Water – preferably in a plastic bottle with a squirt top, so you can easily rinse your eyes if exposed to pepper spray or tear gas.

N95 mask – we are still in a pandemic and wearing a mask is your social responsibility, and the mask will also help shield your face from being identified in pictures

Snacks – snacks like energy bars are easy to carry and light

Identification – if detained by the police, not having your ID might mean you will be stuck there for longer (in some states, you might not need to show your ID to cops when asked to do so, check this before you go out to protest)

Cash – enough for food, emergency transportation, or a payphone

Basic First Aid Kit

Menstrual pads – if detailed by the police, you might not get the chance to change your tampon

Emergency contact information – write emergency contact information on your arm in sharpie, along with the number of a legal rep

Hand sanitizer

A change of clothes – a change of clothes can come in handy if you get exposed to chemical agents or if you get splashed in anything gross and generally want to change

A power bank – if you are bringing it, fully charge your phone before going out and consider bringing a battery pack in case of emergency

Comfortable shoes – preferably protective shoes you can run in

Eye protection – sunglasses, swimming goggles

Clothing to cover all of your skin, preferably all-black

N95 facemask

Disable any biometric data on your phone – cops can use biometric data (FaceID, TouchID) to unlock your phone. Disable these features and enable a 6-digit passcode, or even better, if you have access to a burner, leave your phone at home. Switch your phone onto Airplane mode, and disable your cellular data, as well as Bluetooth and location services.

Document actions of police – film actions of police violence and arrests. You are legally allowed to film anything the cops do at a protest, and you should. Document any injuries caused by the police through photos and take down the time and location.

Stay vigilant – take not of the actions of the people around you, and be aware of all exit paths around you.

Follow the lead of organizers – follow their instructions and respect their requests. Be aware of when to take a step back and, especially if you are white, give others the chance to speak out. DO NOT center yourself.

Protect the identity of your fellow protesters – do not share any photos of them on social media.

Learn your rights - https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights#im-attending-a-protest

Do not wear contact lenses – if you get exposed to any chemical agents like tear gas or pepper spray, having your contacts in can make that experience a whole lot worse

Do not wear anything that can easily be grabbed, like jewelry or loose hair

Do not wear eye makeup, oil-based sunscreen, or Vaseline on your skin, because they can trap chemicals

Do not go alone (if you can avoid it) – buddy up with people you know well, and come up with a plan on how to get back in touch with them if you get separated

Do not eat or drink too much - access to bathrooms during protests isn’t great

Do not bring weed, alcohol or any other drugs to a protest

Stay calm and try not to panic – panic increases the irritation. Get to a safe area

Take to higher ground – tear gas is heavier than air, so it will sink down towards the ground. Do not crouch or lie on the ground

Do not rub your eyes – blink and rinse them

Blow your nose, rinse your mouth out and try to clear your throat (cough, spit, DO NOT swallow)

Flush your eyes – tilt your head side-ways and rinse each eye with your water (half liquid anti-acid and half water solution, or diluted baby shampoo work best. Do not use milk, it spoils fast and can cause infections)

Change your clothes and get clean