Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE), which lets firefighters provide on-the-spot aid to families and individuals who suffer substantial property loss in a fire, earthquake or other disaster, was launched in Long Beach on Nov. 5. Created and funded by the nonprofit California Fire Foundation, SAVE provides fire departments with Mastercard “value cards” that can be activated at the scene so victims and their families can get a hot meal, buy clothes and find a place to stay the night.
“The SAVE program is a great way to support our residents when they are most vulnerable,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “I’m proud of the work our fire department is doing to help families in their time of need.”
The Long Beach Fire Department, Anaheim Fire & Rescue and Monrovia Fire Department are among 30 fire departments statewide that have joined the SAVE partnership. Battalion chiefs carry the $100 Mastercard SAVE cards on residential fire and disaster calls, and if occupancy loss from a fire or emergency is 25 percent or more of total value, they can activate a SAVE card right at the scene.
“When someone loses their home in a fire or disaster, they often don’t know where to turn,” said Mike DuRee, Long Beach fire chief. “As first responders, we’re in a unique position to offer a little extra ‘arm around the shoulder’ to help victims get through a very tough time.”
SAVE is largely funded by donations to the California Fire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting fallen firefighter families and their communities. Most of the donations to the foundation come from California firefighters themselves. Additional support comes from a grant from Chevron. No taxpayer dollars are spent.
“We’ve all been in those situations where a family is standing outside while the life they knew goes up in flames before their eyes,” said Brad Dover, president of Monrovia Firefighters, Local 2415. “We can’t restore all they’ve lost, but a SAVE card can help them through those first difficult 24 hours, and maybe help them feel a little less lost and alone.”
Lou Paulson, chair of the California Fire Foundation and a retired Contra Costa firefighter, said, “Firefighters do what we do because of a desire to serve. By offering SAVE cards to those who have lost so much, firefighters are able to continue providing comfort and support after the fire is out.”
The California Fire Foundation continues to raise funds and seek additional sponsorships to bring SAVE cards to more communities and, eventually, increase the face value of the cards. For more information, visit cafirefoundation.org .
Source: City of LB
