******IMPORTANT ADDITION:*******
Check out this site: www.womensmarch.com/…
Click on “What to Bring to the March” to find strict size limitations to bags (very small), backpacks (must be clear), lunch bags, and signage.
I just had to remove the “handles” of the signs I made. (Apparently they are considered to be possible weapons.) You can have a cardboard handle. My husband had placed a cardboard tube in the recycling bin yesterday, so I retrieved it to add to my sign.
The following are tips from my own experience, plus some suggestions I gleaned from online sites.
1. Check the weather for DC.
Wear appropriate clothing and the most comfortable shoes you own for both standing and walking.
Sunny weather: wear a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and sunscreen.
Cool or cold weather: wear layers.
Possible rain: a lightweight rain poncho or a trash bag with holes for head and arms.
In case of rain, cover your signs in clear plastic (a dry-cleaning bag with clear packing tape will work) so the colors don’t run onto your clothing.
2. Eat before attending a protest.
3. Set up a meeting place every hour or two ---just in case you cannot get through to friends or family on your mobile phone.
**When there are huge crowds, cell phone towers can't handle all the calls.**
I worked for one of the major cellular companies which delivers "C.O.W.s" (Cells On Wheels) to boost the capacity near events that attract huge crowds, so they will probably have some in place on Saturday in DC. (I haven’t worked there since 2008, but I assume they still do that.) However, C.O.W.s may not be able to handle all calls. Although many phone services use the towers of other companies, it’s possible you will not be able to access the extra service.
4. Give no personal information to anyone at the March, just in case someone infiltrating the protesters is phishing for information.
5. Carry water with you. Stay hydrated.
6. Take advantage of restrooms any time you can. **** See additional info below with links to Welcome Stations in DC (restrooms, water, snacks, a place to sit, and other services.)
7. Write important information on your forearm with a Sharpie. (Emergency contact, drug allergies, etc.) Also have identification and health care cards or copies with you.
8. Carry only the bare essentials and certainly nothing you can’t afford to lose. If you have a travel belt, pouch or leg wallet that can be worn under clothing, use it. Otherwise a small backpack worn on the front will be useful. Don’t carry a wallet or other valuables in a pocket. Pickpockets love large crowds.
9. If a disruption begins, calmly move as far away as possible. There are rumors that Trump is sending infiltrators to incite violence to make protesters look bad. Do not respond to jeers or taunts, just move away.
10. Obey police directions, even if you think you are right. (But you are not required to answer police questions,)
11. Not all protestors will want to be photographed/filmed. If someone asks that you stop, it is best to comply immediately. Legally you can take photos in public places, but antagonizing a fellow protester is not worth the hassle.
12. Other items to consider taking with you:
We of course hope protests will be peaceful and you will not be injured in any way, but—just in case——
Bandaids: If for no other reason, they will be useful to cover blisters.
Essential medications: Just in case you are detained or delayed, you should have enough for the next few doses.
Water-based wipes or moist towelettes in a zip-lock bag. (Or make your own with paper towels, baking soda and water.) They are good for removing sweat and dirt or wiping your hands. If an infiltrator pepper-sprays you, you can wipe it from your skin. Eye drops will help to clear your eyes.
Pen and paper to document badge numbers or other info you may need later.
Snacks: I take individually-wrapped cheese snacks, nuts, and dried fruit. They are lightweight and give me both protein and energy. If the day is hot and sunny, salted nuts will help retain water.
Incontinence underwear or pads: Even if you have no problem with incontinence, it may be difficult to find a restroom and when you do, there may be long lines. This is a “just-in-case” measure to avoid accidents and embarrassment. Take a couple of extra pads with you. Most incontinence underpants can we torn to remove them while still wearing slacks, but you may have to remove clothing to put on another pair. You could wear 2 pair, one on top of the other. If one gets soaked you can remove it and have another already in place. (Wear roomy slacks to accommodate the extra layers.) But a pad which can be attached to your own underwear should work, too, and can be easily removed and replaced.
_____
I later thought of a few more which I added in a comment, but am copying here:
Anywhere there are crowds, be aware of your surroundings and if something doesn’t look right, move away and call 911. For example, look for bags or backpacks without owners.
Avoid being in the center of a crowd. If you have to move away quickly, it will be difficult. Stay near the edges.
I attended lots of protests and marches in my younger days (70s-80s) and there were never more than a few with opposing opinions on the the sidelines with signs. But it’s a different time. I’m not extremely worried ---my husband is more worried than I am, but this will be his first protest march.
Be alert and aware and stay safe.
****
Welcome Stations in DC on 1/21/17
with restrooms, places to charge phones, find a snack, fill a water bottle, or just sit for a while:
Find a map with welcome stations marked with blue symbols: www.google.com/...
A printable list of welcome stations: docs.google.com/...