What we do
Immediate help, advice and action after fires, floods and other disasters
EDSS is a registered charity that delivers immediate, practical support to members of the public once instructed by the Fire and Rescue Service. Our involvement begins in the critical hours and days following incidents such as fires, floods and other emergencies.
Our aim is to provide clear advice, reassurance and hands-on assistance at a highly stressful time, helping people regain control of their situation as quickly as possible. Drawing on our experience and knowledge, we ensure individuals are not left to navigate the aftermath of an incident alone and are supported on the path to a safe, efficient recovery.
Support from the fire community
EDSS is proud to be supported by the England Fire Rugby Service, who have donated £5,000 in recognition of the vital role EDSS plays in supporting communities affected by emergency incidents.
This support reflects the shared values between EDSS and the wider fire service community – helping people at their most vulnerable, while enabling Fire and Rescue Service crews to return to station promptly and safely.
Who we support
For individual members of the community, EDSS’ specialist advisers provide practical help and guidance in the immediate aftermath of an incident.
For the Fire and Rescue Service, EDSS acts as a trusted resource, delivering practical actions where needed to support crews and reduce the time they are required to remain at an incident scene.
How we help
In particular, EDSS can facilitate:
- Securing property: EDSS instructs trusted boarding-up companies and locksmiths to secure damaged properties where required, helping to protect them from further loss or intrusion.
- Finding emergency accommodation: When a home is uninhabitable, we help to source temporary emergency accommodation such as local hotels or guest houses, and arrange transport if needed. For business owners, we assist in finding suitable emergency premises to support a swift return to operations.
- Contact and immediate action: Identifying and communicating with the right parties can be difficult and time-consuming during a crisis. Whether dealing with local authorities, housing associations, landlords or insurers, EDSS advisers provide advice and practical support to help individuals take the right steps.
Reporting a house fire, for example, presents far more challenges than a routine household issue. EDSS advisers have the experience to ensure accurate, measured information is passed to the appropriate organisations, helping to minimise stress, confusion and delays for those affected.
Advising on next steps
What may appear to be simple next steps can feel overwhelming in the aftermath of a major incident. One of the first casualties is often a loss of control, which can lead to poor decision-making and escalating stress.
EDSS works to restore that sense of control by providing clear, simple and unambiguous advice, helping individuals understand their options and move forward with confidence.