INTRODUCTION: Well-established guidelines and standards are essential for effective disaster management and relief operations. The aim of this study was to review the existing documentation in Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies regarding disaster relief guidelines. METHODS: This narrative review was conducted using a documentary research method in 2023. In order to find articles related to standardization of relief and recommendations, extensive searches were conducted in relevant databases, with a special emphasis on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) database. The identified documents were analyzed using document analysis and classification techniques. FINDINGS: The most important point in the IFRC review was that the guidelines are divided into two parts: general and specific. It is not necessary to use general guidelines, but specific guidelines are important. IFRC guidelines are usually developed in cooperation with the 190 member states. However, it is recommended that each country adapt these guidelines to its own specific circumstances. CONCLUSION: The results showed that when it comes to specialist areas such as housing and aid workers safety, IFRC recommendations are a valuable resource for countries when developing and updating national disaster relief protocols. While the IFRC principles provide a useful starting point, their successful use requires careful review and modification to meet the unique local conditions and requirements of each country.
