Protecting Against Physical Injury
Though responsible civil disobedience is a cornerstone of democracy, unfortunately, even the most peaceful, well-intentioned protests can turn violent. With police batons, tear gas, tasers, and even fellow rioters posing potential dangers, it's better to be safe than sorry. Don't risk getting caught in the midst of a violent fray between protesters and police forces - instead, come prepared with your own protective riot gear.
Protect your head with a helmet
Your head is perhaps the single most important part of your body to protect in a riot. Batons, rubber bullets, rocks, and fists can all cause permanent damage if they strike you in the head. Even weapons that aren't meant to be shot directly into protesters, like tear gas canisters, can (and have) caused major injuries and deaths this way. To protect against critical head injuries, wear a sturdy helmet. Rioters are known to protect themselves with
● Bike helmets
● Motorcycle helmets
● Hard hats/construction helmets
● Sports helmets/head wear
● Police/military surplus helmets
Wear sports pads to protect your limbs
If you have a chance to visit a sporting goods store, protective pads and guards can be very helpful in a riot. Though not quite as heavy-duty as the gear riot police are likely to wear, they can often prevent scrapes and bruises and may even offer limited protection against batons and rubber bullets. Commonly-available pads that you may want to consider wearing are:
● Shin guards (soccer/football, hockey)
● Knee guards (skating)
● Thigh/hip guards (American football)
● Elbow/wrist pads (skating)
If you're male,wear a cup. For obvious reasons, it's a good idea to wear a cup to a riot if you're a man. Don't forget this seemingly minor addition to your riot gear - it can be a lifesaver.
Consider wearing sheets of protective material under your clothes
If you find that it doesn't impede your ability to move, you may want to add strips or plates of hard protective material under your clothing to protect you from the hazards of rocks, rubber bullets, fists, batons, tasers, and so on. To attach these makeshift pieces of armor, stick them to the inside of your clothing with sturdy tape or string strips together with cloth to make a wearable "apron." Suitable materials may include:
● Sheet metal
● Thick, hard plastic (PVC, etc.)
● Tough leather
● Kevlar or other tough fibers
