ERU alerts

There are four different codes for the ERU SMS communication: I, A, D and S. Take time to learn the different meanings of the alerts - and what is expected of you when you recieve one.

"I" stands for Information. An SMS starting with "ERU I" (or "ERU Info") is just to inform you that there could be a deployment in the coming days. A disaster has occurred but no firm decisions on the response has been made.

  • What you should do: There is NO need to be in contact with us at this stage. Just ask yourself, your family and possible your employer if you can be available IF there would be alert (ERU A) in the coming hours or days. Also, start following and gather information on the disaster through news and the Internet.

"A" stands for Alert. An SMS starting with "ERU A" (or "ERU Alert") means that a deployment is imminent. At this stage the IFRC in Geneva has asked the Finnish Red Cross for a ERU and the 1st rotation team will be put together as soon as possible.

  • What you should do: agree with your family and employer that you can go and inform us your availability VIA LINK as instructed in the SMS. DON'T CALL us at this stage. ERU deployments normally last up to 4 weeks in the 1st rotation. If you can go immediately and stay for 4 weeks or more, just inform us that you are available. If you have time restrictions, inform us of your time restriction ("can't leave Finland until..." or "must be in Finland by...").

"D" stands for Deployment. An SMS starting with "ERU D" indicates that the Finnish Red Cross has formally been asked by the IFRC in Geneva to deploy a ERU and that the deployment process is initiated. This message goes out to everyone in the reserve. Usually this is followed by a SMS with the names of the people selected for the 1st rotation. Alternatively this information is published on the reserve web pages.

  • What you should do: await further information. If you are in the 1st rotation, you have been or will be informed separately about your mission. You will also start receiving information concerning the deployment, time schedules, briefing, equipment, health, security and other information. If you are not in the 1st rotation, you can visit the reserve web pages for further information about the operation and upcoming rotations.

"S" stands for Stand Down. This means that the mission has been canceled.

  • What you should do: go to the reserve web pages for information about the operation.

IMPORTANT! Always read the SMS Alerts carefully and act on the information and the instructions. The messages can be specific - there might be certain language requirements or the message is only for delegates with specific skills. If you are unsure or need more information, e-mail recruitment(at)redcross.fi. DON'T CALL us! When a deployment is ongoing we do not unfourtunately have time to give information over the phone

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