202.12C Occupant Services

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.

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.