Riots are often violent and chaotic, and can result in varying degrees of injury. To survive a riot, you don't need to pack riot-specific items in your everyday carry (EDC) kit. You simply need to know how to use your EDC items properly. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)
1. Sturdy backpack
Every prepper should already have a backpack, and in a riot, it's easier to secure one. A suitcase or a purse can be easily misplaced or stolen when chaos ensues. They also attract a lot of attention. Thieves who intentionally joined the chaos might target you and do more than steal your bag. A backpack is common and unassuming enough to allow you to mix with the crowd.
To use your backpack, wear it in front to create an improvised padding or armor. It will help keep your chest area safe from bullets or batons. Moreover, you'll be able to keep a close eye on your things and prevent swindling fingers from getting to your supplies.
2. Dull-colored bandana
In a riot, there is an exceedingly important rule: Blend in. Standing out attracts attention from police or rioters alike. Even if you were just a tourist checking the area, they may think that you are something more, which may get you into trouble.
A plain-looking bandana is an effective means of keeping your identity hidden until you get to a safe area. Simply tie it around your face. If the rioters are wearing one though, it's best to hold it to your face like a handkerchief. Pretend to be sick to avoid suspicion.
A bandana can also be used as protection from different kinds of gases the police may deploy. Soak the bandana in water and tie it around your face to prevent inhaling any of them.
3. Quality sunglasses
Many things will fly around in the middle of a riot, like rubber bullets and glass fragments, among others. It's already bad enough for any of these to hit you, but it's especially dangerous for them to hit your eyes.
Invest in quality sunglasses to prevent debris from getting into your eyes. Some people recommend close fitting goggles because they're less likely to fall and offer better protection. However, those goggles may stand out. A good pair of sunglasses can be worn anytime and allows you to blend in with the crowd.
4. Heavy-duty hiking shoes
For people who like to dress up, rugged, hiking footwear can be difficult to match with a specific outfit. In a riot however, those fancy shoes won't amount to anything when people are jostling against each other.
It is best to wear shoes that can assist you in getting away to safety, like boots and hiking shoes. Additionally, they will protect your feet from stomps or scattered debris.
If you insist on wearing heeled shoes, opt for closed, flat-heeled shoes instead. These will give your feet some protection and are easier to run with. You can also carry flat, closed shoes inside your backpack.
5. Flashlight
When escaping from a riot, it is important to seek shelter first. It may be a store, a building, or a restaurant – just get away from the riot first.
Once reaching indoors, you may need a flashlight to navigate the building. After reaching the backdoor, you can try to escape using alleyways behind the buildings. You'll need the flashlight here as well.
If a potential attacker appears, you can use a sturdy flashlight as an impact weapon. Directly hit your attacker with it or use it to make your punches heavier. If the light is bright enough, point it into your attacker's eyes to momentarily blind them as you escape.
6. Pepper spray
This is indispensable in any emergency kit. It is discreet, compact, and easy to use. It is especially useful in a riot because it doesn't incite the same level of reaction rioters and police may have toward a gun.
Put your pepper spray somewhere accessible, like a front pocket. If someone tries to threaten you, reach for the pepper spray and aim for the eyes. That should incapacitate them for at least a few minutes, allowing you to run away.
Always ensure that the pepper spray is still effective and ready to use.
7. Retractable knife
In chaotic situations like riots, some individuals cannot be reasoned with. If a person tries to use lethal force on you, you should have a weapon for self-defense.
Using a gun can be effective, but it attracts too much attention from rioters and cops alike. Moreover, they are easily stolen in a throng of people. In the middle of a riot, you don't want a gun in the wrong hands.
On the other hand, a retractable knife is easy to hide and with enough practice, also effective to use. Take self-defense classes that will teach you how to properly use one. Your aim should be to incapacitate, enough to let you escape. Try your best to not let the violence escalate to more than a few scratches. (Related: Fit and ready: Self-defense tips for preppers.)
Remember: Your goal is to get out of the riot. Keep yourself unnoticed and avoid situations that may doubly compromise your safety.
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