IF YOU know you have to go out into a rioting crowd, try to make this decontamination spray before leaving. The recipe was taken from Rosie Garthwaite’s book, How to avoid being killed in a war zone. However, this spray  works only when being confronted with agents such as CS and CN; it does NOT work when you have been exposed to OC, also known as “Pepper Spray”. Find some antacid. Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Gaviscon, Eno, Milk of Magnesia, Alka-Seltzer are all suitable, as is bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Dilute with water. Add to a spray bottle that you can easily carry. Spray on eyes, nose and skin if you are attacked by chemicals. The spray will help to neutralize the attack.
If you have been exposed to OC (“Pepper Spray”) rinse your eyes with as much fresh water as possible. Also wash your mouth, nose and any other part of your body that had contact with OC. However, do not drink the water after flushing your mouth!

A few tips
* Try to figure out why the riot is occurring. Knowing the cause of a riot can help you determine an appropriate response. That said, don’t waste too much time trying to investigate the cause, and don’t venture into a riot just to find out why the rioters are mad.
* Dress appropriately. If the anger of the rioters is directed toward foreigners, try to look like a local. Choose clothing that will help you blend in. If the rioters are divided into factions, however, try to appear neutral. Don’t wear clothing or carry accessories that might mark you as belonging to one faction or another. In either case, try to avoid looking conspicuously wealthy, as you are likely to draw the unwanted attention of opportunistic thieves.
* If a riot breaks out in a stadium, your response should be different, depending on where you are in relation to the rioters. If you are in the midst of a riot, you should try to quickly move to an exit. Don’t run, however, and try not to jostle others. If you are at some distance from the action, stay where you are unless instructed to move by police or security personnel. Don’t rush for the exits unless you’re in imminent danger. People are frequently trampled by stampeding crowds near exits.
* When in the middle of a tear gas attack, stay out of the line of fire of the police. Gas canisters fired from launchers will cause significant injury upon impact.
* Some gases are not very heavy, while some are, so it’s best to avoid clouds and gas at all cost. Never touch your eyes or try to wipe your tears; you will only smear them in your face, causing yourself more pain.
* Riots don’t drop out of thin air. Generally, there may be signs of public anger and violence at least one day (in some cases even 3-4 days) before the actual riot. Reading the newspapers and following the news may give you a warning about impending protests, rallies, marches etc. Being informed and avoiding troubled areas may be your best defence.

Warnings
* Do not try to confront rioters or looters to prevent property damage. No material thing is worth your life.
* Do not approach police lines to attempt to cross to safety. Police are in place to confine the unrest and prevent its spread. Their orders are usually not to allow anyone to pass. The use of riot control measures, including rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons originate from the police line, and the likelihood of injury is greatest there.
* Watch your footing in a mob situation. If you stumble and fall to the ground you’re likely to be trampled. This is especially dangerous in stadiums and other enclosed areas, where many unfortunate victims have been crushed to death.
* If you fall, pull yourself up into a ball. Protect your face, ears and internal organs. In this position you are a smaller object that can be avoided. You will receive less damage if you are stepped on. If others trip on you they will help create a larger “pile” that rioters will avoid.
* Never touch a tear gas cannister with bare hands; once discharged they’re very hot.