Tips for Keeping Safe at Protests/Rallies

“You will need to deal with fast-moving, ambiguous, and unstructured situations that will test your

resourcefulness to the utmost.” CIA Recruitment Manual

I. Preparation and Support

Make sure you have someone looking out for you, your stuff, and have a contact who can help mobilize support and a prearranged check-in time as a back-up plan.
Pack water & protein bar
Dress for forecast: layers when cold; dress in light colors and light clothing in heat. A large hat can be very helpful to protect you from the sun.
Have a safe place to keep your ID (zipper pocket, backpack/fanny pack)
Identify your goals for the day. Example: are you staying for one hour vs. two? Marching vs. supporting on sidelines?
Make sure you make a sign that can be read from 30 ft. away! (Preferably in dark marker)

Grounding: breathe deeply if you begin to panic; do not get carried away by rage, but stay in a state in which you can take in information and make conscious choices.
What does the tension feel like in body, then consciously relax, feel feet on the ground. Tap into your courage!

Look around you and have an awareness. What do you see? What are the cross streets you are located?
If children are present, where are they in the crowd? Is there a parent close by should things get ugly? Keeping children safe is a priority!
Have a Buddy system in place or stand/move in clusters.
Crowd Dynamics – what’s going on, who’s around me, allies, threats, how does it feel?
Are police nearby? What are they doing? Are they laying back or in formation, ready to move in and help?
Have an exit strategy. Walk the most vulnerable to their car at the end of a protest.

For more complete information to Know Your Rights at a Protest in Pennsylvania, click here.