Policy Text
Page 1 of 2 7/10 (REV 12/04)
Disaster Welfare Inquiry
The purpose of this General Order i s to establish policy for re sponse to individuals
making inquiries about persons who may be victims of a disaster in Sacramento County
during the first 72 hours a fter the disaster occurs.
I. Policy Statement
Sheriff’s Department employees w ho receive inquiries about poss ible victims of a local
disaster will record the informa tion on an official Disaster We lfare Inquiry form
(Appendix A) and fax it to Consoli dated Utility Bill ing Service s (CUBS) at: 875-6736.
This agency handles rumor control during emergency situations f or County Emergency
Operations.
1. Exception for Dispatch Center : The Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Dispatc h Center personnel
will refer callers directly to t he County’s Rumor Control Opera tor.
II. Disaster Welfare Inquiry Definition:
Disaster Welfare Inquiry is the function within a disaster reli ef operation responsible for
receiving and responding to i nquiries about the health and welf are of individuals within a
disaster area. It includes co llecting and reporting informatio n about such persons and
providing services leading to r eunification of family members i n an affected area.
III. Responsibility for Disaster Welfare Inquiry:
After the first 72 hours of a dis aster, the American Red Cross assumes responsibility for
a disaster locator service. Dur ing the first 72 hours of a dis aster, local governments can
assist the American Red Cross wit h their locator service by col lecting names and
information from individuals who have contacted the local agenc y to make an inquiry
and providing that informa tion to the Red Cross.
IV. Applicability:
This policy applies to all divi sions and bureaus likely to rece ive requests for assistance
during emergency situations.
Page 2 of 2 7/10 (REV 11/04) V. How to take a Disaster Welfare Inquiry:
Department employees who receive disaster welfare inquiries sho uld:
1. Advise the caller, “I will ta ke your information and forward it to the
appropriate aut horities.”
2. Complete the Disaster Welf are Inquiry form and fax it to CUB S per
the policy.
VI. Dispatch Center Procedure:
If a 9-1-1 dispatcher receives a disaster welfare inquiry call, the dispatcher will:
1. Advise the caller that they will be transferred to the Count y Rumor
Control Operator who will take t heir inquiry and forward it to the
American Red Cross.
2. Forward the call to County Rumor Control at 875-6668.
Appendices: 7/10 Form – Sacramento Operati onal Area Disaster Welfare Inqu iry
Form
Related Orders: None
References: None
Appendix A 7/10 (REV 12/04)