• Stay hydrated and dress for the expected weather.

• Bring any needed supplies including water, meds, and cash.

• Fully charge your cell phone and bring a battery extender if possible.

• Take supplies to protect from and safely remove chemical irritants (face covering, milk of magnesia, towelettes).

• Let at least one emergency contact know your plan and make arrangements to keep them posted on your status during and after the event.

  • Where will you be?

  • How will you get there?

  • Where do you intend to go in an emergency?

  • What time do you intend to get back?

• Have an offline map of the venue and surrounding areas available as cell service may be limited in some cases.

• Plan multiple routes into and out of the protest area.

• Set a rally point with others for where you will meet in the event of an emergency.

• Maintain “360 situational awareness” – know what is going on all around you at all times.

• Be alert to anything that seems suspicious, this could be a person’s behavior, unclaimed packages, unusual activity, and vehicles.

• If you see something, say something.

• The “OODA Loop” (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a useful framework to stay calm and make decisions during high-stress situations:

  • Observe: Identify the source of danger and your surroundings

  • Orient: Determine where you are and where you need to go

  • Decide: Choose a course of action that minimizes risk

  • Act: Implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment

Be Prepared to De-Escalate. If you find yourself in a tense situation, practice de-escalation techniques:

• Stay calm and keep your voice steady

• Avoid provocative behavior

• If necessary, walk away and remove yourself from the situation

• Stock Up

  • Buy essential supplies: food, wipes, batteries, medicines.

  • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit.

  • Avoid traffic choke points.

  • Keep your vehicle fueled/charged.

  • Carry a fully charged phone at all times.

  • Plan your route.

• Stay Home if Necessary

  • Due to potential unrest, avoid unnecessary travel.

  • Essential trips are allowed but always prioritize safety.

• Stay Informed
  • Monitor local and government sources for updates

    • Sign up for your local government alerts.

    • Federal Emergency Alerts: Link to FEMA Alerts.

  • Monitor alerts from HRC and media sources.

• Avoid risks.

• Inform others of your plans (location, timing, etc.).

• Stay away from known hot spots.

• Interior Security

  • Set up a secure room with emergency supplies including fire extinguishers, blankets, and a first aid kit.

  • Have an emergency plan.

• Exterior Security

  • Ensure exterior lighting is working, especially dusk-to-dawn lights that are out of reach.

  • Clear pathways and trim trees/shrubs to avoid concealment for intruders.

  • Secure your vehicle and park in well-lit areas.

  • Do not hide keys to your home outside.

  • Secure all windows, especially on the ground floor.