Avoiding Injury During a Protest

Warning GRAPHIC LANGUAGE

Throughout our country, protests are occurring, and groups of people are taking advantage of this through looting, violence, and destruction.

The attached video was a peaceful protest that ended badly for a couple of people. The person who videotaped this incident pleaded throughout for people to let people through and not block vehicles – until someone accidentally struck another person. Unintentionally I say, but I do not know. Still, more times than not, one of two things occurs: people get fed up and intentionally strike people or the driver panics – but in either case, stress and adrenalin of the situation are responsible.

Some tips, although not exhaustive, following this advice will keep you out of trouble.

• Know areas of unrest before you journey out, but know issues can arise quickly. 
• Travel out only when necessary, and during daylight hours, early morning is best.
• Listen to news reports.
• Have a charged cellular telephone for emergency communications or updates from family and friends.
• Have water and energy bars to snack on in your car. You have no idea how long you may get delayed.
• Have a charged fire extinguisher in your vehicle, first aid kit, and any necessary prescriptions.
• Your body needs oxygen – remember to breathe. If stuck in with nowhere to go, do a controlled breathing exercise for at least one minute.
• DO NOT threaten or antagonize the situation. No matter how tough you are not going to take on a large group.
• If you have to travel through a gathering of people, smile, and give a thumbs-up if it gets you safely home.
• If you get the sensation that something is wrong, then something is likely wrong – follow your instincts.
• If the police are on the scene, listen to them. DO NOT show yourself as a threat. Keep your hands empty, and do not conceal your hands in your pocket or elsewhere.
• Be sure to inform family and friends where you are going, for how long, and the routes you will use. If you have GPS sharing, be sure to turn it on and know someone is tracking you.
• Know the use of force laws for your area.
• If attacked or someone with you, get off the “X”; in other words, get out of the danger area by whatever means necessary.
• Take a personal safety training course where you live. Know how to handle a situation before it occurs.
• The BOTTOM LINE – Remind yourself that you will do what you have to do to LIVE no matter what happens, you will FIGHT for your LIFE.