If there's immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number when it's safe to do so.
If you're worried someone may access your device, use a safer device or private way to look for help when possible.
Public disturbance or unrest
When a public situation starts escalating.
If a public event, protest, disturbance, confrontation, or group conflict becomes volatile, your job is to give yourself options — not to find out how it ends.
Move away from escalating conflict, avoid getting boxed in, use public routes, and follow official instructions.
Don't move toward the chaos
If a disturbance is escalating, move away from the centre of it if you can. Avoid curiosity, crowd pressure, and routes that could become blocked.
Keep your route simple
Choose open, public routes. Move toward transit, businesses, staffed places, friends, or familiar locations when possible.
Avoid the argument
You don't have to debate, confront, film, livestream, or prove anything. Your safety decision can be simple.
Use official information
Pay attention to official local instructions. Emergency, transit, venue, municipal, and public-safety information may help you choose your next step.
If you're separated
Contact your group or trusted person when you can. Use a planned meeting point or choose a public, staffed location.
You don't need to stay for the ending.
If your situation involves ongoing control, abuse, stalking, or barriers that make leaving unsafe or difficult, visit: When leaving isn't simple.
Go to When leaving isn't simpleLast reviewed: 2026-09-16. Official guidance can change. Follow local authorities and emergency personnel in a real emergency.