Safe Protesting in the Heat
- Bob Callen
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
We want to turn up the heat on the administration, not ourselves! Here are some tips to keep you safe while you're out protesting this summer.
Before getting into the safety tips, we want to emphasize that the heat index, aka "feels like" temperature, isn't just the air temperature. How hot you feel is the intersection of several variables, including humidity, temperature, and sun exposure. All of these can combine to make an 80 degree day feel sweltering or cool. This week we will be facing hot temperatures, high humidity, and sun exposure as we protest. It'll feel hot no matter what, but when high temperature, humidity, and sunshine combine, we need to be aware of the additional dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
You know your body, so keep yourself safe. If you can't attend a brutally hot, humid protest, wait for a better and safer opportunity to protest for you. Self-care is an act of resistance when the administration is trying to kill you.
Wear sunscreen! I wear SPF 70, because I have fair skin. You do you as far as choosing your SPF, but wear sunscreen. While you're at it, carry your sunscreen with you to share with those who forget theirs.
Dress appropriately! I usually wear a broad brimmed hat and light colored sun hoodie. Think light colored, loose-fitting clothes. There's a reason we see landscapers wearing long sleeve shirts!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You will be sweating quite a bit even if you don't feel like you are, especially if it's warmer and drier in the afternoon. Drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour. Don't wait until you feel thirsty--make it a habit to drink every few minutes. More is better. Sports drink is a good idea if you're going to be out in the heat for long, because you'll need to replenish electrolytes and fluids.
Use cooling towels, ice bandanas, misters, and fans! A cooling towel soaked with water for your face, a bandana or neck gaiter (aka a 'buff') filled with ice around your neck, a spray bottle or water gun, and portable fans can help cool you with evaporation.
Take a break in the shade! Need a break? Take one! Go find a seat in the shade. If your car is nearby, start the car up and sit in the a/c for a bit to cool off. Go inside an area business to cool off, and maybe get a sports drink and a snack while you're in there.
Carry a backpack with key items. Keep a small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, neck gaiter, sun hoodie, sunscreen and hat ready by the door or in your car. Just restock it as needed after each time you use it and you're all set.
Keep everyone safe around you! Check in with others. If you need to put on sunscreen, ask if others need sunscreen around you. Make sure everyone is hydrating. Taking care of each other is also an act of resistance!
Finally, don't forget that we publish cancellations for PBR sponsored protests on this page, in News and Resources. That's your first resource to see if a protest has been cancelled.
It's going to be a long hot summer. Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and pace yourselves accordingly!
Stay frosty!
In solidarity,
Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance
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