Working With the Red Cross

About the Red Cross

Mission:

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Fundamental Principles

       Humanity Impartiality Neutrality Independence Voluntary Service Unity Universality

American Red Cross Structure

      Washington State has 15 Red Cross Chapters 4 Regional Chapters- INW is a Regional Chapter INW covers 6 counties in Washington & 5 in North Idaho.

We assist 5 other Community Chapters in Eastern Washington.

Mutual Aid is Statewide.

Easy to move resources and volunteers 4

Inland Northwest Region

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Terry Pollard Regional CEO

Responsible for Red Cross service delivery, fundraising and external relations in the region.

Kris Pitcher Chief Development

Officer, Creates and fosters community partnerships and donors.

Chapter/Regional Leadership

Megan Snow Communications Director

In charge of special event planning and regional public affairs.

Dawn Holman Volunteer Services Director

Recruits, interviews and assigns new volunteers.

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Jamie Hill Emergency Services Director

Oversees the disaster response at the Inland Northwest Chapter.

Bob Reimer Logistics Coordinator

Handles all of our supplies, trailers, and vehicles.

Sam McQueen Emergency Services Coordinator

Coordinates disaster volunteer intake and deployments.

Valeta Biggs Disaster Health Services Lead Arlene Chandra Training Coordinator

Health Services instructor and disaster liaison. Coordinates and creates the training schedule.

Chapter Disaster Leadership 7

Red Cross Disaster Response Performance Standards

 24/7/365 coverage and notification  2 hour maximum to make contact with client  4 hours to set up a shelter. Advance notice helps with planning!

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The Big Stuff

 Large scale event- wildfires, apartment fire, flooding, earthquake, hazardous materials spill, etc.

 loss of several residences  large evacuation  If the event is outside of Spokane County, the ES Director and the entire Team will come to support the local volunteers, and help manage the event  Will immediately initiate the five key functions of Disaster Services 9

Five Key Functions of Disaster Services

     Sheltering Feeding Public Affairs/ Fundraising Disaster Assessment Staffing an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) 10

Red Cross Resources

    241 Shelters 12 Trailers • 60 cots in each • 120 blankets in each 2 Emergency Response Vehicles 222 Disaster Volunteers 11

House Fires

 Our most common response is a local house fire  The on-call Disaster Action Team (DAT) Lead will receive the call and respond to the scene with their team  The DAT team lead will work with the Fire Department Incident Commander on scene to assess the situation and get information about the damage to the home  They will then talk with the clients to determine what their immediate emergency needs are 12

The Red Cross provides:

          Comfort kits (hygiene items, toys, etc.) Temporary housing Food Clothing Medical items/Medications Emotional Support Referral to long-term support services Development of a recovery plan Assistance with security deposit and/or first month’s rent Support (canteen services) to emergency responders 13

FY 2011 - FY 2013 Inland NW Chapter Disaster Response Stats

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“In Kittitas County, emergency response agencies and the local American Red Cross have established

an integrated and proactive relationship

in managing events in our community. The relationship

integrates the Red Cross in all aspects of emergency preparedness

– prevention, planning, response, mitigation and recovery. The results have been an

efficient response and duplication of services is avoided

. This was evident in the Taylor Bridge Fire .”

-Rich Elliott, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Chief

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Partner Organizations

SOUTHERN BAPTISTS

Questions, Comments?

Inland Northwest Red Cross 315 West Nora Ave.

Spokane, WA 99205 (509)326-3330 http://www.redcross.org/WA/Spokane 17