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Civil unrest: how to stay safe

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

Civil unrest can mean a protest that turns violent, a riot, or a curfew ordered by local officials. This guide helps you avoid trouble, stay safe if you cannot leave, and look after yourself if you are caught in a crowd.

Do this now

  1. Move away from the crowd, the noise, and any police lines. Walk, do not run, unless you must.
  2. Go indoors to a safe building if you can: a shop, a home, a hotel. Stay away from windows.
  3. Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) if anyone is hurt or you are in danger.
  4. Let a family member or friend know where you are and that you are safe.
  5. Follow instructions from police and local officials, including any curfew.

Avoid the area

The safest choice is to be somewhere else. Check local news, your city's official alerts, and your national or local emergency agency before you go out. If officials say to avoid an area, treat that as an instruction.

Plan routes that stay away from the affected streets. Expect road closures, public transport changes, and shops that shut early. If you are traveling, ask your hotel or your embassy for current advice.

Shelter in place

If you are at home, stay there. Lock the doors and close the curtains or blinds. Keep away from windows and from balconies facing the street.

  • Turn off lights near windows in the evening so the room is not a focus of attention.
  • Keep your phone charged and a battery radio or power bank ready.
  • Do not go outside to watch or to record. Crowds can change quickly.
  • Keep children and pets in an inner room.

If you are in a shop or public building, stay inside and follow staff instructions. Do not leave until officials say it is safe, or until you have a clear, calm way out.

A curfew

A curfew is a legal order to stay indoors during certain hours. It is set by local or national authorities, and the rules differ by place. Check official sources for the hours and for who is exempt, such as health workers or people traveling for emergencies.

If you are out when a curfew starts, go to the nearest safe indoor place and stay there. Do not try to cross the city in the dark. Breaking a curfew can lead to arrest, and it also puts you in danger.

If you are caught in a crowd

Crowds can move fast and push without warning. Stay calm and keep your breathing steady.

  • Move toward the edge of the crowd, moving with the flow rather than against it.
  • Keep your arms up in front of your chest to protect your breathing space.
  • Stay on your feet. If you fall, get up as quickly as you can and cover your head.
  • Avoid walls, fences, and narrow gaps where a crowd can crush you.
  • Look for side streets, open doors, and exits, and head for them gradually.
  • Keep your bag close and your hands free.

... warning "Do not confront anyone" Do not argue with, film, or follow people who are angry or violent. Do not pick up objects or take part. Leave, and let police handle it.

If you are exposed to tear gas

Tear gas and similar riot control agents irritate the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin. The effects are usually temporary, but they can be frightening. The following steps follow public health guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  1. Leave the area and get fresh air. Go upwind and to higher ground if you are outdoors.
  2. If you are indoors, leave the building if the gas is inside.
  3. Remove contaminated clothing as quickly as you can. Cut it off instead of pulling it over your head. Seal it in a plastic bag.
  4. Wash your skin with lots of soap and water.
  5. Rinse your eyes with plain water. Take out contact lenses and throw them away.
  6. Get medical care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or symptoms that do not ease.

Effects often fade within 15 to 30 minutes after you leave and clean up. People with asthma or other lung conditions can be affected more seriously.

Travel and communication

  • Avoid taking vehicles into unrest areas. Cars can be blocked, damaged, or turned into targets.
  • Keep your phone charged. Text messages often get through when calls do not.
  • Share your location with someone you trust.
  • Keep ID, a little cash, and any medicine you need with you.
  • Check your embassy or consulate alerts if you are abroad.
  • Be careful with social media. Rumors spread quickly. Rely on official sources.