Sheltering To provide safe and secure environment for persons displaced due to a disaster. May be short or long term. Part of the initial response to a disaster.

American Red Cross’s Role in Sheltering Co-lead of ESF-6, Mass Care Sheltering, with FEMA. FEMA/ARC MOA ARC has MOU’s with many cities, school districts, vendors, partner organizations. Both nationally, and locally. Works with other organizations to provide for emergency sheltering needs (i.e. Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Convention, Disaster Children’s Services, etc.)

American Red Cross’s Role in Sheltering Coordinates closely with local government first responders (i.e. Fire and Law Enforcement, etc.). Local Red Cross chapters provide mutual aid to each other during larger disasters. National Red Cross also supports chapters during major disasters. Disaster Operations Center (DOC)

National Shelter System (NSS) National database of emergency shelter locations. Includes site-specific information on each shelter location. This is the official Red Cross Shelter Information for all Active shelters.

Basic Shelter/Mass Care Terminology Shelters Evacuation Centers Warming/Cooling Centers Charging Centers

Shelters A “Shelter” is safe place for people affected by a disaster to stay after being evacuated from their homes. Shelters provide overnight lodging, meals, etc. Provide shelter to all members of the evacuated community, including persons with Access and Functional Needs. Usually opened in a school or city government site.

Shelters Include the following support functions, besides lodging: Disaster Health Services Medication replacement, when applicable Support basic medical needs Disaster Mental Health Services Communications Can provide emergency communications

Feeding In shelters: Provide 3 meals per day Strive to offer culturally diverse meals whenever possible. In shelters and Evacuation Centers: Provide snacks and fluids

“Evacuation Centers” An “Evacuation Center” is similar to a “Shelter”. It provides a temporary safe location for evacuees to stay while an immediate threat is mitigated. Usually opened for a matter of hours, and not overnight. Can accommodate more people than shelter.

Other Centers Warming/Cooling Centers Not a Red Cross shelter, but may be supported by the Red Cross. Usually part of a local government’s “Extreme Weather” plan. Provides immediate warmth or cooling for people when temperatures reach a certain trigger point, for a certain length of time.

Other Centers Charging Centers Possible future type of center. Issue came from the recent widespread windstorms/power outages. New media and smartphone usage. Not a Red Cross shelter, but may be supported by the Red Cross.

Safe and Well Allows Shelter clients to leave a message for loved ones. Use

“ERV’s” ERV’s are multi-use vehicles that are used for mobile feeding primarily. They can give out thousands of meals a day. Meals are prepared at another site (i.e. local vendor, mobile disaster kitchen, etc.). Loaded in Cambros for delivery. The ERV’s pick up the food and deliver it to where the clients are located (Shelter, disaster site, etc.)

“Training” Standardized training offered to all Red Cross volunteers in Shelter Operations, Mobile Feeding, etc., nationwide. Ready When the Time Comes – Offers shelter operations training to corporate employees. They act as a force-multiplier during a major disaster. Partner Training- Red Cross trains government employees to be shelter workers during a major disaster.

“Disaster Dispatch” 24 Hour System that dispatches Red Cross resources, nationwide. One 24-hour emergency contact phone number:

Questions? Ian Whyte Emergency Services Officer/COO Greater Long Beach/Rio Hondo Chapters American Red Cross