Identified and. Standards of Identification for Disaster Relief Operations. Ready to Help

Transcription

1 Identified and Standards of Identification for Disaster Relief Operations Ready to Help

2 Purpose Minimum Standards When disaster strikes, the American people need fast, reliable relief. Help Can t Wait. People affected by disasters must be able to identify workers on American Red Cross disaster relief operations quickly and easily. That s why we ve created standards of identification for Red Cross disaster relief workers. We want to maintain a consistent, professional look for all paid and volunteer staff involved in disaster relief. These standards will Ensure that people in need can find Red Cross services. Confirm the authenticity of Red Cross services. Raise public confidence in Red Cross professionalism. Raise Red Cross visibility and heighten public awareness among potential volunteers and donors. All eligible Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) System members get an official permanent name badge. You must wear this name badge while on duty on a disaster relief operation. All Red Cross disaster workers must wear clothing that clearly identifies them as Red Cross disaster relief workers. Workers may meet minimum standards of attire by Wearing an official American Red Cross disaster relief vest or American Red Cross disaster relief apron over personal attire. Wearing a solid gray, white, or red T-shirt/polo shirt/shirt/blouse/sweater/sweatshirt, with an American Red Cross disaster relief patch (which meets prevailing corporate identification standards) on the right sleeve or back, along with solid colored skirt, pants, jeans, or walking shorts. Wearing a red or blue Red Cross jumpsuit or a red or white Red Cross windbreaker that has Red Cross patches or emblems affixed to the sleeve, chest, or back. Chapter-designed items that meet minimum standards (i.e., gray, white, or red in color, bearing the American Red Cross disaster relief signature and meeting prevailing corporate identification standards) may be worn on duty during disaster relief operations. Remember, you may choose how you meet minimum standards of attire!

3 Wearing an official American Red Cross disaster relief vest over personal attire is one of many ways to meet the minimum standards of attire. To meet minimum standards of attire, put an official American Red Cross disaster relief patch on the right sleeve or the back of your own solid red, white, or gray polo shirt, T-shirt, blouse, shirt, or sweater. An official temporary name badge is issued to all those on a disaster relief operation who have not received a permanent name badge. You must wear a name badge when on duty. To meet minimum standards of attire, wear an American Red Cross disaster relief apron, when providing services.

4 Recommended Attire Accessories Although you must at least meet the minimum standards of attire on a disaster relief operation, you may decide to do more. You may want to wear recommended clothes that are intended to further enhance the visibility of disaster relief workers in the community. The recommended attire includes Wearing an official American Red Cross disaster relief T-shirt or polo shirt, along with solid black or navy skirt, pants, or walking shorts. Wearing a solid gray, white, or red T-shirt/polo shirt/shirt/blouse/sweater/sweatshirt, along with solid black or navy skirt, pants, or walking shorts. The clothing covering the upper body should have two Red Cross disaster relief patches that meet prevailing corporate identification standards. One patch will be affixed to the right sleeve, and the other will appear on the back of the garment, covering the upper back. Acceptable accessories for wear with both minimum and recommended attire are listed in the GSD Supply Catalog. Red Cross hats are acceptable, as long as they have a Red Cross signature (cross and logotype) or a Red Cross disaster relief signature and no other design elements. It s your choice. You ll present the best, most consistent image of the Red Cross at work if you choose recommended attire, but only minimum standards of attire are mandatory.

5 Unacceptable Attire Compliance These standards are mandatory for all Red Cross disaster relief operations, except Local Disasters and Family Emergencies, and they are strongly recommended for use on all levels of disaster response. All disaster relief workers are accountable for supporting and complying with the standards, just as they are for any other regulation. Noncompliance issues with individual workers will be handled in the same manner as other personnel issues. You may not wear the following on a disaster relief operation: Tight or revealing garments, such as tank tops, short-shorts, halter tops, see-through garments, or bathing suits Garments or accessories bearing offensive or inappropriate slogans Garments bearing product endorsements (except for product labeling) Any Red Cross apparel that bears design elements other than the official American Red Cross or American Red Cross disaster relief signature, including job T-shirts Flip-flops or other footwear that is unsafe, unprofessional, or inappropriate for disaster relief tasks Excessive jewelry, including more than two Red Cross pins or buttons Fishnet reflective vests in colors other than red or white Dirty clothing Paid and volunteer supervisory staff are directly responsible for ensuring that all Red Cross policies, regulations, and procedures relevant to their respective positions are carried out during disaster relief operations. Summary American Red Cross disaster relief workers often interact with people who have suffered great personal loss and injury. We must be as professional as we can be to help them. By looking professional, which includes wearing easily identifiable clothing, we can reassure people affected by disaster that they will get the services they need. Both minimum standards and recommended attire offer flexibility for individual expression in dress and lowcost alternatives for meeting the standards. Take pride. The Red Cross standards of attire help others identify us as dedicated, trained, compassionate individuals who are there when help can t wait.