Block Captains - Responding to Emergencies

(Excerpt from Block Captains Handbook)

Whenever there is anything that might constitute an emergency—natural disorder, utility outage, chemical spill, robbery, missing child, etc. or anything out of the ordinary—heavy wind, rain, snow, etc. you should immediately turn your radios on. The rule of thumb is when in doubt, turn on your radio.

After an emergency your role is as Block/Assistant Block Captain is to assess the people and the property within your block.

  • After making sure your own family is safe and secure, immediately begin checking your block area.
  • Taking your radio and the Block/Assistant Block Captain’s First Response Form (see Section 6, Form 3), as quickly as possible scan your entire block assessing the conditions and needs of each home and household:
  1. Locate the Family Emergency Response Card (or colored flagging) that should be displayed somewhere on the front of the home. If you see neither of these, take necessary steps to determine the condition of each home and family. DO NOT ENTER HOME IF THERE IS MAJOR STRUCTRUAL DAMAGE.
  2. Depending on the emergency, you may come across people that are injured. Using your best judgment, decide who needs immediate aid and who can wait. Follow the table below to efficiently assess and respond to the needs of injured persons
  3. Check gas, water & electricity to see what needs to be shut off, etc.
  4. Continue going to each residence in your block until a Form 3 has been completed for each household.
  5. After checking each residence in your block, assist those families displaying Red Cards first.
  6. Communicate as required to obtain support with other neighbors (as available) and your Area (Ward) Command Post when it becomes available. If communication is possible, report only life-threatening situations at this time.After the Red Card needs have been met, serve the needs of those displaying Yellow Cards.
  7. When all possible forms are completed, deliver or report the information to your Area (Ward) Command Post. Request assistance as needed, or offer help to others when your block is stabilized.
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Ward Command post Location

  1. Bishop’s House
  2. Emergency Preparedness Coordinator’s House
  3. Ward House

After an Emergency

  • Complete a Property Assessment and Work Order Form (see Section 7, Form 4) for those whose property has sustained damage and assistance is needed.
  • Turn this form into the leaders at the Ward Command Post.
  • Keep your radio on continually until notified that you no longer need to do so, or until the Command Post is officially shut down.
  • Assist others as directed by your Ward Command Post.