American Red Cross

Agency Agreement

  Part of the mission of the American Red Cross is to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.
    We would like to encourage every business in Lackawanna county to develop a disaster plan, if they don't already have one.
    Agencies that are members of the Interagency Council are currently our focus, as they represent the core of groups that would be active, caring for others if and when a disaster were to strike. Be it large or small, how would your agency fulfill its mission to it's constituents if a disaster struck? What if your building was rendered inoperable? What if 20 city blocks were rendered inaccessible by a natural disaster and you were still expected to meet your clients' needs? If you have never considered such questions, we are asking you to. We are also asking that these solutions be written, periodically reviewed, and even drilled occasionally. This written plan would be called your Disaster Plan.
    Below is a informal agreement between an Interagency Council Member Agency and the Red Cross.
    Consider this part of good planning and excellent service to the community.
    Feel free to call the Scranton Chapter of the American Red Cross with any questions, at (570) 207-0100, and ask for Jim Festa or Bob Haber.

 Statement of Agreement

This agreement is made and entered into between Lackawanna County Interagency Council (IAC), its signing Member Agencies, and the Scranton Chapter of the American National Red Cross (ARC).

 Recitals

Pursuant to the terms of federal statutes, the Red Cross provides emergency services in behalf of individuals and families who are victims of disaster.  The parties hereto mutually desire to reach an understanding that will result in making needed support available to the Red Cross for the aforesaid use.

 Occasion

In the event of a large disaster in Lackawanna County, agencies that provide services to the community may encounter various hardships. Among them may be an overwhelming workload, the inability to use their current facility, and supplies used by multiple agencies may be in short supply. In human resources, volunteers may be in short supply. Agency staff may have their homes directly affected by the disaster and may be unwilling to work or unable to arrive at work. Plans should be made beforehand to determine how best to operate during a disaster.

 Agreement

The ARC and the IAC Member Agency hereafter signing agree to the following:

            1) In preparing for a disaster, the IAC itself, as well as the IAC Member Agency hereafter signing agree to develop written Disaster Plans that address how they would continue to provide their services during a disaster, or other similar circumstances. The Disaster Plan of each Member Agency is solely the property of, and for the benefit of, that Agency, and as such is not subject to review from either the ARC or the IAC.

            2) When responding to a disaster, as deemed necessary and by common consensus, the IAC Members agree to cooperate with each other, communicate and meet together as often as is deemed necessary, for the optimal mutual aid of both themselves and service to the community.

            3) The recovery phase of a disaster is typically lengthy. In conjunction with the Lackawanna County EMA’s Disaster Plan, the IAC will be a lead organization to which clients can be referred that require what is termed “Long Term Recovery.” Each Member Agency would offer its services through the IAC, thus consolidating the efforts of both clients and Agencies.

Agency:     ______________________________ 
 

Signature:  ______________________________ 
 

Date :         ____/____/_____

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