New look for emergency service!
A change of name has marked the beginning of a new era for the Fire and Emergency Support Service (FESS).
Launched in 1998 by the British Red Cross as the Fire Victim Support Unit, the FESS was originally established to help people who have been involved in fires. Over the years the service has developed and now provides assistance at a range of incidents including fires, floods and major emergencies.
FESS Service Co-ordinator, Jeff Stevens said: “Our service has changed considerably over the last few years, not only do we provide support and shelter for people involved in house fires, but we can also assist with major emergencies such as evacuations and flooding. Not everyone that we deal with considers themselves to be a victim and we feel that the change of name now clearly reflects that.”
During an incident the FESS will not only provide immediate temporary shelter in the FESS vehicle, but it can also provide:
· Assistance in seeking temporary accommodation
· First aid / emotional support
· Support with the care of children and pets
· Use of telephone and camera to assist with insurance claims
· Clothing toiletries and light refreshments
· Sign-posting to other organisations
Working in partnership with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service the FESS relies heavily on volunteers to crew the vehicle throughout the year. In 2005 the FESS attended 125 incidents, which involved assisting 320 adults, 77 children and 23 pets. This amounted to 652 hours in volunteer time, an average of 24.25 hours per volunteer for the year.
Volunteers need to be able to get to Kenilworth fire station within half an hour from their home / work address. Currently there are volunteers from Rugby, Stratford, Leamington and Kenilworth. If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer, then please contact Jeff on 07771 511768.