No one is ever completely prepared, no matter how many times we play the “what-if” game. We train, practice, and repeat scenarios until we get them right. However, when it comes to recovery operations, there are moments when you don’t get a second chance. Sometimes people need immediate help, and any delay can make a critical difference. Ineffective recovery efforts can have lasting negative impacts on those affected by an incident.
While there are standard templates available, establishing an Individual/Family Assistance Center (IFAC) requires tailoring your approach to fit the unique needs of your community. Some jurisdictions are fortunate to have abundant resources, while others rely on individuals who must juggle multiple roles. If you are tasked with setting up an IFAC, make sure to leverage the right resources—and remain mindful of the risk of compassion fatigue.
The sample IFAC provided here can serve as a flexible framework—something you can customize and implement as needed. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use it, but if you do, this will be one less thing you’ll need to create from scratch.
Fire Chief Billy Samuels is the Fire Chief of the Clark County (NV) Fire Department and a member of the IAFC’s Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee.