• Plan in advance
• Establish pre-arranged contact points with the rest of your team (photographer, camera operator, producer, etc.) if you plan to separate
• Always carry press identification, but conceal it if it attracts unwarranted attention
• Bring a cellular phone with emergency numbers pre-set for speed dialling
• Position yourself upwind if there is a possibility that tear gas will be used
• Bring eye protection such as swimming goggles or industrial eye protection
• Carry first aid kits and know how to use them
• Wear loose, natural fabric clothing as this will not burn as readily as synthetic ones; remember there is always the possibility of gasoline bombs being exploded
• Carry a small backpack with enough food and water to last for a day in case you are unable to get out of the area
• If you are a reporter you don’t have to be in the crowd as long as you can see what’s happening
• If you are a photographer or camera operator, try to shoot from a higher vantage point. The use of flats and buildings to report is common-place, but ensure exit is possible and does not become obstructed.
• Work with the team and keep a mental map of your escape route if things turn bad
• Have an immediate newsroom debriefing after the coverage to extract lessons from the coverage

Courtesy of International News Safety Institute