Enhancing Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue’s Response to Non-Emergency 911 Calls
In recent years, a number of fire agencies throughout the country have established community outreach and assistance programs often known by the acronym CARES (Community Assistance, Referrals, and Education Services). This internal referral service, utilized by Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue (CKFR), is a truly innovative way to reach residents in our community outside of the 911 emergency system.
CKFR firefighters frequently respond to incidents where additional needs are identified outside their scope of responsibilities. For example, a frequent fall patient could benefit from grab bars, a homeless person needs a gateway to housing or an elderly woman is overwhelmed by caring for her ailing husband at home.
In cases like these, firefighters can notify the CARES team for intervention. CARES advocates meet with residents in their homes, identify their needs and connect them to community resources that will better meet those needs than a call to 911.
If you have any questions, please call (360) 536-6169 or email cares@ckfr.org.
