202.12C Occupant Services

Study Notes

Occupant Services Sector

Established by the Incident Commander at working structure fires and other incidents where necessary
Serves as liaison between the Fire Department and citizens directly or indirectly involved in or affected by the incident

Responsibilities

Consider offering services to occupants/responsible parties, including:
- Explaining incident details and expected duration
- Obtaining significant information about the structure and/or its contents
- Providing cellular telephone access
- Communicating evacuee locations
- Identifying mental health needs of occupants/spectators
- Notifying relief agencies and necessary individuals
- Coordinating salvage efforts with loss control officer
- Restoring utility services to reduce additional losses
- Providing use of service vans as necessary
- Coordinating site security

Additional Services

Fire watch
Private security company
Necessary insurance services
Handout and explain the "After the Fire" brochure
Assist occupants in notifying insurance agents, security services, etc.
Provide blankets and shelter where practical
Provide on-going service and support until no longer needed

Reporting

Report to Command unless a loss control Branch/Section is assigned, then report to the loss control officer

Mental Health Needs

Addressing critical life-threatening events' psychological impacts on the public
Providing assistance and advice through the Critical Incident Debriefing Team, Employee Assistance Program Contractor, American Red Cross, and personal medical insurance
Support from the Fire Department Chaplain or local clergy may also be available

American Red Cross Services

Providing support for residential fire victims who have lost living quarters and clothing
Services include:
- Clothing
- Food
- Toiletries
- Temporary shelter/housing arrangements
Information required when contacting the Red Cross:
- Incident address
- Contact location address and phone number
- Number of displaced persons with age, sex, etc.
- Fire Department Incident No.

Description

This quiz covers the standard operating procedures for the Occupant Services Sector in fire services, including role and responsibilities. It outlines when the sector should be established, including at structure fires and other incidents.