Community Distress Resources - 211 Ventura County

When communities face challenging situations, 211 connects residents to resources and support services. 211 Ventura County is a program of Interface Children & Family Services, a non-profit organization unaffiliated with county, state, or federal government agencies. 211 is dedicated to serving all community members regardless of their immigration status, country of origin, political affiliation, or any other demographic characteristic.

Select a situation below to find relevant resources and assistance.

Immigration Enforcement Activities

Legal Aid

Legal Assistance Services: If you need legal assistance with immigration matters, such as family petitions, preparation of immigration forms, or detention, you can click on Immigration Legal Services to search for free or low-cost resources in Ventura County.

Information and Assistance

Centro de Información y Asistencia a Personas Mexicanas (CIAM)

The Center for Information and Assistance for Mexicans (CIAM) is a call center that can help with consular services, assistance locating family and friends, including locating a detained family member, advice on legal and immigration matters, and counseling if you have been the victim of abuse or fraud. CIAM is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (520)-623-7874

ICE Online Detainee Locator

To search for someone who may be detained use the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement Online Detainee Locator to locate a detainee who is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours.

Office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley

For help with general immigration-related concerns or case-specific issues involving federal immigration agencies, you may contact the Office of Congresswoman Julia Brownley. Her office may assist with:

Checking the status of an immigration case or application
Detention Facility location assistance
Locating a detained family member
Confirming whether there is a deportation or removal order

Note: This office does not provide direct legal representation.

If you do not live in the 26th district, you can go to the United States House of Representatives website and enter your zip code to find your representative.

Rapid Response

Rapid Response Networks in California respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions and raids in our communities. Many counties have a local rapid response hotline available 24/7. If the person was detained by ICE within the last 24 hours, contact your local rapid response hotline.

805 Immigrant Rapid Response Hotline: Call 805-870-8855 or text "ALERTA" to receive real-time updates, including updates about ICE activities in the area. The 805 Immigrant Rapid Response Network provides local support and resources to anyone facing immigration enforcement actions in Ventura County.

VC Defensa: Call 805-296-1119 to learn of possible ICE activtity in your area. VC Defensa is a coalition of local organizations dedicated to protecting the immigrant and refugee population in Ventura County.

Know Your Rights Red Cards

All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.

Know Your Rights Red Cards are wallet-sized cards to help individuals understand their rights during encounters with immigration enforcement.

These cards include the list of rights in Spanish on the front of the card and English text on the back for ICE agents, making it clear that the individual is choosing to remain silent.

Click on the images above to be directed to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) website to print your Red Card at home. If you're visiting this page from a mobile device, you can click on the images to save them on your phone.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Immigration Preparedness Toolkit

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offers a practical guide to help immigrants with no legal status or in mixed status families better understand their legal options.

The free ILRC Immigration Preparedness Toolkit includes tips on knowing your rights during ICE confrontations, planning for legal consultations, and accessing additional resources.

If You Are Detained

You have the right to call a lawyer or your family if you are detained, and you have the right to be visited by a lawyer in detention.
You have the right to have your attorney with you at any hearing.
Most people are eligible to be released by bond or with other reporting conditions.
If you are denied release after being arrested, ask for a bond hearing before an immigration judge.

Visit the ACLU Know Your Rights page to learn more.

Resources for Children and Families

Guidance for Immigration Issues Impacting Minors

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Family Preparedness Plan has information about how to make a plan that includes how to plan for who can care for your children if you are unable to and what information and documents you should have ready for your children. The Plan also includes information about getting legal advice and the Know Your Rights Red Card information in the section above.
The California Courts Self-Help Guide has information about the different types of forms you can use to ensure whoever would care for your children is able to handle school and medical issues.

Unaccompanied Children Who Have No Lawful Immigration Status

The Administration for Children & Families' Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is responsible for children who do not have lawful immigration status and do not have a parent or legal guardian in the United States. These children may be referred to as "unaccompanied alien children". The ORR's Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) Bureau takes unaccompanied alien children in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interest of the child.

To find a child in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, contact the ORR Parent Hotline by calling, texting, or emailing:

Call 1-800-203-7001, text NINOS to 66467 (24/7), or email: informtation@ORRNCC.com

México Te Abraza

México Te Abraza, is a program by the Mexican government to support individuals who are returning voluntarily or have been returned to Mexico. It assists with the repatriation process and helps people reintegrate with the support of the Mexican government. The program includes ten Welcome Centers along Mexico's border, offering assistance to those who have been deported or are returning voluntarily.

México Te Abraza provides the following supports:

Assistance with repatriation process
Prepaid card with 2000 pesos
Free transportation to city of origin
Help finding a job
Help with senior pensions for older adults

Watch President Sheinbaum share her message on the goals of the México Te Abraza program.

Learn more about México Te Abraza: Gobierno de México.

Mexican Consulate

Visit your nearest Mexican Consulate if you need assistance with personal documents, travel documents, or to learn more about the México Te Abraza program.

The Mexican Consulate in Oxnard is located at

3151 West 5th Street, Suite 100

Oxnard, CA 93030

Consulate Phone Number: 805-330-3060

Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm

Other Resources

If your household has been impacted by a deportation or potential deportation and you need other help (like food, rent and utility assistance, mental health, etc.) please use our Guided Search.

Natural Disasters

If you are experiencing or experienced a natural disaster such as, earthquake, wildfire, flooding, or other extreme weather, follow our general safety guide. You can also find live resources for Ventura County disasters at 211Now.com

Before a Disaster

Make an Emergency Plan: Include evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts.
Build an Emergency Kit: Pack water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid, medications, important documents, and cash.
Stay Informed: Sign up for local alerts such as Ready Ventura County and warnings (e.g., Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio).
Know Local Hazards: Understand the risks in your area and prepare accordingly.
Have a Communication Plan: Make sure family members know how to reach each other.
Secure Your Home: Anchor heavy items, reinforce doors/windows, and keep emergency tools (fire extinguisher, shut-off wrenches) accessible.

During a Disaster

Follow Official Instructions: Listen to emergency services and alerts via radio, TV, or phone.
Stay Calm and Act Quickly: Prioritize safety over possessions.
Evacuate If Advised: Don’t delay. Take your emergency kit and go to designated shelters if needed.
Shelter in Place If Required: Close all doors and windows, and stay inside until it's safe.
Avoid Hazard Areas: Steer clear of downed power lines, floodwaters, or damaged buildings.

After a Disaster

Check for Injuries and Hazards: Provide first aid and report hazards like gas leaks or fallen lines.
Avoid Using Contaminated Water: Wait for official word that it’s safe.
Don’t Enter Damaged Structures: Wait for inspection before re-entering your home.
Document Damage: Take photos for insurance claims.
Take Care of Mental Health: Disasters can be traumatic—seek support if needed.

Earthquake

**When shaking starts, DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON to protect yourself**

Wait a minute before getting up. Check for any immediate dangers around you and protect yourself.
Anticipate broken glass and debris on the ground, so put on sturdy shoes as soon as possible.
If it is safe, exit the building. Go outside to a clear area. Check to make sure nothing will fall on you, such as bricks from a building, power lines, and trees.
If you do not have a safe area outside, it may be better to remain inside.
If you are near the coast, a tsunami could follow the earthquake. As soon as the shaking stops, climb to safety. Walk quickly to higher ground or inland away from the coast. Don't wait for officials to issue a warning.
Expect aftershocks. Drop, Cover, and Hold On whenever you feel shaking.
If you are trapped:
- Protect your mouth, nose, and eyes from airborne debris. You can use a cloth, clothing, or a dust mask to cover your mouth and nose.
- Signal for help. Use a whistle or knock loudly on a solid piece of the building three times every few minutes. Rescue personnel listen for such sounds.
Care for any injuries you may have and assist others.
If your home has been damaged and is no longer safe, leave and go to a safer place. If you can, take your Go-Kit of supplies.
Use flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk.
Do not use matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches until you are sure there are no gas leaks. Sparks from electrical switches could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.

Wildfire

Gather Emergency Supplies

Gather food, water, and medicine in advance because stores and pharmacies might be closed. Organize your supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.

Go-Kit: 3 days of supplies that you can easily carry with you.
Stay-at-Home Kit: 2 weeks of supplies if you need to stay at home.
Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container.
Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe.

Plan to Stay Connected

During a wildfire, the most important information will come from your local government. Authorities will let you know when you should leave to stay safe.

Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
Have a battery-powered radio.
Plan to monitor weather conditions and fires near you.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Keep track of the weather, fires near you, and listen to instructions from local authorities.
Be ready to leave quickly with your Go-Kit.
You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
Be ready to leave if local authorities advise, or if you feel you are in danger.

Landslide

Know Your Risk

Learn about landslide risks in your area. Landslides happen in every US state and territory. Any mountain or hill can have a landslide.
A previous landslide is the biggest risk factor for another landslide.
Even a few inches of slope movement can damage your home, break septic, sewer, water lines and crack your home’s foundation.
Know the causes and signs of landslides:

Causes of Landslides

Natural causes

Heavy rain
Waterlogged soil
Wave or river erosion
Steep slopes
Earthquakes
Wildfires

Human causes

Drainage onto steep slopes
Unsafe excavation
Poor placement of septic tank
Too much weight on a slope
No drainage from pavement
Unsafe fill zones
Poorly monitored irrigation systems
Wildfires

Signs of Landslide Activity in Your Area

Tilted or bent trees
Sagging utility lines
Springs that develop in new places or streams that stop flowing suddenly
Cracks in ground
Earthen mounds on a slope
Sunken or broken roads
Cracks in the streets, walls, floors, and around windows or doors
Leaking or broken pipes
Floors, posts, or walls that are tilted
Windows or doors that suddenly begin to stick
Movement of soil away from foundation
Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage near your home. Note the places where runoff water converges. This may indicate an area prone to landslides.

Reduce Your Risk

Consider consulting with a professional to have your land surveyed. There are ways to reduce your landslide risks.
Avoid making cuts in steep slopes.
Plant more native trees and plants on slopes, avoid cutting them down.
Direct rainwater that falls on your roof or driveway away from slopes at risk of landslides.

Make Plans to Stay Safe

Learn about the emergency response and evacuation plans for your area.
Develop your own emergency plan for your family or business.

If You Think a Landslide Could Happen

Evacuate! Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
Once you are safe:
- Call 9-1-1 to report emergency.
- Inform affected neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of the danger.

Flooding

Make Plans to Stay Safe

Flash floods can be sudden and violent. You may have little to no warning. Designate a place on higher ground that you can get to quickly. Plan to move to higher ground before flooding begins.
River floods: Know if you are in an area that is prone to river floods. Review your evacuation plan so that you can leave quickly if officials advise you to evacuate.
Storm surge: Be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. A storm surge can cause water levels to rise quickly and flood large areas in just minutes.
Coastal flooding: Be prepared to evacuate immediately if local officials advise. Move inland before flooding begins.

Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown!

Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 6 in (15 cm) of fast-moving floodwater can knock you over, and 12 in (30 cm) can carry your vehicle away.

How Can You Stay Safe After a Flood?

Prevent Injuries

Understand the dangers you may face and keep your loved ones safe.
If you evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going home.
Avoid fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.
Watch out for falling trees and other debris.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns, rather than candles, to reduce fire risk.
Many injuries happen during cleanup. Wear protective equipment, like boots, long pants, work gloves, eyewear, and an N95 respirator to protect your lungs. Follow the advice of local public health officials.
Learn how to use equipment safely. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water because you could get electrocuted.
Cleaning up is a big job. Take care of yourself. Work with a partner and take frequent breaks.

Protect Your Health

Flooding can contaminate drinking water. Check with your local public health department about drinking water safety.
Don’t get sick from eating spoiled food. Throw out food that got wet or warm. When in doubt, throw it out!
Stay away from floodwaters. They may contain sewage, sharp items, and chemicals that can make you ill.
If your home was flooded:
- If possible, dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you cannot return to dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. When it is safe to return home, completely dry everything, clean up the mold and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.
- Keep wet areas well-ventilated. Throw away wet materials that can’t be repaired or dried.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, tent, or camper – or even outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill you fast. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away – do not delay.

Take Care of Yourself

It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress, or anxiety.
Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress.
You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990

Public Health Emergencies

Pandemic

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses which can easily spread from person to person.

A new virus can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

If a Pandemic is declared:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Biohazard Exposure

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or disable people, livestock and crops. Biological events can either be accidental or intentional. Both types of events can make you sick.

There are three basic groups of biological agents that could either accidentally or intentionally hurt someone: bacteria, viruses and toxins. Biological agents can be spread when they get sprayed into the air, with person-to-person contact, when animals are infected and then interact with people, or when food and water are contaminated.

Before a Biohazard Exposure

Events where you are exposed accidentally or intentionally to biohazards may or may not be immediately obvious. In most cases, local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or there will be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You would be alerted through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, a telephone call or a home visit from an emergency response worker.

To prepare:

Build an Emergency Supply Kit.
Make a Family Emergency Plan.
Check with your doctor to make sure everyone in your family has up-to-date immunizations.
Consider installing a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter in your furnace return duct, which will filter out most biological agents that may enter your house.

During a Possible Exposure

The first sign of a biohazard exposure may be when people notice symptoms of the disease caused by exposure to the bacteria, virus or toxin. Public health officials may not immediately be able to provide information on what you should do. It will take time to figure out exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated and who is in danger.

During an event:

Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for official news and information including:
- Signs and symptoms of the disease
- Areas in danger
- If medications or vaccinations are being distributed
- Where to seek medical attention if you become ill
Quickly get away from the area if you notice a suspicious substance.
Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow you to breath. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt, handkerchief or towel.
Depending on the situation, wear a face mask to reduce inhaling or spreading germs.
If you have been exposed to a biological agent, remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal of contaminated items.
Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
Contact authorities and seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or even to quarantine.
If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.
Follow the instructions of doctors and other public health officials.
Avoid crowds.
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
Do not share food or utensils.

Biological, Chemical & Radiological Releases

Biological and chemical agents may be weaponized and released to inflict harm on people, animals and food sources.

Bacterial substances generally take the form of bacteria, viruses, and toxins and may be spread from person to person, infected animals, and/or through airborne particles.
Chemical substances are released as vapors, aerosols, liquids, and solids, but are less likely to inflict mass harm because they dissipate quickly.
Radiological releases utilize dispersion, which combine a conventional explosive device with radioactive material, which scatter dangerous, sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. In the event of a radiological impact, remember to Get Inside, Stay Inside and Stay Tuned.
Follow evacuation or shelter-in-place orders issued by local authorities. If you suspect you have been exposed to a biological or chemical agent, seek medical attention immediately.
Consider adding duct tape, scissors, and plastic sheeting to your emergency kit to cover doors, windows, and other sources of ventilation, in the event you are asked to shelter in place.

Radiation Emergencies

There are different types of radiation emergencies that vary in how much damage they cause and harm they pose to the public. Some examples of radiation emergencies include: a nuclear detonation (explosion), an accident at a nuclear power plant, a transportation accident involving a shipment of radioactive materials, or an occupational exposure like in a healthcare or research setting. While the extent of the damage will vary, the steps to protect yourself from radiation are the same. You can keep your family safe by knowing what to do and being prepared if an incident occurs. Follow these simple steps:

The best way to stay safe in any radiation emergency is to get inside, stay inside and stay tuned. Putting material between you and the radiation provides protection while you tune in for instructions from responders.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE EVENT OF A RADIATION EMERGENCY

Prepare NOW

Like in any emergency, you need reliable information, enough supplies and a plan to protect yourself and your family during radiation and nuclear emergencies.

Have several ways to receive emergency alerts. Download the FEMA App and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area from your local emergency management agency to receive timely and specific information for your area. Have a battery-powered or hand crank radio, which will continue to work if other forms of communication fail.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit. Include a spare change of clothes for each family member, a trash bag for contaminated clothing, and sealed food, water and medicine.
Make a Family Emergency Communications Plan. Decide where your family will meet if you cannot meet at home. Identify an out-of-state contact who you can inform of your whereabouts and safety. Make plans with friends or family to identify safe places to stay if you need to evacuate. Familiarize yourself with school, work and care-facility plans for staying inside/sheltering-in-place and evacuation.

Stay Safe DURING

During any radiation emergency, follow the radiation protection principles of time, distance, and shielding. Limit your time exposed to radiation, stay as far away as possible from a radioactive source, and shield yourself from radiation by going deep inside a sturdy building.

If the emergency is outside, Get inside. Stay inside. Stay tuned.

GET INSIDE: If warned of the possibility of a radiation hazard, immediately get inside the nearest building and move away from windows. Put as many walls between you and the outside to protect you from the radiation outside.

Graphic illustration shows where it is safe and not safe to go during a radiation emergency. A man and a dog standing outside are marked as not safe, inside a car is also marked as not safe. Three pictures of different size buildings are shown, including single family dwellings and a high rise. Graphic illustrations shows you are safer anywhere on the inside of the building, but safest in the inner-most part of the building, protected by inner walls with no windows.

NUCLEAR DETONATIONS: Nuclear detonations are the most dangerous radiation emergency. It creates a large, deadly blast. If it detonates on the ground, the explosion can suck material up into the air and create dangerous, sand-like, radioactive particles called fallout.

For a nuclear explosion, if you have warning, take cover from the blast behind anything that might offer protection. If you are outside, lie face down to protect exposed skin from the heat and flying debris. After the shockwave passes, go inside the nearest building as quickly as possible.

GET INSIDE: After a detonation, you will have 10 minutes or more to find an adequate shelter before fallout arrives. If a multi-story building or a basement can be safely reached within a few minutes of the explosion, go there immediately. The safest buildings have brick or concrete walls. Underground parking garages and subways can also provide good shelter.

Remain in the most protective location (basement or center of a large building) for the first 24 hours unless threatened by an immediate hazard (e.g., fire, gas leak, building collapse, or serious injury) or informed by authorities that it is safe to leave. Radiation levels decrease rapidly, becoming significantly less dangerous, during the first 24 hours.

STAY INSIDE: Take shelter unless told otherwise. If possible, turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside. Close windows and doors. Close fireplace dampers. If you are instructed to stay inside during a radiation emergency, pets and service animals should be inside too. Sheltering usually lasts at least 24 hours.

STAY TUNED: Follow instructions from emergency response officials. If advised to evacuate, listen for information about routes, shelters, and procedures. If you have evacuated, do not return until you are told it is safe to do so by local authorities.

Be Safe AFTER

If you were outside during a radiological release or if you think you have radioactive material on your body, there are simple steps to remove it.

Remove your outer layer of contaminated clothing to remove radioactive material from your body. Removing your outer layer of clothing can remove up to 90% of radioactive material. Be very careful in removing your clothing to prevent radioactive dust from shaking loose. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, if possible.
Get clean. If possible, take a shower or wash with soap and water to remove any radioactive particles from skin or hair that was not covered. If you cannot wash, use a wipe or clean wet cloth to wipe any skin or hair that was not covered. Do not use household cleaning wipes on your skin. Hand sanitizer does not protect against radioactive material. Follow CDC guidance on Decontamination for Yourself and Others.
Clean any pets that were outside after the radioactive dust arrived. Gently brush your pet’s coat to remove any radioactive particles and wash your pet with soap and water, if available.
Stay hydrated and fed: It is safe to eat and drink food that was inside a building. It is safe to eat food in sealed containers that were outside as long as you wipe off the container with a damp towel or cloth before using. Seal these towels or cleaning cloths in a plastic bag and place them away from people and pets. Unsealed foods from outside may be contaminated with radioactive material. Do not consume food from your garden, or food or liquids that were outdoors and uncovered, until authorities tell you it is safe.
Take care of yourself and others: If you are sick or injured, listen for instructions on how and where to get medical attention. If you are at a public shelter, immediately notify the staff at that facility so they can call a local hospital or clinic. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
The threat of a radiation or nuclear emergency can be stressful and surviving one can be a traumatic experience. Take care of yourself and talk to someone if you are feeling upset. Follow CDC guidance for managing stress during a traumatic event.

Mass Violence/Mass Casualty Events

If you are near or witness a mass casualty event (such as a shooting, bombing, large accident, or natural disaster with many injuries), your actions can save your life and possibly others’. Here's what to do:

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS – Protect Yourself First

Run, Hide, or Fight (if it’s an active shooter or attack):
- Run: Get away if there’s a clear, safe escape path.
- Hide: Stay out of sight, silence your phone, lock or barricade doors.
- Fight: As a last resort, use anything available to defend yourself.
- If you have a disability, review this guide from the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Find Safety: Get behind cover, stay low, and move away from danger (explosions, gunfire, fire, etc.).
Avoid Crowds or Unsecured Areas: Secondary attacks or hazards may follow.

Call for Help – As Soon as It’s Safe

Dial 911: Give clear info about your location, what you see (e.g., injuries, ongoing threat), and your name.
Follow Emergency Instructions: Listen to dispatchers, first responders, or alerts carefully.

Help the Wounded – If It’s Safe

If you are trained and the area is secure:

Stop the Bleed: Apply pressure to wounds, use tourniquets if needed.
CPR/AED: If someone is not breathing and has no pulse, and you’re trained, start CPR.
Triage Wisely: Prioritize those with life-threatening but treatable injuries. Avoid moving victims with head/spinal injuries unless necessary.

Stay Safe & Aware

Avoid Touching Unknown Objects: There could be secondary devices or hazards.
Be Alert for Additional Threats: Stay cautious until cleared by authorities.
Help Authorities: If you saw something important, be ready to give a statement once it’s safe.

After the Event

Listen for Updates: Follow trusted news or local officials for instructions on lockdowns, evacuations, or reunification points.
Take Care of Your Mental Health: Mass casualty events are traumatic. Seek counseling or crisis services.
Check on Loved Ones: Let family/friends know you're safe if communications are still working.

Civil Unrest/Community Tensions

Before Civil Unrest

Stay Informed: Monitor trusted news sources, social media (with caution), and emergency alert systems.
Avoid High-Risk Areas: Know where protests, demonstrations, or disturbances are happening and steer clear.
Prepare Emergency Supplies: Have enough food, water, medications, and essentials to last several days.
Secure Your Home: Lock doors and windows; consider shutters or boarding windows if unrest is near.
Have an Exit Plan: Know multiple routes out of your neighborhood in case evacuation is needed.

During Civil Unrest

Stay Indoors: Remain at home if possible. Avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.
Keep a Low Profile:
- Don’t draw attention to yourself.
- Avoid wearing political or provocative clothing.
Do Not Engage: Avoid protests or crowds—even peaceful ones can turn volatile quickly.
Limit Social Media Sharing: Posting your location or details about protests can endanger you or others.
If Caught in a Crowd:
- Move to the edge and exit calmly.
- Don’t run or push.
- Protect your head and stay on your feet.

If Violence Reaches Your Area

Shelter in a Secure Room: Stay away from windows; turn off lights to avoid attracting attention.
Call Authorities Only If Necessary: Emergency services may be overwhelmed—use 911 for immediate threats only.
Avoid Confrontations: Don’t try to stop looters or confront agitators.
Turn Off External Lights: To avoid being a visible target from the street.

After Civil Unrest

Wait for the All-Clear: Don’t leave your shelter until officials say it’s safe.
Assess and Report Damage: Safely inspect your home, and report damage or ongoing threats to authorities.
Support Mental Health: Civil unrest can be traumatic. Seek support from professionals or community resources.