A riot policeman fires tear gas to disperse NASA supporters during a protest along a street in Nairobi, Kenya October 13, 2017. [Photo: The Star]​

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NASA protests are increasingly becoming violent and at the same time dangerous especially where rioters decide to engage the police.

Casualties and injuries are already being reported, and this can only get worse now that NASA has threatened to make them a daily affair beginning next week.

However, of important to note is that any protest can turn violent even if it starts out out calm and peaceful. This is especially if the crowd is emotionally charged enough with anger or frustration.

You need to be aware of this and make sure that you get out safely if you find yourself in the middle of one. So, what to do if you find yourself in a protest or riot? These are 5 things to do according to The Preparedness Podcast.

First, get out and away as fast as you can. This may or may not be easy, as you could find yourself swept up by the rush of people, or you could find yourself the target of their anger. You never know who or what the mob will decide to vent their anger on.

If you do get swept up with the crowd, go with the flow of traffic. Don’t try to fight against the push of people, move in the same direction as the mob and try to move to the side. If you can get to the side the crushing forces will be less and you can take an opportunity to exit the crowd.Once you leave the immediate mob area, get as far away as you can, even if it means you’re moving away from where you want to be.

Second, offer no resistance to the Police. While you’re a part of the mob and even when you try leaving it, the Police are going to assume you’re a part of the protest. So, if confronted by the police, resistance means they’ll only beat you harder.Also, claiming that you not a part of the mob isn’t going to get you anywhere, either. Your best case is to offer no resistance and hope they they either arrest you with as little pain as possible or move on to 'bigger fish'.

Third, know where you are and alternate routes. This is extremely helpful as it gives you the ability to make snap decisions.

Four, stay alert to what’s going on in the news, so you have advanced notice that protests are either occurring or the potential for them to occur.

Finally, if you’re in a vehicle, attempt to get out of the area, but don’t use the vehicle to be aggressive towards the rioters (unless you’re prepared to run them over).