DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

What are YOU gonna do about…CIVIL DISTURBANCES OR CIVIL UNREST?Civil disturbances (also called civil unrest or riots) can happen for manydifferent reasons like frustration with the government, a bad court decision,drunken mayhem after sporting events, or racial tensions in a neighborhood.Or sometimes a peaceful rally, concert or party can turn violent andspill over into neighborhoods or business districts. Sometimes authoritiescan block off the affected areas -- other times things may just go crazy.DURING A RIOT OR CIVIL UNREST:Stay calm & be aware - If possible, avoid contact with rioters and keep alow profile. And leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.Listen - If officials tell you to leave or to shelter-in-place ... DO it! Stayupdated with local radio and TV reports since rumors may be flying around.Evacuate? – If you are told to leave - do so ... and IF you have time...• Secure your home or business. Lock doors and windows,back up files if possible, take valuables and importantpapers with you (or lock them up), etc.• Don’t try to drive through a crowd -- find another way out.Things to watch for:• flying objects or gas - rioters may throw rocks, bottles,bricks, cans, fireworks, molatov cocktails ... and policemay have to use rubber bullets, bean bags or tear gas forcrowd control• damaged areas - drunks and rioters may smash windows,burn tires, overturn cars and set buildings or homes on fire• suspicious packages - rioters may call in bomb threatsFirearms - Sometimes looting occurs but be smart about protecting yourproperty, it’s not worth getting hurt or shot defending it. (Learn more aboutfirearm safety from local law enforcement officials or at www.nra.org.)Don’t go there - Stay away from the area until authorities say all is clear.National Guard - If things get out of hand, local law enforcement mayrequest the National Guard come in and help so don’t be alarmed if you seeuniformed armed forces on the streets.42 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325