Family Assistance Center

In the event of a mass fatality incident, a Family Assistance Center (FAC) will be set up on campus and will be an important resource to help the University community meet the needs of family and friends of missing and/or deceased persons.

FAC’s are set up to provide a centralized location to:

  • Provide a safe, protected, and supportive environment for families and friends of the missing and/or deceased
  • Ensure families have a clear method to provide critical information about a loved one that would be pertinent in the identification of victims by the Office of the Medical Examiner.
  • Provide accurate and timely situational updates and important information for families and friends of the missing and/or deceased
  • Support the emotional and physical well-being of incident survivors.

In accordance with campus emergency response plans, MRC members will staff the FAC, in a compassionate and respectful manner at all times, while following detailed established mass fatality response plans.

MRC members will serve in the following roles:

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FAMILY LIAISON

Accompany families as they navigate through the Family Assistance Center (FAC).  Family Liaisons will direct families to all necessary resources within the FAC; these may include resources to meet physical needs (e.g., food, medical) and/or informational resources (e.g., time of family briefings, contact information for social services, emotional support).  Family Liaisons will also provide support to families during and/or following the ante mortem interview process.

FAMILY BRIEFER

Are responsible for keeping family members informed regarding incident information and the status of the investigation through regular Family Briefings.

ANTE MORTEM INFORMATION INTERVIEW ASSISTANT

Aid in the confidential collection of personal information that will be used in the correct identification of deceased persons. 

FIRST AID STATION STAFF

Are responsible for providing basic first aid. Medical staff will also serve as a liaison to other medical resources available within the community. 

GREETERS

Are responsible for greeting and welcoming families and friends

USHERS

Are responsible for assisting family and friends with navigating through FAC

LOGISTICS STAFF

Are responsible for setting up the FAC and providing logistical support (resource management) during daily operations.

DATA MANAGEMENT STAFF

Are responsible for compiling records, and preparing a physical case file for each unaccounted person, which will include the completed VIP form.