NEAFC 31st Annual Conference.pdf - New England Association of ...

NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS
this Headquarters for housing, feeding and registration. The efficient manner in Which
this division went into action is indeed a credit to. these men. Parking lots were seized
as assembly areas .for motor vehicles.
Upon the arrival of the National Guard, security measures were established in
cooperation with the police.
Radio communications were immediately, set up by amateur operators, and the
mobile units assigned to the devastated areas under the direction of Radio Officer
Allan D. McKerrow. Fixed stations were also pressed into service.
As Civil Defense personnel and volunteers reported they were registered and
formed into working par~ies and rescue teams. Under supervision, and transported
in vehicles provided by the transportation division, they were assigned to diuty in the
devastated areas.
The Civilian: War Aid Division, which includes Registraticn and Inquiry, Clothing,
Feeding, Housing, Financial Aid and Rehabilitation sectoris, reported for duty
and with no confusion immediately went into action. They registered all disaster
victims, Civil Defense personnel and volunteers. They also listed and accepted homes
that were offered ’to victims. Most evacuees preferred to go with relatives, friends and
neighbors and while only a few were transported to private homes, many were taken
to Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Holy Cross College where they were housed
and fed.
The Evacuation Division checked in with the Operatlor.s Section and prepared
to place their plan in operation. There was no necessity for mass evacuation and this
personne! was assigned to other duties.
The Medical Divisic,n checked in with the Operations Section and prepared for
immediate action. Doctors, nurses and medical personnel began pouring in to this
.Headquarters and operated with remarkable efficiency.
The Radiological, Biological and Chemical Division checked in with the Operations.
Section for wha’tever assignments they might be required. As there was no d~uty
for this particular division in~ the disaster, all personnel were assigned specific duties.
The Supply Officer and staff checked in with the Operations Sectio~n’. and immediately
established a supply depot for the purpose of receiving and distributing
food, clothing, medical supplies and equipment.
In the absence of street lights and power in the devastated areas it was necessary
to seek lighting units from the other regions throughout the State for the purpose of
lighting up areas to prevent looting. These lighting Units repQrted to the Transportatibn
Division each night at about 6:30 P. M: and by convoys were assigned to the
many areas where they went into action from sunset to sunrise.
State rescue vehicles under the direction of Frank King, Administrative Assistant
from State Headquarte;s, reported for duty and were immediately dispatched to the
areas to search for trapped victims. They performed a valuable service until relieve&
Rescue operations and clearing of debris in all areas was resumed at 7:00 A. M.
on Wednesday, 10 June 19~3. Volunteers started to report at 7:30 A. M. They
were registered and dispatched to the areas to assist in clearing and rescue.
Personnel from the Operations, Transportation arid Medical Divisions again went
into action in the devastated areas andi remained on duty all day and all night.
In accordance with instructions, and ":because the tornado was termed a natural
disaster, the American Red Crcss assumed the responsibility of housingl feeding,
clothing;, rehabilitation and medical services.