Protesting has always been a way for people to express their voice and passion for a cause in which they believe in. The intent of these protests can vary from working towards enacting a change or bringing awareness to a certain issue. Although the large majority of protests generally tend to remain peaceful or harmless. There are some instances where they can escalate, which may cause you to be put in somewhat of a dangerous situation. Protest safety is extremely important which is why we have compiled a list of tips. Or what protests safety guide, ranging from carrying the Silent Beacon emergency panic button with you at all times to making sure you are protesting with a large group. Following and sharing these five tips and tricks will help to maximize your safety during protests.
#1 Carry Silent Beacon With You At All Times
Attending a protest can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been to one in the past. There is typically a lot going on around you. This will make it rather easy to get lost in both the noise and the people. Or to possibly end up in a dangerous position. One simple way to help you ease your mind is by carrying the Silent Beacon on your person at all times.
Silent Beacon is a wearable panic button. At the press of a button, calls 911 as well as the emergency contacts of your choice. And sends out your live GPS location. Silent Beacon is the only device on the market that allows you to choose which phone number you want called during an emergency. We use your smartphone’s GPS to send your location in real-time via text, email, and push notifications to people who can help you in an emergency.
This feature adds a whole extra layer of safety, enabling contacts to find you if you’re incapacitated or unable to talk. The Silent Beacon connects to your phone’s Bluetooth®, saving you from having to pay any additional fees or setup costs.
Silent Beacon is designed to give you more freedom and to survive your active lifestyle so while at a protest where potentially dangerous situations can occur. You’ll have the tools necessary to keep yourself safe. It’s the perfect fast-action response system for any situation.
#2 Attend the Protest With a Group
Protests tend to draw large, dense crowds that are fast-moving and very easy to get lost in. Showing up alone could make you especially vulnerable in the case that a protest were to somehow turn violent. It may behoove you to find friends or family members who share the same passion for a particular cause that you do and attend the protest with them. Similarly, once you’re there be sure to stay in constant communication with the people you came with. Update one another on where you’re going, whether it be to get a better viewpoint in the crowd or to find a restroom, always be in communication with your group. You will not only create a safe and familiar space for yourself, but attending a protest with a group adds to the number of people that are supporting the cause. After all, there is strength in numbers.
#3 Prepare for the Day
Oftentimes, protests will take up the whole day, or maybe even multiple days in a row. There is no “season” for protesting, which means that they can happen at any time, in varying climates. It’s crucial that you prepare for a protest by dressing accordingly, getting enough sleep, packing enough food and supplies, and drinking plenty of water. The best personal protection you can give to yourself is preparation. If you find yourself protesting in the summertime, for instance, bring a hat or a visor. And drink double the amount of water you normally would to protect yourself from the heat. Bringing a backpack to carry food or extra water is also a smart idea. Overall, being sure that you are prepared and alert for the day ahead will keep you as well as those around you safe.
#4 Know the Route
It is somewhat easy to allow yourself to get caught up in the moment at a protest. As many of them tend to be incredibly moving. With the mass of people and busy streets and sidewalks, getting lost in the crowd may also be a possibility. Researching and knowing the protesting route ahead of time sets aside the possibility of losing your way. Being able to recognize markers and street signs as you’re walking will assure you that you’re in the right places and on the right track. While it’s extremely admirable that you’ve chosen to step out and show your support for a cause. But knowing where you are and protecting yourself during protests has to be of utmost importance.
#5 Be Respectful
Those who decide to attend a protest almost always tend to have the same goal in mind. Regardless of any outside factors, the overarching goal of the protest is usually the same for everyone. In order to avoid violence or any other sort of danger, it’s important to keep that in the back of your mind. People may have a different approach, such as carrying a sign versus not carrying a sign for instance. But, in the end, everyone that is there is working towards the same thing. And you’re all there for the same reason.
Respecting the other protestors in attendance will not only adhere to and uphold strong protest safety skills. But it also allows for a feeling of comradery to exist within the crowd.
Attending a protest can be exciting and is oftentimes for a good cause. However, in some cases they may escalate or become hazardous. Remembering and following along with the tips listed in our protest survival kit will allow for you to be able to make the most out of your protesting experience. You’ll be thankful that you invested in the best personal safety device, Silent Beacon, that will keep you safe while you’re making a difference.
