HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgreement A-25-466 MOU with American Red Cross.pdf Agreement No. 25-466
Memorandum of Understanding
between the
American Iced Cross
and
County of Fresno
CO
American
T Red Cross
FRF`��
AWG State, Commonwealth, Tribe, or Agency MOU Template V.3.0 2023-05-23 1
American Red Cross/Disaster Cycle Services
I. Purpose
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding("MOU")is to define a working
relationship between The American Red Cross(hereinafter"Red Cross")and County of Fresno,
its agencies,counties,and municipalities(hereinafter"County"),Its lead agency Office of
Emergency Services("OES"),and other departments, agencies,and offices in preparing for,
responding to,and recovering from disasters.This MOU provides the broad framework for
cooperation and support between the Red Cross and the County in assisting individuals,families
and communities who have been or could be impacted by disaster or an emergency. It also
provides the descriptions of readiness and response activities,such as planning,training,
exercising and resourcing,and the clarification of roles and responsibilities of the Red Cross and
the County to the community and other agencies.
II. Parties
A. County o Fresno
As the lead emergency management agency within Fresno County,the Office of Emergency
Services,under the authority of the Director of Emergency Services,serves as the coordinating
body for all County departments in the areas of emergency preparedness, response,mitigation
and recovery.The Standardized Emergency Management System("SEMS")identifies the role of
local government to manage and coordinate the overall emergency response and recovery
activities within its jurisdiction.The California State Emergency Services Act defines the
operational area as an intermediate level of the state emergency services organization consisting
of a county and all political subdivisions within the county area.
Fresno County,through the Director of Emergency Services,represents the Operational Area
during a disaster for coordination of emergency activities within the geographic area of the
county and serves as a link in the system of communications and coordination between
California Office of Emergency Services("CalOES"), Regional Emergency Operations Center
("REOC"),and the Emergency Operations Center of the political subdivisions within the
operational area("EOC").The County follows the Fresno County Operational Area Master
Emergency Services Plan, SEMS and the National Incident Management System("NIMS"),
which delineate the emergency response and preparedness responsibilities of county offices,
departments and instrumentalities.
The following is a partial list of emergency—related authorities which indicate the legal basis for
local coordination of emergency operations and activities:
i. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5-Management of Domestic Incidents
(February 28, 2003)
ii. Presidential Policy Directive 8—National Preparedness(March 30, 2011)
iii. California Emergency Services Act(Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the California
Government Code)
iv. SEMS Regulations(Chapter 1 of Division 2 of Title 19 of the California Code of
Regulations and California Government Code §8607 et seq.)
V. Fresno County Operational Area Master Emergency Services Plan
vi. Fresno County Emergency Services Ordinance(Chapter 2.50 of the County Code)
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American Red Cross/Disaster Cycle Services
MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
Fresno County is a political subdivision of the State of California. Fresno County government is
responsible for the public health of its residents(California Health and Safety Code§ioi025.)
Under the direction of the Director of Emergency Services, Fresno County staff participates pro-
actively in preparation for disaster response and recovery in the community. During a disaster,
County staff works within established governmental guidelines,with adherence to SEMS, IVIMS,
Incident Command System and the Fresno County Operational Area Master Emergency Services
Plan.
i. Office of Emergency Services and Duties
a. As outlined in the Fresno County Operational Area Master Emergency Services Plan,
activation of the EOC is determined based on the scope and nature of the emergency.
The Director of Emergency Services authorizes EOC activation.The EOC Director
determines the branches and number of staff activated,as guided by SEMS and the
needs of the incident.
b. At maximum staffing,the Care and Shelter Branch within the EOC Operations
Section is led by the Deputy Director or Division Directors of the Fresno County
Department of Social Services(DSS),who serve as the Care and Shelter Branch
Director. Shelter field operations and staffing may include Disaster Service Workers
and designated staff from DSS and other supporting departments.
c. The Care and Shelter Branch coordinates with partner agencies to determine the
need and establishment of shelters for displaced individuals and families in Fresno
County.
d. The Director of Emergency Services,in collaboration with the Fresno County Office
of Emergency Services,ensures coordination and support for the American Red
Cross,which is the primary agency responsible for managing disaster shelters in
Fresno County.This relationship is formally recognized in the Care and Shelter Plan
e. The Care and Shelter Branch Director is also responsible for:
i. Staffing and managing the Care and Shelter Branch within the County's EOC;
ii. Ensuring timely notification and activation of designated shelter personnel,
including pre-assigned Branch staff,Shelter Managers,shelter support staff,
and facility owners/managers.
iii. Assessing pre-identified shelter sites to confirm accessibility and
functionality,and identifying alternative shelter locations if primary sites are
damaged, destroyed, or otherwise unavailable
B. American Red Cross
Founded in 1881,the Red Cross is the nation's largest nonprofit disaster management
organization.As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral and impartial humanitarian
care,the Red Cross is a non-governmental organization that mobilizes communities to aid
people affected by or at risk of disasters with the aim of preventing and alleviating suffering.We
do this by recruiting,training,and equipping volunteers throughout the country.The Red Cross
provides disaster cycle services without regard to race,color, national origin,religion,gender,
age,disability,sexual orientation,citizenship or veteran status. It follows the Fundamental
Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement [See Attachment B].The
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
Red Cross is closely integrated into community preparedness,response,and recovery efforts,
including those of federal,tribal,state and local government and other non-government
organizations.
The Red Cross is chartered by the United States Congress to provide humanitarian services and
provides disaster cycle services pursuant to its Bylaws and other internal policies and
procedures as well as its Congressional Charter(USC 36§300101-300111). In the Charter,
Congress authorized the Red Cross"to carry out a system of national and international relief in
time of peace and apply that system in mitigating the suffering caused by pestilence,famine,
fire,floods, and other great national calamities,and to devise and carry out measures for
preventing those calamities."
Further,the 2020 Memorandum of Agreement between FEMA and the Red Cross recognizes the
national level roles and responsibilities designated to the Red Cross.Located in Washington,
DC,the national headquarters for the Red Cross is responsible for implementing policies and
procedures that govern such Red Cross activities and provides administrative and technical
oversight and guidance.Additionally, each region has certain authorities and responsibilities for
carrying out Red Cross disaster preparedness,response and recovery activities,delivering local
Red Cross services,and meeting corporate obligations within the territorial jurisdiction assigned
to it. Each region is familiar with the hazards of the locality and surveys local resources for
personnel,equipment,supplies,transportation,emergency communications,and facilities
available for disaster relief. Regions also formulate cooperative plans and procedures with local
government agencies and private organizations for relief activities should a disaster occur.
III.Methods of Cooperation
The Red Cross and County mutually recognize each other's authority in the emergency
management/disaster response field to prepare,respond and recover from disasters.
Accordingly,both parties will share strategic,tactical and crisis communication objectives. Both
parties will also share operational plans,priorities and objectives.The Red Cross recognizes the
County responsibility in providing leadership and the full range of emergency
management/disaster response services in their jurisdiction.The County recognizes the Red
Cross as having mass care responsibility in domestic disasters,and when activated,will support
and coordinate with the Red Cross in the execution of these duties.
As the ESF-6,the Red Cross will coordinate with the County on their respective disaster cycle
activities to enhance services to the community in the following areas:
i. Preparedness activities—Build community capacity and resilience through disaster
preparedness within the County,including:
a. Community education activities(e.g. Home Fire Campaign,Prepare with Pedro)
b. High probability/high consequence events risk assessment
c. Planning(e.g. emergency plans,standard operating procedures for notification of
disaster and emergency situations)
d. Training(e.g. Red Cross disaster trainings, FEMA classroom trainings hosted by
the County)
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
e. Exercise (e.g. Shelter Fundamentals,National Level Exercise, National Mass
Care)
2. Response activities—Organize community resources to meet the immediate needs of
individuals,families and communities affected by disaster or emergencies,including the
following life-sustaining services:
a. Daily Home Fire Response Services(e.g. DAT response)
b. Sheltering(e.g. managing shelters,providing technical assistance in evacuation
and post impact sheltering, quantifying daily shelter counts)
c. Feeding(e.g. in shelters, on mobile routes, at fixed sites in the impacted
communities)
d. Health Services(e.g.shelters, , Family Assistance Centers)
e. Mental Health Services(e.g.shelters, Family Assistance Centers)
f. Disability Integration(e.g.shelters,feeding sites)
g. Spiritual Care(e.g. shelters, Family Assistance Centers)
h. Reunification
i. Distribution of Relief Supplies(e.g.comfort kits,clean up supplies,personal
hygiene items)
j. Damage Assessment(e.g.aggregate data,virtual,windowpane)
k. Mass Fatality(e.g.funeral assistance, Family Assistance Centers)
3. Recovery activities—Provide a standard and scalable set of services that align with
available resources to bridge the gaps between client resources and needs,including:
a. Client Casework(e.g.housing,financial assistance,referrals)
b. Community Recovery Strategy Development(e.g. Long-Term Recovery
Committees,Multi-Agency Shelter Transition Teams)
c. FEMA's Direct Case Management Program(e.g.the delivery of recovery services
for individuals and families,the sharing of case information,the prevention of
the duplication of services)
4. Communication— Keep each other informed of the human needs created by the disaster
events and the services being provided,including:
a. Collaborating in the Emergency Operation Center(EOC)
i. At the request of the County,the Red Cross will provide liaison personnel
to the County EOC and any jurisdictional EOC's during a disaster or
emergency situation.
ii. The County will provide facility access and identification,workspace and,
whenever possible,other required technical support,such as access to the
Incident Management System as necessary for the Red Cross liaison
personnel assigned to the EOC.
b. Maintaining close coordination and support at all levels and with designated
Points of Contact(e.g. in appropriate committees,planning groups,task forces)
[See Attachment A]
c. Sharing current data regarding disasters(e.g.risk and hazard impact analysis,
statistical information,social media verifications,historical information,
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
emerging needs and trends,damage assessments,disaster declarations,service
delivery plans)
5. Recruitment—The County recognizes that the Red Cross is dependent upon public
support and,whenever possible,will advocate for the Red Cross in acquiring necessary
resources that increase Red Cross capacity,including:
a. Donations: Encourage residents to support the Red Cross(e.g.blood donations
for hospital patients,volunteering time).
b. County Volunteers: Determine any specific Disaster Leave Law,Act or Executive
Order that allows for volunteering during a disaster.
6. Other opportunities for cooperation include:
a. Facilities:Allow the use of each other's facilities,as available and if agreed upon
in writing,for the purpose of preparedness training,meetings and response and
recovery activities.
b. Donated resources: Work together to use volunteer hours and donated resources
to offset the non-federal cost share, in accordance with FEMA's PAPPG v.4
donated resources policy language(Chapter 6.XIV.page 88-91),when feasible and
appropriate.
c. The Red Cross will support the County in integrating the efforts of the non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide mass care services (e.g. Mass
Care Feeding Task Forces)during response operations.
d. Repatriation: The Red Cross supports the County at Emergency Repatriation
Centers as defined by the State Emergency Repatriation Plan and the MOU with
the Department of Health and Human Services.
e. Transportation Incidents: Provide services to clients and family members after a
Transportation Incident as defined by the MOU with the National Transportation
Safety Board.
f. Services to Armed Forces(e.g. military bases,veterans)
g. International Services Department(e.g. Restoring Family Links,tracing)
IV. General
a. Both parties agree not to use or display any trademarks of the other without first
receiving the express written permission to do so.However,the use of the
trademarks of the other party is permitted for internal meeting notes and plans that
are not publicly distributed and used during the normal course of business related to
the purpose of MOU.If either party desires to use the intellectual property of the
other,the"requesting party"should submit the proposed promotional/marketing
materials,press releases,website displays or otherwise proposed use of the
trademarks to the"owning party"for review in advance of dissemination or
publication.
b. Both parties will keep the public informed of their cooperative efforts through the
public information offices of the Red Cross and the County and Joint Information
Center,if activated.
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
c. Both parties will widely distribute this partnership agreement within their respective
organizations and urge full cooperation.
d. Both parties will maintain their own identity in providing service. Each organization
is separately responsible for establishing its own policies,procedures,and financing
its own activities.
e. Both parties will abide by the Federal and State laws and regulations concerning
confidentiality which safeguard information and the participants confidentiality.
Both parties will further abide by all Federal and State laws and regulations as
relative to data sharing of pertinent information for performance accountability and
program evaluation purposes.
V. Periodic Review
The parties will,on an annual basis,on or around the anniversary date of this MOU,jointly
evaluate their progress in implementing this MOU and revise and develop new plans or goals as
appropriate. Both parties shall notify the other if primary points of contact change.
VI. Term and Termination.
This MOU is effective as of the date of the final signing party and shall remain in effect for a
period of five years. Six months prior to expiration,the parties will meet to review the progress
and success of the cooperative effort.In connection with such review,the parties may decide to
extend this MOU for an additional period not exceeding five years, and if so,shall confirm this
in a signed writing. The Director of Public Health or his or her designee is authorized to execute
such written approval on behalf of County.This MOU may be terminated by written notification
from either party to the other at any time and for any reason or for no reason.
VII. Miscellaneous
This MOU does not create a partnership or a joint venture and does not create any financial
commitments from one party to the other.Neither party has the authority to bind the other to
any obligation.It is not intended that this MOU be enforceable as a matter of law in any court or
dispute resolution forum.The sole remedy for non-performance under this MOU shall be
termination,with no damages or penalty.
Independent Contractor: The American Red Cross is an independent contractor and not an
agent,officer,or employee of the County. Neither party shall have any authority,express or
implied,to act on behalf of or bind the other party to any obligation whatsoever. No employee,
agent,volunteer, or officer of one party shall be deemed,for any purpose,to be an employee,
agent,or officer of the other party.
Mutual Hold Harmless: The American Red Cross shall defend,indemnify,and hold
harmless the County,its officers,employees,agents,and volunteers from and against any and
all liability,loss,expense, attorney's fees, or claims for injury or damages arising out of the
performance of this MOU,but only in proportion to and to the extent such liability,loss,
expense, or claims for injury or damages are caused by or result from the negligent or
intentional acts or omissions of the American Red Cross,its officers,agents, employees, or
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
volunteers.
The County of Fresno shall defend,indemnify,and hold harmless the American Red Cross,its
officers,employees,agents,and volunteers from and against any and all liability,loss,expense,
attorney's fees,or claims for injury or damages arising out of the performance of this MOU,but
only in proportion to and to the extent such liability,loss,expense,attorney's fees or claims for
injury or damages are caused by or result from the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of
the County,its officers, agents,or employees.
Signature page follows.
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
Signature Page
The American Red Cross The County of Fresno
By-. ( "t) 0 , By:
- (Signature) (Signatur
Name: 1 Name: Ernest Buddy Mendes
Title: Executive Director American Title: Chairman of the Board of
Red Cross Central Valley Supervisors of the County of
Chapter Fresno
Date �ct k ZCA Date: a9- 9-aoas
Contact information: Contact information:
Telephone: (559) 240-5532 (Work) Telephone: (559)600-4000
(907) 347-$266(personal)
E-mail: Lori.Wilson2oredcross.org E-mail: District4@fresnocountyca.gov
s
MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
ATTACHMENT A— Organization Contact Information
Primary Points of Contact
The primary points of contact in each organization will be responsible for the implementation of
the MOU in their respective organizations,coordinating activities between organizations,and
responding to questions regarding this MOU.In the event that the primary point of contact is no
longer able to serve,a new contact will be designated and the other organization informed of the
change.
NOTE:When any attachment is updated,the revised attachment is inserted in the MOU.The
MOU does not need to be signed again.
Relationship Manager Contact*
American Red Cross,Central Valley Chapter Fresno County OES
Contact Amrit Sidhu Contact Terri Mejorado
Title Fresno County Community Title Emergency Manager
Disaster Program Manager
Office 559-881-8940 Office 559-600-4o68
phone phone
Mobile 559-881-8940 Mobile 559-284-2532
Email Amrit.sidhu@redcross.org Email I tmejorado@fresnocountyca.gov
*The Relationship Manager is the person that works with the partner organization in developing and executing
the MOU.
Operations Contact**
American Red Cross,Central Valley Chapter Fresno County OES
Contact Kaytlin Crough Contact Jason Passmore
Title Senior Community Disaster Title Emergency Management
Program Manager Specialist
Office 559-499-8352 Office 559-6oO-4o68
phone
Mobile 559-499-8352 Mobile 559-281-4825
Email I Katylin.crough@redcross.org Email I jpassmore@fresnocountyca.gov
**The Operations Contact is the person each organization will call to initiate operations activities as defined in
the MOU.
Organization Information
American Red Cross,Central Valley Chapter Fresno County OES
Department I Central Valley Chapter of the Department T Fresno County Office of
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
American Red Cross Emergency Services
Address 1300 W Shaw Ave Ste 4B, Fresno, Address 1221 Fulton St, Fresno, CA
CA 93711 93721
Email CentralVallaChapteroredcross.or Email OESa-fresnocountyca.gov
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Website https://www.redcross.org/ Website https://www.fresnocountyca.go
v/Departments/Public-
Health/Emergency-
Services/Office-of-Emergency-
Services-OES
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MOU between the American Red Cross and The County of Fresno
ATTACHMENT B
Principles of Conduct for
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and
NGOs in Disaster Response Programs
Principle Commitments:
1. The Humanitarian imperative comes first.
2. Aid is given regardless of the race,creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse
distinction of any kind.Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone.
3. Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.
4. We shall endeavor not to act as instruments of government foreign policy.
5. We shall respect culture and custom.
6. We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities.
7. Ways shall be found to involve program beneficiaries in the management of relief aid.
8. Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic
needs.
9. We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we
accept resources.
1o. In our information,publicity and advertising activities,we shall recognize disaster victims as
dignified human beings,not hopeless objects.
More information about the code of conduct can be found at http:1/www.ifrc.org/en/publications-and-
repods/code-of-conduct
The Code Register
The International Federation keeps a public record of all the humanitarian organizations that become
signatories of the code.The contact details of each organization are verified.
Humanitarian organizations wishing to become a signatory to the code should download and complete
the registration form.
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