Every year, hundreds of families and individuals suffer damage to their home following a fire, flood or similar incident.
When this happens, specially trained British Red Cross volunteers can provide practical help, advice and comfort.
Using two purpose built vehicles – one in Dorset, based at Springbourne fire station, and one in Wiltshire, based at Swindon fire station – the team provides shelter, food, toiletries, clothing, access to a telephone and helping look after children and pets.
They can also provide information and advice in finding temporary accommodation, and help with producing an inventory of lost or damaged items.
The British Red Cross volunteers are mobilised by Fire Control, and they aim to arrive at the scene of the incident within 90 minutes of receiving a call out. The service is free to the people receiving it – all costs are met by charitable donations.
To find out more about the emergency response service, visit the British Red Cross website.