Floods and Tidal Waves Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Flood effects may be limited to a local event, affecting an individual community in low‐lying areas or adjacent to a river, or may be widespread, affecting entire river basins. Floods may occur within a matter of minutes (flash floods), or may develop slowly over a period of days. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away buildings, vehicles, and other structures in its path, occurring with little sign of the rainfall that initiated the event. Tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves or tidal waves, result from a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption, and occur with little if any warning. A tsunami can move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and strike land with waves as high as 100 feet (or more).

In the event of a flood or tidal wave 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 the location of the risk, as well as the direction and the speed of the water's travel in order to evaluate the likely affected risk area.
3. Move personnel to high ground if possible. If remaining in buildings, utilities should be switched off and materials moved to the higher levels.
4. Centralize food, water, and other essential stores in an area that is protected from floodwater. Fill up bathtubs and containers with water at the start of a flood. Expect to be self‐reliant for several days.
5. Avoid areas that might channel floodwaters (e.g., low‐lying ground, wadis, riverbeds, valleys, etc.).
6. If time permits, use water barriers (e.g., sandbags, etc.) to seal doorjambs, cracks, windows, and the like to stop or slow water entering facilities.
7. Place indicators for emergency responders that personnel are trapped in buildings by using sheets, paint, and so on, stating numbers, casualties, and any support needed.
8. Monitor radio stations to track the event and its possible effects.
9. Avoid walking through moving water, as it can sweep personnel off their feet and disguise hidden hazards.
10. Avoid moving through flooded regions due to contamination and health hazards.
11. Do not drive through a flooded area, as it will disguise holes and hazards, and two feet of moving water can sweep vehicles downstream.
12. Drink only bottled or stored water; utilities may have been contaminated.
13. Be aware of secondary hazards: Pipelines (gas, water, sewer) may have been ruptured, power cables may have electrified water, and crime and health hazards may increase.
14. Implement other aspects of the IMP as appropriate.
15. 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

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

Mugging or Robbery Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Robbery or mugging is a risk faced in any part of the world. Companies should advise their personnel to avoid areas with high crime rates or hostile ethnic populations, as well as educate them as to personal security awareness. This can be especially relevant in poor countries or where ethnic or gender groups may be exposed to higher levels of risk. Personnel should avoid demonstrating their wealth, should carry limited cash or valuable items, and should always seek to remain in public and well‐lit spaces. A person who is robbed or mugged is generally advised not to be aggressive, but to hand over money and possessions without resistance, remaining calm so as not to excite the robber. Typically robberies are motivated by crime, rather than a personal grudge, and most criminals will depart after being given money or valuable items.

In the event of a robbery incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management Team using the SAD CHALETS system. Inform the Crisis Response Team only if serious injury occurred or if sensitive materials were stolen.
2. Determine whether anyone was injured, physically or psychologically.
3. Seek medical assistance if injuries occurred, and counseling if appropriate.
4. Determine what was stolen: its value to the individual as well as the company.
5. Inform the police, providing:
   • Date, time, and location of occurrence.
   • Injuries resulting from the event.
   • Items stolen.
   • Description of the assailant.
   • Any history associated with the area or individual of assaults and robberies.
6. Review the security measures or advisory briefing for the area in which the crime occurred.
7. Determine whether risks are posed to employees inside and outside of the facility.
8. Provide a detailed incident report if the event occurred on company property.
9. Increase security measures if the incident occurred on company property.

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