The past decade has brought record numbers of Americans to the streets over critical issues — gun violence, racial injustice, police brutality and reproductive rights.

Recently, the KILLINGS of two American citizens in Minneapolis and countless reports of harassment and unconstitutional raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have prompted protests from coast to coast, including many planned this week.

While demonstrations are an important way to create change, protesters face real risks from violent counterprotesters, law enforcement responses and health concerns when large groups gather.

Read more: What Can You Legally Share About ICE Raids on Social Media? I Know

CNET does not encourage violation of curfews or legal restrictions. However, if you do attend a demonstration, here’s how to protect your physical and digital safety with guidance from Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union and other sources.

preparations

Preparation is essential. Here’s what to consider taking and leaving:

What to bring:

• A body camera or GoPro
• Water and snacks
• Face mask (the risk of outdoor transmission is lower but masks still help prevent the spread of the disease)
• Hand sanitizer
• Charged phone with a power bank
• ID and cash
• Protective goggles for tear gas
• Essential medicines such as inhalers
• Small backpack
• Emergency contacts written on your arm in marker
• A partner or tell someone your location when alone

What not to bring:

• Any problem with going to jail — weapons, things that could be considered weapons or illegal things
• Contact lenses (wear glasses — contacts trap tear gas)
• Valuables
• Makeup (helps tear gas stick to skin)

What to wear:

• Warm clothes, comfortable and without logos or patterns
• Long sleeves and pants to protect from tear gas and cover identifying features such as tattoos
• Sturdy shoes for fast movement (hiking boots are recommended)
• A hat for sun protection or mingling with people

What to do with your phone

As reported via our sister site PCMag, your phone can be a safety asset but also a liability in protests. “Many smart devices track your location in many ways. This is useful for getting directions and finding things nearby, but it can also allow law enforcement to capture your movements after the fact. For example, pictures you take with a smartphone often include their physical locations, and Google Maps maintains records of your movements in your Timeline section.”

With that in mind, here are four simple steps you can take to minimize mobile tracking:

• Turn off Wi-Fi.
• Disable location services and Bluetooth until you need it.
• If you don’t need to use your data connection, turn it off (note that this may hinder your ability to use encrypted communications).
• Again, if you can, leave your phone at home — if not, at least turn it off.

During a protest

Make a plan before arriving, including how and when you plan to leave. Decide on your arrival and departure times, what situations will prompt you to leave and how you will get out if things get worse. Share this plan with someone staying at home who can help if needed.

Stay alert to your surroundings and crowd movements. If something feels wrong, leave immediately.

Law enforcement may use tear gas, rubber bullets or other crowd control methods that may cause injury. Your best protection is to distance yourself from these situations quickly. If that’s impossible, research how to respond to these specific threats in advance.

Health precautions

Outdoor gatherings carry a lower risk of COVID, flu and the common cold than indoors but the risk remains, especially for immunocompromised individuals. Complete protection means not attending but you can reduce the risk by:

• Wear a mask
• Always use hand sanitizer
• Stay home if you feel sick
• Skip protests if you live with high-risk people

Know your rights

the Protected by the First Amendment peaceful assembly but you may still face imprisonment. Before attending:

• Search “(your city) protest legal support” to find local hotlines
• Save these numbers in your phone and write them on your arm
• Review your rights during protests using the ACLU Guide