Post incident support

James Christie, Operations Manager at EDM, reports on the charity’s post incident support for tenants and property owners during the initial hours and days following a fire, flood or similar disaster

When there is a fire, flood or other significant incident in a home or workplace, it is likely that the situation will require help beyond the Fire and Rescue Service. Although the emergency services will be the first point of call, some form of post incident support will probably be needed too.

EDM is an organisation that the Fire and Rescue Service can call on in such situations. EDM handles post incident support for tenants and property owners during the initial hours and days following a fire, flood or similar disaster. The UK-registered, not for profit charity delivers practical advice, guidance and property-related arrangements.

“The UK-registered, not for profit charity delivers practical advice, guidance and property-related arrangements”

When post incident support is needed, the incident commander establishes contact between EDM and the resident or property owner concerned. Once this has happened, EDM are able to begin working quietly and efficiently behind the scenes to help those affected. In agreement with the fire and rescue service, they may contact the local authorities or mobilise specialist contractors and utility companies to carry out emergency works. They can also help to organise emergency accommodation and property securing, or just provide reassurance and advice at a time when it is needed most. This means that once the immediate issues of the incident have been dealt with, the emergency services can leave, confident that the welfare of the property owner, landlord or tenant is being taken care of.

EDM uses all of its experience and expertise in dealing with the immediate aftermath of an incident to deliver support to those in need. Focusing on the individual, they provide practical help and advice to help them get back on track as quickly as possible.

As one member of the public said: “Chris from EDM was faultless. He was there over the phone to advise and reassure us when we needed it most as we had no idea what to do next and we were in shock.” The advice offered is simple, clear and unambiguous, outlining carefully what is likely to happen next and what needs to be done. By offering this kind of support, EDM is able to help reduce uncertainty and anxiety for those affected by an incident in the home or workplace.

An unlucky person may only ever experience one significant property related fire or flood during their lifetime. The fact that it is so rare leaves a massive knowledge gap when it comes to knowing how to deal with the aftermath of incidents, and EDM provide their no cost post incident support advice service to help fill that gap. By doing so, they are able to support and guide members of the community with the information they need – and would not otherwise have – so they can make informed decisions and take the first steps on the road to recovery.

EDM works with individuals to create a course of action and decide on the next steps. This could include anything from providing advice to property securing or something more involved. EDM then sends a written response to the fire and rescue service to outline the action and intervention taken.

As a charity, EDM depends on donations and sponsorship to continue its work helping people whose lives have been affected by fire, flood or other incidents. EDM accepts donations from private individuals and from companies whose services are engaged by the people they assist.

For further information about EDM, their post incident support and the work they do for members of the community, visit: www.edm-post-incident-support.org or contact James Christie, Operations Manager on: [email protected]

James Christie is Operations Manager at EDM, dealing with the day to day running of the charity and liaising with the Fire and Rescue Service. Contact James at: [email protected]