Some of this information is applicable to crisis planning/emergency managers.
Fire Department/EMS and Election Year Demonstrations/Protests
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More information: Ralph Mroz, Firefighters Support Foundation, 413 774 3512, ralphmroz@comcast.net
The NFPA’s latest magazine (January/February, 2012, page 9), and latest newsletter (http://www.nfpa.org/publicJournalDetail.asp?categoryID=&itemID=54560&src=NFPAJournal&order_src=C246 ), both have an article on the hazards posed by the encampments of the Occupy movement. The article reinforces the fact that fire departments are getting more involved in and affected by civil unrest events. We can expect more of these as we move through an election year, and all agencies should be preparing for them.
The Firefighters Support Foundation’s (FSF) training program, Fire/EMS Response to Civil Unrest, is a great resource for individuals, agencies, and trainers on this subject. This program is completely free to download—simply go to the training page at www.ffsupport.org to access it. The program comprises a 40-minute video program and an accompanying 46-slide PowerPoint program.
The program covers:
- Types of events
- Dispatch issues
- Body armor
- The effects of alcohol
- Coordination with other agencies and the police
- Approach strategies
- The potential for violence
- The NFPA mandate
- Lessons learned from previous events
- Why no jurisdiction is too small
- Proven tactics
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About the Firefighters Support Foundation
The Firefighters Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to assisting firefighters and rescue personnel perform their jobs effectively and safely. We also set aside a portion of our funds to aid underfunded agencies and assist families of fallen firefighters.
