Civil Unrest

Emergency Responder Forum

Definitions
Civil Unrest – civil strife
Definitions
Civil Unrest  Civil Disturbance
Term typically used by law
enforcement to describe unrest caused
by a group of people.
A form of protest against major socio-
political problems
Definitions
CivilDisorder - a group lashing out in a “violent”
public disturbance against authority, property, or
people.

Riots - a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd

Riots typically involve vandalism and the destruction
of property, public or private. The property targeted
varies.
Regardless…
Fire Departments must have
policy and response protocols
to address these situations
WHEN they occur.
Incidents WILL Occur
Civilunrest incidents often escalate
Not limited to urban areas
Situations vary
peaceful demonstrations
major sporting events
concerts
block parties
political conventions
abortion clinics
racial tensions
NFPA 1500
 Standardon Fire Department Occupational Safety and
Health Program: Sections 6-7, Civil Unrest/Terrorism:
Fire departments shall develop and maintain written
guidelines that establish a standardized approach to the
safety of members at incidents that involve violence,
unrest or civil disturbances.
Such situations shall include but not be limited to riots,
fights, violent crimes, drug-related situations, family
disturbances, deranged individuals, and people with fire
department operations.
NFPA Emergency Responder Forum
Civil Unrest Group

Major Deliverables
White Paper
Metro Chiefs, NFPA C&E and Urban Fire
Forum Position Statement
Example Policies
Example Protocols
White Paper -->Position/Policy/Protocol
Community Relations-
Social investment
Identify major stakeholders – know and engage
Be visible outside emergency events – neighborhood activities
Partner in the community – faith-based leaders, schools, and
police to exchange information
Customer service
Safety checks, smoke detectors, station/neighborhood
events, junior FF programs… etc
Position/Policy/Protocol
Planning and Preparedness
Force Protection –
 Security Force Protection = National guard, Federal/state resources
 PPE – type, when worn, how deployed???
Assess the potential for an event
Facilities
Which can be secured if needed? … with crews inside or responding?
Training
Multiple agency preplan
Train as you will respond (practice)
Position/Policy/Protocol
Planning and Preparedness
Communications and Coordination
Interagency
PRIOR to an event – clear roles and responsibilities (and limitations)
Mutual Aid – e.g. safe routes for transport
Secure
Command structure
Unified Command
Intelligence
Monitoring social media before, during and after
Respond to concerns of the public before there is an issue
Proactively post messages about mission of the agency
Position/Policy/Protocol
Mobilization
Tactical
TaskForce Assembly
Mutual Aid
Position/Policy/Protocol
Operations
 Incident Command
 Establish Unified Command
 Area coordination
 Officer Assignments
 Accountability
Use what you know (use the system in place)
Position/Policy/Protocol
Operations
 TaskForce Assignments
 Zones of Operation
 Communication
 Complicated within unified command structure
 Methods to be used
Existing system (what is used daily)
Cell phones
 Mutual Aid
Indications for use
 Communication and Assignment
Position/Policy/Protocol

Mitigation
Force Protection
Fire Suppression
 Structure fire
 Water access (other extinguishing agents)
 Restoration of sprinkler systems
 Rescue operations
 Aerial and roof operations
 Salvage and Overhaul
 Vehicle fires
EMS
Rescue task forces
Security escorts
Position/Policy/Protocol

Responder Health and Safety

Personal Protective Gear
 Ballistic gear, helmets
 Law Enforcement Cover and Force Protection
 Decontamination
 Rehab
 Behavioral Health (PTS)
 Responder Family Communications and Support
Position/Policy/Protocol

Recovery and Solutions

 Post Incident Critique
 Training
 Community Needs
 Documentation
 Economic Recovery
 Overall Philosophy

“We didn’t cause it… but we can make

it better or worse”