What is a riot?
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines it as "a temporary violent outburst of civil disorder."
Large scale riots are a regrettable fact of American life. In Australia we have generally only experienced small ones but there is no guarantee that this will not change.
The first thing to do is to avoid a strife-torn area if possible. Remember, a riot is by definition, an absence of order. It is not an orderly spectator sport in which only those designated as participants incur dangers. Whereas normally, if you are blessed with police presence in a dangerous situation you can expect protection, during a riot you are not guaranteed protection at all times. This is true because the number of police personnel during a civil disturbance is usually comparatively small given the job confronting them, also because confusion is always a by-product of a civil disorder.
Therefore, during a riot stay away from the riot area. you only complicate the job of restoring order with your unnecessary presence. Moreover, are entertaining personal tragedy, and even if you escape unhurt, your presence in a congested area may slow the obtaining of care of someone who is injured. So if you must travel at all during a disturbance, take alternate routes to work, or shop in a different business area. If there are no alternative routes, take the day off from work and remain at home. Cancel social engagements, especially those at night. This may seem an inconvenience or even a sacrifice, but it is a small price to pay for protecting your life at a time of maximum danger.
Second, when a riot occurs, stay away from large masses of people in public places. This rule is also applicable beore a disturbance has materialized where there is tension and threat of a riot. Remember that in most riots, the igniting event has been a relatively small occurrence-one that under most circumstances and in normal times would have been obscure. But where the conditions fomenting riots are present, the smallest item can set a crowd into an irrational frenzy of hate. Most of all, do not yourself be a part of this igniting of forces of disorder. do not quarrel in public with a stranger. In fact, when there is a risk of a riot, do not talk unnecessarily in public, other than to observe the usual courtesies. Do not broadcast your own views about controversial matters.
Third, if a riot should occur, gather emergency family provisions. make sure you have adequate food provisions in case the disorder proves to be a sustained one. Since future riots may imperil public utilities, it would be a good idea to store (in a basement or cupboard) emergency supplies of pure water. A list of such supplies can usually be obtained through your local civil defense headquarters. Make sure that you have flashlights in operating order in the event electricity is interrupted. Finally keep you car filled with petrol, and in good mechanical condition. Remember that very often service stations close during a disturbance.
Fourth, in the event of a disorder, instruct your children in detail as to what is expected of them. Especially caution them to resist and report any approaches by strangers. Tell them to seek a policeman any time they cannot return home or are lost. In this connection, make sure you have marked their clothing and books with their complete identification, including address. If possible, accompany them to and from school. If this is not possible, instruct them to return home immediately after school. Finally, in the following these protective measures, maintain an air of calmness and instruct your children to remain calm and not to panic. Reassure them that the situation will soon return to normal.
Finally, during times of local crisis, understand the plice measures that are being taken. Do not be unduly alarmed merely because there are many more police present on the streets and in your neighbourhood. In these circumstances their role changes dramatically, thus their presence reduces the danger to you personally. Understand that they are doing the best job they can under the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. if a police officer gives you an order, obey it promptly and without argument, remembering that they often must make difficult decisions on the spur of the moment. If they have made a mistake in your case, understand it as such and do not take it personally. if they seem unduly gruff, do not be unduly sensitive. Remember, that they may not have slept for several nights and may be worrying about people's safety. Always remember that during an uprising, the police need your help and cooperation. In most cases, you can be of most help by staying away. In all cases, if a policeman gives you a command, obey it immediately and in good faith.