Immediate help there for those made homeless by fire

By Brent Fox

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com

What is there for people standing near a house fire, traumatized as they are made homeless?

There is immediate emergency comfort and assistance, though there could stand to be more long-term help.

Red Cross field associate Catherine Kersten said that fire departments call her organization to assist with victims of residential fires and bigger disasters. It is on call 24-7, she said.

“We look after the people, so the firefighters can look after the fire,” Kersten said. “We talk with the clients and see what they need.” They are usually traumatized by the situation – made homeless by fire.

The Red Cross is at the scene with the firefighters, emergency health services, and police.

She noted that, this being a rural area, people take care of each other. But at the scene and often for some time afterwards, victims need immediate assistance.

It starts with a Red Cross blanket, a teddy bear for kids and others, and personalized comfort kits. It then can include emergency lodging, feeding, clothing registration and inquiry and other services as required. “It all depends upon the situation and the individuals.”

For longer-term care, the Red Cross will connect the people with other agencies and services. “We provide emergency assistance for the community,” Kersten said. “We don’t provide more long-term care… It’s only temporary.” Other organizations such as the Salvation Army help with that. And there is Community Services Department.

These actions include house fires and or larger emergencies or disasters.

Corey Bladen of the Salvation Army’s Kentville Citadel said that the Red Cross is the first responder for emergency lodging but his organization will also assist with short-term needs. And once the victims find a place, the Army can help with some things such as furnishings. “Not all, but most needs…It can vary on need.”

One thing the Army can’t provide is rent assistance. There just isn’t funding available.

Bladen said that besides the Red Cross and the Army, and some assistance from churches, service clubs and in some cases Community Services, there is not a lot available on a consistent, systematic basis.

If there were, Bladen acknowledged, “it would greatly reduce the stress on the victims.”

Kentville Fire Chief Shawn Ripley said that the Red Cross is on call to help with the people left homeless because or fire. “It works very well… The Salvation Army is a big help, too.”

Some churches help victims, Ripley acknowledged, particularly their own members. But the Salvation Army helps everyone regardless of denomination.

Though comparatively a small number of all the emergencies to which firefighters respond, house fires that leave families and individuals homeless are not uncommon in the area. Some people lose everything in a fire, and increasingly some have no insurance. So people have different needs, and there are different programs for victims.

Ripley noted of the victims’ welfare, “it’s a big concern.” And having the Red Cross, Salvation Army and others available allows the firefighters to concentrate on the task of fighting the blaze.