Disaster Relief

The provincial headquarters prepares preventive assistance for major manifestations and events within West Flanders.

In disaster conditions, the county seat deploys as a command room, reception center, a telephone information center (TIC) or a temporary shelter.

Rapid Intervention Teams (SITs).

Red Cross West Flanders has 5 rapid intervention teams (SITs). These are available day and night to provide assistance during disasters.

These SITs distinguish between different resources.

SIT vehicle: an equipment vehicle for post-disaster medical assistance.

SIT-MED: contains standardized medical materials such as carry berries, medical cases.

SIT-LOG: transports standardized non-medical equipment such as an inflatable tent, signaling equipment and power generator.

In West Flanders, we have 2 SIT vehicles, 2 SIT-MEDs and 1 SIT-LOG.

Telephone Information Center (TIC).

One of the tasks within the provincial seat in disaster conditions is the TIC.

Involved and worried family members, friends, acquaintances want accurate information about victims as soon as possible after a disaster. Therefore, Red Cross volunteers immediately collect and check all data about victims and other people involved. They also man the TIC. This is where people can then go with their questions.

Welcome Center

If people cannot immediately find suitable housing after an evacuation (fire, explosion, gas leak,...), they can be temporarily accommodated in the PZWV. A cup of coffee.... but also cots, blankets and hygiene kits,... are available for this purpose.

Disaster drills

The preliminary assignments are practiced by organizing disaster drills several times a year. After all, it is not easy to be involved with so many people in a crisis situation without getting in each other's way. Nor is it in a real disaster. Such an exercise tests the knowledge and preparedness of the emergency workers as well as the communication between the emergency services.

A debriefing is always organized afterwards, which then takes into account areas of concern and/or improvement.

Support Emergency Center 112

In certain emergencies (e.g. extreme weather conditions), Red Cross ambulance services may be asked to provide support to the 112 emergency center.