilities let those around you know so that they can advocate for you in the case of an arrest
Ear plugs in case of LRAD machines
If possible wear ventless goggles or a gas mask if you can
Helmets although they look goofy can be helpful as well as knee pads and elbow pads
If you have a mobility aid even part time take it with you because you never what will happen or how long things may happen
Refrain from wearing makeup as well so tear gas doesn’t cling
Wear medical alert bracelets if you have chronic illness or disabilities
Be sure to cover up any major identifying things such as hair color, tattoos, piercings, etc.
Opt for glasses and not your contacts
Attach your signs to an L-Shaped piece of wood that can be used to protect yourself if things do get violent
Umbrellas to protect you from the sun or incoming gas canisters
Long sleeves, long pants, and comfortable running shoes baggy clothes also help from keeping your body type from being easily identifiable
Layers are also good you can always take clothes off but you can’t put more on if you don’t have them
Download signal and use that to communicate with your friends
If you’re bringing your phone be sure to turn of finger prints/ Face ID and have password only
Memorize a number for someone who can/will bail you out
write the number of a lawyer supporting protestors on your skin
If possible use the cone method to handle canisters(using a cone to cover a canister to stop it from spreading fast and then pour water through the opening at the top of the cone to extinguish the canister)
Wear black clothing with no large labels or branding/ designs
Bring a generic bag if you are bringing one something less identifiable(bring things like water, milk, first aid supplies, and snacks high in protein)
Do not go alone buddy system this stuff
Mass Incarceration is used against minorities to keep them from being able to vote by make them felons so if you see someone harassing racial minorities physically get in the way
If cops harass you ask if you’re free to leave if they say yes calmly walk away if no ask if you’re under arrest and for what crime then give your name an adress say you wish to remain silent and say you’d like a lawyer
Do not hit attending/ say you are attending protests on any social media platforms
If you see someone getting arrested try and get their name and date of birth to give to your local chapter of the national lawyers guild
Faraday bag for your phone or at least put in on airplane mode or use altering layers of zip lock bags and tin foil
If you come into contact with pepper spray/ tear gas be sure to wash these clothes separately before wearing again
I’ll continue to update this as a think some more and see other things come up.
Again credit to whoever these photos belong too they were all found on Pinterest
