15 Down To Earth Tips For Surviving A Riot

By: Dan F. Sullivan | Survival Sullivan –

Riots have literally plagued the United States lately and… there’s nothing preventing us from thinking that things are going to get worse. See, riots are like wildfire; they happen out of the blue, can be lethal and they affect large areas and people.

The Ferguson unrest that started in August 2014 saw thousands of people in the streets in no less than 170 American cities, including Dallas, Boston, New York and Los Angeles. The Baltimore riots of 2015 were just as problematic, with hundreds of people arrested and dozens of injured officers.

If you happen to be caught in a spontaneous riot, what will you do? Are you going to panic or are you going to do the right thing?

In what follows, I’m going to give you a few good tips to deal with these unpleasant events. Now, I’m not trying to say everyone should freak out and over-prepare, but if you know things are tense where you live, you have to take precautiounary measures… so here goes…

Tip #1: Never move against the direction of the rioters.

If you do, you’re just going to stand out from the crowd and become a target. Rioters are going to perceive you as weak and afraid because you’re desperately trying to get out and might pick on you. The trick is to move in the same direction as them, but at an angle until you find a window of opportunity to get out.

Tip #2: Always carry cash on you.

In the case they pick on you, giving them some or all your cash might get them to leave you alone. Cash is one of the most important things from your urban everyday carry kit.

Tip #3: Find a building that’s open and hide there.

If there are rioters everywhere and getting out is not an option, find an open door and hide inside the building until things settle down. You may have to stay inside for hours (protesters usually get tired after 2-3AM) and you risk them looting the very same building you are in… but this might just keep you alive.

Tip #4: Don’t count on police officers to be your best friends.

As long as you’re in the middle of the angry mob, there’s no reason for them not to see you as a potential threat. You’re on your own and attempting to talk to them is the quickest way to be violently placed on the asphalt and hand-cuffed.

Tip #5: Walk instead of run (if that’s what most people are doing).

Running when everyone else is walking will only get you noticed. Walk fast and don’t stop moving.

Tip #6: Bug out.

If you think that things are really going to get out of hand, you should definitely consider taking your family and getting the heck out of there. Get your valuables, food and water and just drive. Your life is more important than your apartment so, please, don’t wait around for things to calm down or just to see what happens.

Tip #7: Become aware of what’s happening around you.

Our brains disappoint us when we need them most. Right when danger is near, we get the so-called “tunnel vision”, meaning we can’t focus on anything but the immediate threat. As you probably know or imagine, in a riot there are a number of things that can go wrong and that’s because there are people out there, each with their own agenda.

Try to be aware of your surroundings. To do that you need to be mentally prepared, breathe deeply and NOT let the emotional side of your brain take over. You need to watch out for people who can harm you (including the police) and figure out all the ways to get out of there.

Tip #8: If you have a gun, make sure it doesn’t show.

Here’s the problem: even when your gun is safely concealed under your shirt, people might still be able to tell it’s there (because the shirt will mold over it in a certain way).

Tip #9: Stay close to the walls.

Unless you’re trapped right in the middle of the action, try to stay close to walls and away from light (if it’s night-time). This will also give you numerous opportunities to find an open door and take shelter.

Tip #10: Know what to do if you get hit with tear gas.

First off, never rub the affected areas no matter how much they hurt or itch. You’re only gonna make things worse. Remove your clothes as soon as you can and take a long shower. The old ones need to be washed at least 3-4 times before you can wear them again.

Your very first reaction when you’re hit with tear gas is to hold your breath to avoid it getting in through your nose. Closing your eyes is also good, though that may not be the safest thing for you to do. What you can do is open them for just a second to see where you’re going, then close them and run like hell.

Tip #11: Wrap a wet bandanna soaked in lemon juice or vinegar.

A bandanna across your mouth and nose will make sure won’t get the dreaded tear gas inside your respiratory system, but be advised that you need your entire body to be covered if you’re going to be protected by it. That means long pants and long sleeves – no shorts or t-shirts.

If you don’t have a bandana, wrap around anything else that’s breathable, but make sure you’re not exposing other body parts by doing so.

Tip #12: Don’t panic.

That’s the last thing you want. The more you train your mind, the better you’ll be able to cope with a riot, with angry protesters, the police, tear gas and any other danger that may arise.

Tip #13: Never confront rioters.

I don’t care if they’re destroying your car or your home, your life is more important than anything of value in either of them.

Tip #14: Drive slowly.

Just like it’s crucial to walk instead of run, it’s better to drive slowly than to rush it. I know that’s the impulse, but you’ll only be putting your life in danger by moving too quickly.

Tip #15: Bug out early in the morning.

Any time after 4AM is great for bugging out. Most protesters are going to be sound asleep at that time, resting for the next day of protests. That’s your queue to leave the city with reduced chances of anyone noticing, not even your neighbors.

OK, this is it. I hope that now you have a much better idea of what to do during a riot. I also hope you’re going to share the knowledge with your spouse and kids because, when it hits the fan, they might be the ones trapped in the middle of the unrest instead of you.

Stay safe,
Dan F. Sullivan

Growing up in a small 2nd world country, Dan learned from a young age to love nature, animals and living with little or no money. He started writing about survival when he got tired by the lack of quality information and realized people just need the facts. Dan has declared war on fluff and is winning battle after battle with each article that he writes on .