the same. In that vein, photographs either by camera or communications devices are not allowed inside the shelter facility. All evacuees are expected to pitch in to assist when asked in maintenance of your personal space, cleanliness of the facility, control of your children, and in creating an atmosphere of dignity and respect for others. Safe and Well Registration. Red representatives offer entry of shelter resident information into the database as a first step to reunite persons who have been separated as a result of the disasters. In the event there is no internet connectivity, the shelter resident may opt to fill out a SafeandWell Registration Form to assist in communicating with someone outside the disaster area. Upon completion of this form it should be taken to the nearest location for data entry into the SafeandWell database. The form will be retained by the affected Chapter of the American Red Cross following data entry. (The SafeandWell Registration Form is found at Appendix A, Tab 6.) Establish a Reception Area. The Shelter Manager and the Intake Unit Leader will establish a waiting room in an area protected from the elements for those awaiting registration services. When possible, provide seasonal beverages (hot and/or cold) and soup for waiting evacuees. Interim Family Assistance. The Shelter Manger should designate a person from a Secondary Support Agency (such as ARC Volunteer pool) to serve in this function. Volunteer Coordination. In the event of a large scale operation additional volunteers from the ARC may be called upon to assist. ARC volunteers should be trained and screened as appropriate volunteers. It is suggested that shelters not use volunteers from the general public or from the shelter population due to liability and inability to provide proper screening and management. Operations - Animals in Shelters Service Animals. Policy. Service animals are allowed in shelters housing people.
Tips for Media Interviews. Shelter Team members who are asked to participate in a media interview should take time to prepare. Consider the following recommended actions prior to speaking to media representatives. Discuss the interview with the PIO and Shelter Manager before you speak to the reporter. Give the PIO a call if he/she is not on site to discuss possible questions. Know with whom you are talking and what the story angle is before you talk to the reporter. Make a list of two to three positive points you would like to make during the interview. Be professional and polite. Look the interviewer in the eye (even if you are on the radio). Smile. You are helping people in need during a crisis—you have a good story to tell. Be truthful. to the facts. Do not offer sensitive or confidential information regarding evacuees or Shelter Team members. Be sure not to say anything you wouldn't want to be read in the newspapers—the spoken word can take on far more impact in print. Never speak "OFF THE RECORD.” Do not be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Don't attempt to answer a question about shelter operations that is not in your area. Just say, "I'm here today to talk with you about (subject). That’s not in my area of expertise." Refer questions you don't have answers to the Shelter Manager or the Public Information Officer. Good News/Human Interest Stories. In the event Shelter Team members identify human interest stories and items of possible media interest, they will ensure that the evacuees affected are willing to speak to the media and that the information is cleared through the Public Information Officer. The PIO will initiate contact with media sources. Donations. Shelters will neither solicit nor accept donations – monetary or Otherwise. All donations will be referred to the appropriate Donation Manager within ESF17 identified by the EOC. Donation management assignment varies by locality.