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Before you go
Read this at home while you pack, not at the protest.
Take with you
Water — more than you think
You will drink it faster than you expect, and you may end up sharing it.
ORS sachets, or salt and sugar
Water alone does not replace what you lose sweating in this heat.
Food that will not spoil
Dry snacks, nuts, biscuits. Something for a friend too.
Cap, umbrella, or light long sleeves
Shade you carry with you. Long sleeves in light cotton beat bare arms in direct sun.
Small first aid kit
Bandages, antiseptic, gauze, and a clean cloth. Enough to stop bleeding and cover a wound.
Your own medication, plus extra
Carry more than one day's worth in case you cannot get home. If you use an inhaler, bring it and keep it on you, not in a bag you might lose.
Glasses, not contact lenses
Tear gas gets trapped under a lens against your eye. Wear glasses if you can.
A scarf or cloth, and clean water for eyes
A separate small bottle kept clean, so you can flush your eyes without using your drinking water.
Charged phone and a power bank
Turn the brightness down and close what you are not using. Heat drains batteries fast.
Permanent marker
For writing an emergency number on your arm, and on a friend's.
Some cash for transport
Enough to get home. Digital payments fail when the network is shut down.
Your ID
Being able to establish who you are is usually helpful, including to whoever is trying to find you.
Leave at home
Contact lenses
Tear gas gets trapped underneath and keeps burning. Wear glasses instead.
Oil-based lotion, moisturiser or makeup
Tear gas powder sticks to oil and stays on your skin. Go with a clean, dry face.
Anything sharp, or anything that could be called a weapon
The right to assemble is protected when it is peaceful and without arms. Do not give anyone a reason to say otherwise.
Valuables you cannot afford to lose
Things get dropped, crushed, and taken. Bring only what you can walk away without.
Alcohol or anything illegal
It slows your judgement when you need it most, and hands over an easy separate charge.
Reset checklist
Do
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Tell someone where you are going
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Write an emergency number on your arm
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Go with someone. Agree a meeting point.
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Know your exits before the crowd builds
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Keep your hands visible. Stay calm.
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Drink water before you feel thirsty
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Note the officer's name and number
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Don't
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Don't run if the crowd surges
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Don't rub your eyes after tear gas
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Don't argue with, push, or touch police
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Don't spread unverified news
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Don't post photos that identify other protesters
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Don't go alone if you can avoid it
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