Milford chronicle., 1955-03-18
Civil Defense Notes
By COLONEL D. PRESTON LEE
State Director Of Civil Defense

Ordinarily, we think of Civil De-
tense as intended to operate in
wartime emergencies only, but
there is also much talk these days
about the part it should play in
natural disaster relI People ask:
Why shouldn't CD workers help
out following a major catastrophy
such. as a fire, food or explosion? ?
Are these men and their equipment
to stand idly by in such an emer-
gency?
On the other some ask: Why
should CD get involved in disaster
WOrk2 Isn't that the function of
the Red Cross? Should CD dupIi-
cate what already can be handled
adequately?
The whole question is further
complicated by problems of law
Let US try to clear that point first
The Federal CD is authorized by
law to participate in natural dis
aster relief if the President de-
claFes that an emergency exists.
However, the Delaware State CD
law contains no provision for such
participation by State CD person
mel. The State CD may operate le-
gally only in emergencies caused
by enemy action.
But, and this is most important.
the State law does not bind the
cities and counties in Delaware.
Each county and Incorporated town
may pass its own CD law, setting
up its organization. Into these
laws may be written provisions
which will enable local CD forces
to participate in natural disaster
aftermaths.
In fact, WilmingtOn's Civil De-
Tense law already contains such a
clause. DelaWare's Attorney Cen
eral has ruled that the Wilmington
organization may take part in
natural disaster clean-ups, even
though the State CD forces have no
authority to do so.
An attempt was made at the last
session of the State Legislature
. to amend DelawaFe's CD law to
permit the State CD to participate
in natural disaster relief upon a
declaration by the Governor that
an emergency exists
But this bill was bottled up in
committee and never came to
vote. Another attempt will be made
at the next session. A draft of
an amendment already is being
studied by CD officials and the Red
Cross.
The second question, that of pos
sible conflict with the Red Cross,
also involves legal regulations. A
working agreement or statement
Of understanding" has already been
worked out between the Federal
Civil Defense and the National Red
Cross.
In the first place, it should be
stressed that the Red Cross never
acts unless it is requested to do
so by the Chief of some government
agency or division, usually one
directly concerned with the dis
aster.
Under the working agreement be-
tween CD and the Red Cross, the
latter would continue to operate
I'm this way When called upon to
serve following a natural disaster,
the Red Cross would carry out it's
traditional functions. These are
broad and include such things as:
providing emergency clothing, food, |
lodging, as well as carrying out |
medical and nursing aid, family |
rehabilitation and registration of |
refugees.
Meanwhile CD would be respon-
sible for giving advance warning
II possible and also for conducting
rescue and evacuation work. 1t is |
recognized that these are normally
governmental functions and are
not additionally handled by the |
Red Cross.
In addition, CD may help the Red |
Cross with the latteT's welfare |
work in natural disasters. In such |
cases, the CD volunteer would |
work under the direction of the |
Red Cross, thereby gaining valuable |
experience. But CD would be solely |
responsible for rescue and evacu-
alton work in natural disasters.
In a wartime emergency on the |
other hand. the sistuatiOn would |
change completely. CD would take
over the entire operation, including
the welfare services, and the Red |
Cross would function as part Of |
the team.
In war caused disasters, plans
should provide for Red Cross par
ticipation ais part Of the CD well
fare. division and the CD health
and medical services.
s Amy funds spent for food, cloth
ing or other supplies during a
natural disaster will be furnished
By the Red Cross In wartime
such funds would come
from Civil Defense.
Thus. Che statement Of under
standing" insures efleient Oper-
alton in both natural and wartime
relief It provides for liai-
son between CD and Red Cross
officials at the administrative and
anfH Tnv-nTC