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Question 0

Occupant support person

Answer 0

A BFES member who’s responsibility it is to provide support to the public at an emergency, after consulting with the IC

Occupant support responsibilities may extend beyond the termination of the incident.

Question 1

What is occupant support?

Answer 1

Occupant support is critical extension of our service delivery and serves as the liaison between BFES and those citzens(affected parties) directly, or possibly indirectly, involved with/or affected by an incident

Question 2

The IC may establish Occupant Support when modified duties personnel are available and under the following conditions: (2)

Answer 2

1- at all structure fires

2- at any incident deemed necessary by the IC

Question 3

Occupant support duties(18)

Answer 3

1- ensure the required supplies are checked on a daily basis
2- report to the IC upon arrival at the incident scene
3- (for hi-rise/commercial fires) obtain a portable radio, remain in contact with building manager/engineer to assist with such functions as ventilation shutdown or operation of the building fire protection systems
4- confer with IC the affected parties concerns, such as what happened, what we are doing and why, how long we expect to take until the incident is under control, etc.
5- obtain any significant info regarding the structure and/or its contents that might assist the IC tactically with the operation and forward this info to the IC
6- provide cell phone access(if available) for affected parties
7- communicate the affected parties and/or evacuees location to the IC
8- if required, notify Victim servies, Red Cross, Salvation Army or other related relief agencies
9- if required, notify other necessary agencies and/or individuals
10- provide coordination of salvage efforts with the IC
11- determine from affected parties the location of valuables in the structure and notify the IC
12- where safe to do so and after approval from IC, coordinated a walk-through of the structure with the affected party
13- provide transportation as needed and requested
14- distribute and explain the”after the fire” brochure
15- assist the affected party in notifying insurance agency, security services, restoration company, etc
16- provide blankets and shelter where practical to do so, to get occupants out of the weather and at a single location
17- identify any mental health needs of affected parties, as well as any spectators or evacuees
18- provide on-going service and support until the affected parties indicates our services are no longer needed