CHIEF’S CORNER: SURVIVING A CIVIL UNREST EVENT

by ECM | June 20, 2025 3:52 pm

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 20, 2025 (San Diego)– Things have been heating up lately, but in a different way. Civil unrest has become the new norm. Like any type of incident, preparedness is key. Knowing you and your family is prepared and safe will bring peace of mind.

Here are some tips if you find yourself in the middle of civil unrest and are concerned for your safety. This is also something you can share with your community as part of your Community Risk Reduction program.

Before hitting the road, keep informed on conditions through news and your own agency. If you become aware of a demonstration avoid the area.
Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. If you come across a demonstration, don’t be a “lookie- loo.” Just leave the area and find another route to where you are headed. If possible, travel with someone, not alone.
If you see fire/police personnel working an incident during civil unrest, move on and let them do their job. They may not be able to identify you and you may wind up in trouble.
Caught in the crossfire: If you find yourself caught up in the middle of a protest or riot, the perimeter is safest. Try not to be identified as one of the demonstrators. At the first chance, move carefully away from the incident and seek refuge until the crowd passes. Do not run as this will draw attention to you.
If by chance you are mistaken as a demonstrator and arrested, do not resist. Go along peacefully
If you are caught up in the crowd, stay clear of glass window fronts. If pushed to the ground, try to get against a wall and roll yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with your hands until the crowd passes. Remember to keep calm – the crowd should sweep past in a short space of time. If you hear gun shots, drop to the ground and cover your head and neck, and lie as flat as you can.
If you are at home or on vacation do not leave or go into the street. Do not be tempted to watch the activity from your window. Draw the curtains or blinds to prevent shards of broken glass entering. If you are in premises which have doors or windows opening on to the roadside of the property, ensure that all windows and external doors are closed and locked. Sleep in an inside room which will provide greater protection from gunfire, rocks or other projectiles.
If you are driving, never drive through a crowd. If you find yourself in the path of a crowd, turn down the nearest side road, reverse or turn around and drive away calmly. If you cannot drive away, park the car, lock it and leave it, taking shelter in a side street or doorway. If you do not have time for this, stop and turn the engine off. Lock the doors and remain calm. Be sure not to show hostility or anger.
When the dust settles and things appear to be calming down, stay indoors as a secondary wave may re-occur. If it is unsafe to stay where you are seeking a place of safety in a less volatile area. If you have suffered injury, seek medical assistance. Report any loss or damage to your property to the police. Report your situation or whereabouts to family/friends/business associates.

We advise our community members to be prepared for days, weeks and sometimes longer to be prepared for disasters both natural and manmade. It’s important for you to do so as well. Have food, water, supplies, medications and extra cash (small bills) available. Meet with your neighbors as work together as a team. You’ll be surprised at the talent they can bring to your neighborhood once you get to know them.

*Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions.

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