This month’s session of the PNA Foundation Journalism Training Certification Program provided practical advice for journalists working in high-risk environments such as protests and other volatile situations.

Moderated by Paula Knudsen Burke, senior supervising attorney, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the session’s speakers included Molly Eichel, deputy managing editor for live and breaking news for The Philadelphia Inquirer; Nadine Hoffman, deputy executive director of the International Women’s Media Foundation, Washington, D.C.; Tom Murse, executive editor of LNP | LancasterOnline; and Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel for the National Press Photographers Association, Athens, Ga.

Among the tips they shared:

• Plan Ahead: Hold a pre-assignment meeting to clarify roles, points of contact, attire (neutral colors), and essential gear
• Buddy System: Pair up to monitor each other’s safety throughout coverage
• Emergency Contacts: Write critical phone numbers on your arm in case your phone becomes inaccessible
• Press ID: Keep credentials visible but avoid wearing them around your neck, as they can be used as a weapon
• Protective Gear: Consider whether to wear gear or keep it accessible for quick use as it does raise visibility
• Police Contact: Establish a liaison with local law enforcement for emergencies or custody situations
• Situational Awareness: Stay alert, avoid getting caught in crowds, and always have an exit strategy

Next month’s session, “Mental Health and Wellness – Covering Trauma While Protecting Yourself,” will be held on Feb. 9. Moderated by Jan Murphy, PNA Director of Government Affairs, it will explore strategies for reporting on sensitive stories while safeguarding your own mental health.