Civil unrest or disturbance is an unlawful assembly that constitutes a breach of the peace, or any assembly of persons where there is danger of collective violence, destruction of property or other unlawful acts.

What to do in the event of civil unrest

• Determine whether it is safer to lock building/rooms and "shelter-in-place" or to evacuate.
• Call 9-1-1.
• If sheltering-in-place, do so away from windows and glass. Secure the building.
• If evacuating, ensure that both the evacuation point and route to it are safe. Assemble away from the area of disturbance.

Technological hazards arise from human activities such as the manufacture, transportation, storage and use of hazardous materials. Technological hazards also include nuclear power plant failures and radiological releases. Hazardous material spills and releases are the most common type of technological hazard. 

What to do in the event of a hazardous material spill

• Do not attempt to contain a spill.
• Move away from the spill.
• Isolate the contaminated area.
• Inform co-workers and visitors in the immediate area of hazard.
• If it is suspected that the spill could pose a health or safety hazard, evacuate the area.
• Call facilities representative. Be prepared to provide location, address, phone number and description of the spill.
• If there is a chance that the spill could enter storm drains, cover and block the drains.
• Follow HAZMAT plan, if applicable.
• If direct contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly wash body. (All materials used to clean up must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of properly.)

Terrorism is the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives. 

Terrorist weapons may include biological, chemical, nuclear or radiological weapons as well as arson, incendiary, explosive, and armed attacks; industrial sabotage and hazardous material releases and cyber-terrorism. Improvised high explosive devises have been the terrorists’ weapon of choice.

The San Diego Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center is responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating local area terrorism threat information. Local threat information is disseminated through bulletins and terrorism liaison officers.

Prevention tips

• If your suspicion is aroused, ask the individual if you can help them find someone or some destination. Only provide appropriate assistance after confirming their identity.
• If you are uncomfortable challenging the individual and if safe to do so, continue to monitor their direction of travel and ask a co-worker to contact your supervisor or call 9-1-1. Be prepared to provide location, address, phone number, description of the individual and incident, etc.
• If you find a suspicious object, do not open, move, sniff or touch the object. Move away from the object, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1.
• Never disturb a suspicious device.
• Remember: If you see something, say something.

How to prepare for a terrorist attack

• Know the 8 signs of suspicious activity: Surveillance, Elicitation, Tests of Security, Funding, Acquiring Supplies, Impersonation, Rehearsal, and Deployment. Watch the video: The Eight Signs of Terrorism. 
• Since 9/11, many terrorist plots (including several in the United States by homegrown terrorists) have been hindered by ordinary citizens who notified authorities
• Create a family disaster plan, create and replenish a family disaster home kit, register with the County’s AlertSanDiego notification system, donate blood, and join a Community Emergency Response Team
• Business leaders can join the County’s ReadySanDiego Business Alliance, a coalition of businesses that work with public agencies to improve the safety and security of the region.
• Learn more...