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  Civil Disorder - 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  Civil unrest 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  Standard on 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  Task Force 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  Task Force 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”