- We advise you to remember that the coronavirus remains a threat to your health and the health of others, and that when you protest you should take precautions such as wearing a mask and social distancing as best as possible.
- You may want to bring water to drink and flush out your eyes if pepper spray is used against you (see below). Also bring any vital medication, such as an asthma inhaler, which you may especially need if you are subjected to tear gas. You may also want to avoid wearing contact lenses for this reason as well.
- Wearing a mask may also help if the police use pepper spray or tear gas since inhaling these compounds is very irritating. If you are exposed to pepper spray, do not rub your eyes. Blink in order to produce tears to wash out the oils. While many people are seen on television pouring milk on their face after being pepper-sprayed during protests, some experts have said that this only helps reduce the burning sensation but doesn’t remove any of the oil contained in the substance. Lots of water to flush out the oil may be the best remedy. See, https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/nation/2020/06/02/george-floyd-protests-everything-know-tear-gas-pepper-spray/5307500002/
- If tear gas is used, leave the area or seek higher ground. The CDC says people should quickly take off any clothing that may have tear gas on it. If clothing needs normally to be pulled over the head, like a shirt or sweater, you should instead cut it off to limit exposure to the eyes or mouth. Wash skin with soap and water and flush your eyes with water. See, https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/nation/2020/06/02/george-floyd-protests-everything-know-tear-gas-pepper-spray/5307500002/
- Memorize or write down important phone numbers since, if you arrested and held in custody, you will no longer have access to your phone for such information.