When going on a date, always meet in a public space and avoid drinking and drugs until you fully trust that individual. Let friends and family know your itinerary and have a preset check-in times. Drive yourself or arrange your own ride so that you have the addresses of where you are going. If you plan on drinking, have preplanned ways to get home.

Always stay in touch with someone you trust, and I can’t stress the need to stay away from drugs and drinking. If you do decide to drink, never accept an open drink or drink from a communal punch. Always make sure you can open the bottle or can yourself. 

All drugs and alcohol lower your defense and impair movement. The three most popular date rape drugs are Rohypnol (ruphy), GBH (sherry meth, scoop or goop), and Ketamine (cat valium, K-hole, or purple). All of these are tasteless and odorless. Most take thirty minutes to kick in and will last for hours. Also, alcohol makes the effects of most of them even worse. Here is a link to five items that you can purchase to detect date rape drugs. https://www.efficientgov.com/preventing-sexual-assault-and-intimate-partner-violence/articles/5-gadgets-that-alert-drinkers-to-date-rape-drugs-n2AXeJb4rn45lMFG/

Go home immediately if you feel confused or intoxicated, your intuition feels off, or problem behavior begins. If your date is pressing you or manipulating you, get out of there. If your partner is trying to get you drunk or if you clearly say “no,” and the behavior persists. There are times when you may feel comfortable enough to engage in sexual activity. If you have communicated to your partner what you are comfortable with and they force other ideas upon you, you should leave. It is okay to withdraw verbal consent at any time.

The bottom line is when dating, stay public, stay sober, and stay connected, even if it is just a trip to the bathroom.

If you are out on the town or participating in a peaceful protest and you suddenly find yourself in a riot. Check out some of the past episodes in the Changing Earth Survival Guide. We have done some great episodes about situational awareness and protecting your family.

The first thing you need to do is preplan. Whether you are going to work, school, the store, or a peaceful protest, you should plan for a bad scenario. Think about escape routes. When violence breaks out, social standards don’t apply. Use any exit, even back doors of stores and restaurants. Carry a small amount of cash in case you need to pay for a ride. Know how to stay informed. Use social media or have your friends on overwatch for you.

Always stay on the lookout for signs of violence. If two opposing sides suddenly come withing pushing distance, that is not good. Look for aggressive body language or people grabbing things to throw. With facemasks on, it is hard to read the signs that people usually use to communicate. Ben Branam gives us some great tips to look out for when you are out on the town. Be aware of individuals who are target glancing. This eye movement means they are staring at something but divert their eyes when you notice to hide it. Watch their toes. The toes will point in the direction that they desire going to take them. Watch their hands for shaking. Adrenaline will make you shake or have nervous actions with your fingers. Another thing that adrenaline does is cause you to have an unusually high energy level.

When peace turns to violence, leave at once. Remain calm, so you do not attract attention. Get your vehicle out of harm’s way before the abuse happens if possible. Leave it, don’t expect people to make a path for you.

Do not approach police lines. The police will not let you through, and you could get caught in between the rioters and the police. Go anyway, but through the police to leave, even if it is the opposite direction, you need to go eventually. Don’t hide in stores or restaurants. Exit out the back of those facilities, if you have to.

Protect your loved ones. Lock arms, or hold hands and stay together at all costs. There is strength in number, so stay together. Go with the flow of people and work your way to the edge to escape. Going against the flow of people will make you stand out. If you fall, get to your feet as fast as possible, using whatever means necessary.

When the police get involved, they will be serious-minded. The police force may be mounted or have vehicles. They will have protective gear and will be armed with non-lethal and lethal options. If an arrest or dispersement orders are given, you do not want to be there. This is the time when the police force may deploy tear gas or pepper spray.

Protect yourself. Wear long sleeve, thick materialled clothing. Do not wear anything that looks like a uniform or the standard outfit of the rioters.

Sugar is another good item to have on hand. When your adrenaline starts to fade, sugar can keep you moving rapidly.

Carry eye rinse to combat tear gas. A solution of half liquid antacid and half water in a spray bottle is effective. You can also take toothpaste and smear it under your eyes. Also, carry a rag soaked in lemon juice or vinegar in a plastic bag. When chemicals are deployed, remove it and use it to breath through.

Avoid the chemicals police deploy at all costs. 

Don’t wear an oil-based moisturizer or sunscreen. It will only help the chemicals stick to you. Wear glasses, not contacts. Contacts can trap the chemicals under them and onto your eyeball—the best thing to have, whether confronting tear gas or pepper spray, is swimming goggles. A moist bandana in a plastic bag wrapped around your mouth also helps. Vinyl or latex gloves worn on the hands will protect your nerve endings. Have a change of clothes and avoid rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Always protect yourself. Find something to shield yourself from objects thrown through the air. Defend yourself from attackers and remove yourself from the situation. Do not go back in for more if you are on the winning side of a self-defense circumstance. Always stay on your feet and know the laws for defending yourself and your property in your state. Stay calm! The mob mentality can suck you in.