Help, comfort and support is given to victims of disastrous incidents in Thanet at any time night or day by British Red Cross volunteers.

The charity has two Fire and Emergency Support Service teams covering the county and seeking recruits. One is Thanet-based and the other is in Gravesend.

Team members provide vital services at major incidents and emergencies including fires, floods, explosions, road accidents, earthquakes and evacuations.

They work closely with Kent Fire and Rescue and are paged for support when needed.

A main part of the role is looking after people forced to evacuate their homes, enabling firefighters to concentrate on tackling an incident.

The teams have specially adapted vehicles, the Thanet one is based at Thanet fire station at Westwood.

Thanet team leader Kevin Money said: “We desperately need volunteers.

Volunteers need to be calm and sympathetic, to be able to use their own initiative and to deal with any situation and with people in crisis.

“The role would suit someone recently retired who wants something to do. Being able to drive is a great advantage.”

He said there was a great deal of satisfaction in helping people in often highly difficult circumstances.

Potential recruits initially attended incidents to observe and learn.

The Thanet team is called out once a week on average and has been in existence for nearly four years.

It mainly covers east and south Kent, an area that extends to Folkestone, Ashford and the Isle of Sheppey as well as encompassing the Thanet, Canterbury and Dover districts.

Mr Money said: “People don’t realise this service exists or that it is run by volunteers. Those we help are always so grateful and volunteering goes in hand with being part of a caring community.”

Red Cross FESS teams can provide:

*First aid

*Immediate temporary shelter

*Emotional support and practical help

*Clothing, toiletries and refreshments and washing and toilet facilities

*Help with insurance claims, finding further assistance from other organisations and in securing temporary accommodation.

*Advice on the care or replacement of damaged property

*Transport for casualties and transfers for patients

*Multilingual phrasebooks

Anyone interested must be over 18 and can contact FESS co-ordinator Femmie Bonsier by email: FBonsier@redcross.org.uk or on 01233 642064 or 07739 475759 or Kevin Money on 07834 677733