“Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) for journalists” is a ten-part series developed by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Silk Road Training and Exile Hub. This first article outlines how to prepare for situations of civil unrest by building practical plans, developing personal safety habits, and reading early warning signs of danger.
Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) is a comprehensive safety training course covering core areas of preparedness for journalists working in high-risk environments. It includes preparedness for civil unrest, conflict zones, hostile environment first aid, vehicle safety, and digital security. Reporting during protests, riots, or public demonstrations requires preparation and awareness. Before heading into such environments, journalists should take the time to assess their readiness, equip themselves appropriately, and mentally rehearse how they will respond if conditions become unsafe.
1- Plan and prepare with intention
Preparation should be specific, not general. Journalists should have a clear understanding of their task, the wider situation, and the risks associated with the specific environment they are going into. The location, crowd dynamics, and the potential for law enforcement intervention, or violence, should all be considered.
- Do a risk assessment. Be educated on the political and social climate, local laws, and previous patterns of unrest.
- Make a communications plan. Inform editors and trusted contacts of the intended route, and plan check-in times.
- Rehearse likely scenarios. If working in a team, discuss roles and agree on meeting points if separated.
- Pack appropriately. Bring only what is essential, including water, basic first aid supplies, a mask or goggles, and press credentials.
- Dress appropriately. Wear non-restrictive clothing and comfortable shoes that allow for quick movement.
2- Build situational awareness and personal safety habits
Staying alert is one of the most effective safety tools in volatile environments. Journalists should maintain situational awareness at all times using the R.E.A.D.E. system:
- Recognise the threat. Constantly observe the crowd, note changes in police posture or group behaviour.
- Evaluate your position. Stay near exits and avoid being trapped between police lines or barricades.
- Avoid the threat. Keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to equipment.
- Defuse the situation. Maintain a non-threatening posture, and avoid making eye contact with aggressive individuals.
- Exit the area. Know when to leave—do not wait for things to get worse before acting.
3- Know the signs and avoid escalation
Violence during civil unrest rarely happens without warning. Tension typically builds in stages. Journalists who recognise the signs of escalating aggression can make safer decisions — whether that means repositioning, stepping back, or leaving altogether. Common signs include:
- Personal abuse directed at individuals.
- Raised voices and increasingly vulgar or aggressive language.
- Physical cues such as clenched fists, finger pointing, or reddening faces.
- People staring, leaning forward, pacing, or stepping aggressively into another’s personal space.
These behaviours may come from protesters, police, or members of the public. Journalists should remain calm and non-confrontational. If possible, stay on the edges of a crowd, and if signs of violence increase, exit the area promptly without drawing attention.
This article is based on the content of a three-day HEAT training conducted by Silk Road Training and organised by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in partnership with Exile Hub.
Silk Road Training offers online and in-person HEAT training led by expert trainers with over 20 years of training and security advisory experience globally to help media professionals and frontline journalists build life-saving skills in high-risk areas.
Exile Hub supports human rights defenders and media professionals facing persecution from the Myanmar junta, helping them continue their work safely through tailored assistance, safe housing, counselling, and skills training.
→ Read Part 2: Techniques to stay safe while covering civil unrest
