OG 4012 Red Cross Assistance

Issued By: OPERATIONS (S. Thurber)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher 
Date of Issue: 1997/03/31
Revision Date: 2008/05/13

PURPOSE: 

To assist the occupants of a residence damaged by fire or other emergency in obtaining adequate, temporary basic needs such as accommodation, feeding, clothing and personal services.

OBJECTIVE:

When it has been determined that a residence is unsafe for occupancy due to structural or fire damage, the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) will assist the occupants in obtaining the Canadian Red Cross Society Nova Scotia Region’s assistance. The Red Cross offers emergency relief to those occupants whose home has been lost or damaged due to fire or other emergency to assist with the family’s basic needs. The Red Cross’s Emergency Response Vehicle is on standby 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of HRFE.

PROCEDURE: 

When the Officer in charge of an incident determines that a residence is not safe for occupancy as a result of structural fire or other damage, or if the fire cause has not been determined or is considered suspicious, the Officer shall contact the Duty Platoon Chief or designate.

The Red Cross can provide the following assistance:

A)    Comfort Kits: Contains basic personal hygiene items (e.g., soap, towel, face cloth, toothbrush, etc.)

B)    Clothing: If clothing is lost, the Red Cross will assist in the purchase of new clothing for the occupants to resume their regular daily activities for that time of the year. If clothing has received minor smoke or water damage, cleaning is an option.

C)    Bedding: A set of bedding is provided for their new home, or, if required, while they are in temporary accommodation. 

D)    Accommodation: Up to three (3) nights temporary accommodation if the occupants have no alternate available, (e.g., with relatives, friends, etc.)

E)    Meals: If the temporary accommodation does not provide meals, up to three (3) days of meals can be provided.

Experience has shown that A, B and C are the services usually required; D and E are usually for special circumstances.

For referral of occupants to the Red Cross, or to notify the Red Cross of a burnt out or evacuated occupants so assistance can be offered, operational members will contact fire dispatch to further contact the appropriate Red Cross officials. 

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure followed to contact and utilize Red Cross assistance.