In a collapse of civil order, a riot can break out in any number of scenarios…
- A Natural disaster that causes food shortages
- Political unrest that triggers protests
- Desperate revolt at food/water distribution points
- Looting during a civil breakdown
Of course you can try to avoid these types of scenarios, but the reality is, you may find yourself thrust into any one of them in the strange, uncertain times we’re currently facing.
When a riot breaks out, one of the most common crowd dispersion tools used by police or military is going to be tear gas.
And unless you’re packing a gas mask at your side (who does that?), you’re going to need protection fast before your eyes start burning… your breathing becomes complete agony… and 3′ long snot starts pouring out of your nose, so…
Here’s How To Make An Improvised Gas Mask In A Riot
Swim Goggles
The most dangerous element of getting gassed is loss of vision.
People die from being trampled by a stampeding mob and when a crowd gets a tear gas canister lobbed into the middle of it, people panic and just start running.
You need to be able to see in order to get out of the way and make it to safety.
Get yourself a pair of tight-fitting swim goggles and keep them in a small tactical bag – they’re fast and easy to put on and will protect your eyes from the gas.
Cider Vinegar
Cider vinegar can help to neutralize the tear gas to somewhat protect you from inhalation (others claim lemon juice will also work).
Put some in a small plastic squeeze bottle and keep it in a zip-lock bag in your tactical bag.
Bandana
I recommend a darker colored bandana for your tactical bag (not the bright red ones that will draw attention to you) and keep it in the same zip-lock bag as the vinegar.
Should you need your improvised gas mask, simply open the zip-lock bag with the bandana in it… and squeeze the cider vinegar into the cloth.
Pull it out and place it around your nose and mouth to protect from inhaling the gas as best you can until you can get to safety.
How To Escape A Gas Attack In A Riot
Of course the best advice is to NOT be near a riot in the first place, right?
As simple as that may sound, you never know when a flash riot could erupt at a distribution point for resupply or any area where desperate citizens are congregating.
All it takes is one loudmouth a-hole to get everyone riled up about “lack of leadership” and it’s now a free-for-all that brings the riot police running.
Should you find yourself in trouble, put on your improvised gas mask quickly (as well as for your family) and try to get upwind of the source of the gas or get to high ground (like a hill or building rooftop).
The gas stays low to the ground and high ground is more defensible if you have to fight back when things get even uglier and looting breaks out.
For more survival advice, check out our collection of 250 “collapse survival” tips you can use to prepare now for any disaster, crisis or attack.
Over 5,000 fellow survivalists joined together to compile the ultimate “cheat sheet” and it’s a must-have for the serious patriot.
