Small Arms Fire Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Small arms fire is the use of rifles or handguns against a target, whether a person, vehicle, or structure, presenting a personal and psychological risk to employees, as well as secondary hazards if fired within areas with highly combustible materials. The caliber and velocity of the round as well as its composition and nature will determine the level of damage this form of threat may pose to personnel or facilities. Typically smaller‐caliber rounds will not penetrate commercial vehicle armoring, although explosive or armor‐piercing rounds will. In addition, munitions can pose an indirect threat if fired indiscriminately, or can create secondary hazards if they ignite explosive or flammable materials. Small arms fire can also present a risk in countries when the firing of weapons is associated with demonstrations or festivals, as rounds may land with sufficient force to cause injuries.

In the event of a small arms fire incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Determine whether a hostile activity is under way:
   • Directly targeting individuals or facilities.
   • Indirect gunfire within a broad zone.
   • Celebratory gunfire from festivals.
3. Determine whether the gunfire is effective—is it hitting the intended targets, or is it indiscriminate?
4. Move personnel to safe areas or havens if permissible.
5. Initiate security response groups if appropriate.
6. Secure the facility; close all access points and lock buildings.
7. Inform all employees: Instruct them where the threat is and direct them to safety.
8. Alert external response groups to intercede: military, police, and commercial QRFs.
9. Implement other aspects of the IMP as appropriate.
10. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.

Key People to Call (see the IMP Communications Plan)

Group	Yes/No	Group	Yes/No
• Medical organization		• Organic QRF
• Military interface		• Crisis response team
• Embassy or consulate		• Security provider (vendor)
• Police, fire, or ambulance		• Other groups