Let's Assist Responders, Victims in Texas

• By: Staff
• On: 08/31/2017 14:09:15
• In: NYSAFC News

The devastation of the massive floods caused by Hurricane Harvey will impact the residents of Texas for months and years to come. Our nature and duty as firefighters and fire service leaders in times of suffering and community need is to raise the firehouse doors and deploy — now. But it's important we remain disciplined in our response.

Make no mistake: assistance is necessary. For example, we learned that in one Texas community, an estimated 80 percent of the local firefighters have lost their homes and are living at the fire house.

With this in mind, the IAFC has been in contact with IAFC Southwestern Division leaders and other state and national fire service organizations asking how IAFC members can help. On behalf of the IAFC board of directors, I'm requesting IAFC members and the fire service community to consider sending donations to one or more of the following organizations:
 

• Texas Firefighter Relief
• American Red Cross
• IAFF Disaster Relief Fund
• National Volunteer Fire Chiefs (NVFC) Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund

NVFC's firefighter support fund supports volunteer first responders whose homes have been impacted by a state- or federally-declared disaster. The fund provides a stipend to help these individuals meet basic needs in the aftermath of a disaster. Visit the NVFC website for information about eligibility.

An important reminder: The IAFC urges all fire and emergency service leaders to prohibit the practice of self-dispatching to emergency response and recovery locations. There is much recovery work ahead for the communities affected by the floods. Responders desiring to assist on the ground should coordinate through their state emergency management agencies or the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

The IAFC continues to offer our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Hurricane Harvey victims and prays for the strength and safety of all first responders serving the communities suffering in the aftermath of the devastating storm.

Chief Thomas Jenkins
IAFC President and Chairman of the Board