Reporting Elections, Safety and Security of Journalists • • • • • the army or police. Threaten to report a would-be attacker to authorities. Always plot an escape route. Establish landmarks such as high trees or lampposts to get your bearings in case of a stampede. If a mob suddenly materialises, make sure someone is watching your back. Take a hotel room next to colleagues. (Unless they have been sexually harassing you, in which case stay on another floor.) Use doorknob alarms. They emit a loud noise if someone tries to break into the room. Keep a can of deodorant to spray into an attacker’s eyes. It will temporarily blind, but won’t cause lasting damage. These tips have been culled from various sources. * First Aid Training Journalists need to get basic First Aid Training for handy skills in emergency situations where medical assistance may not be immediately available for your reporting team or colleagues. It is advisable for those who have already received some training to do refresher courses. Mental health support While reporting elections is generally regarded as “exciting”, medical experts say the work carries a high risk of mental health problems for journalists operating in politically volatile or environments. The risk is considered higher in media hostile situations 59