Disaster Social Services Overview

Mandate Every municipality is mandated under the Emergency Management Act to provide assistance to evacuees in the event of an emergency or disaster.

SECTION 11(a) “The local authority of each municipality shall, at all times, be responsible for the direction and control of the local authority’s emergency response” Emergency Management Act (ALBERTA)

Definition Disaster Social Services (DSS) is a planned emergency response program intended to meet the immediate and long term survival and psychological needs of individuals impacted by an emergency or disaster

Erlton Fire 2001

Mission Statement Disaster Social Services develops and maintains a comprehensive plan that includes the provision of basic food, clothing, lodging and personal services in order to care for those evacuated during a disaster

 When an emergency in Calgary affects  100 citizens, DSS responds to their needs and may set up a Reception Centre DSS Activation Criteria  When an evacuation affects  100 citizens, the Red Cross Disaster Unit may be called by Calgary Emergency Management to respond to specific needs

Reception Centre A strategically located centre that has been previously approved by the Lodging Team A one-stop service site to which people evacuate, and where their immediate basic needs are met by the DSS teams Also serves as a gathering place and information centre Description

Reception Centre Food Lodging Personal Services Clothing Registration & Inquiry DSS delivers these basic services to evacuees at a Reception Centre

Who is Involved Community Organizations that have been trained in accordance with the DSS Plan The City of Calgary’s DSS Team is comprised of two components: First Responders / DSS Teams (City of Calgary staff)

Who Is Involved City of Calgary Staff First Responders Trained City of Calgary employees, who form 10 specialized DSS teams (approx 120) DSS DirectorChris Branch, Director, CNS DSS Coordinator:Rick Kanik, Manager, Senior Services Full Time DSS Planner - Arlene Baxendale Admin Coordinator – Linda O’Toole Generalists City of Calgary employees from Community & Neighbourhood Services who are not on a specific DSS team (approx 200)

Who is Involved First Responders First Responders are City of Calgary employees who are members of one of these specialized DSS teams: Clothing Food Lodging Personal Services Reception Centre Management At a Reception Centre, these teams provide DIRECT services to citizens Administration Communications Finance Human Resources Logistics These SUPPORT teams enable the direct services to be delivered effectively

Who is Involved Generalists A Generalist is any City of Calgary employee within Community and Neighbourhood Services who is not a member of a specific DSS team In a large disaster response, a generalist may be called upon at any time to provide assistance to any of the 10 DSS teams in either a general or specialized capacity

How DSS is Activated 1.Calgary Emergency Management Contacts the DSS Director 2.DSS Director Contacts the DSS Coordinator and DSS Planner 3.DSS Coordinator/Planner Deploys QRAT* to determine the level of response required 4.Once the level of response is determined and if the DSS teams are required, the DSS Coordinator/Planner initiate the fan-out process *QRAT = Quick Response Assessment Team This is a specialized group within the DSS Personal Services team

How DSS is Activated Direct Service Teams Clothing Food Lodging Personal Services Reception Centre Mgmt Direct Service Teams Clothing Food Lodging Personal Services Reception Centre Mgmt Support Teams Administration Communications Finance Human Resources Logistics Support Teams Administration Communications Finance Human Resources Logistics 10 DSS Teams Calgary Emergency Management Calgary Emergency Management DSS Director DSS Coordinator / Planner QRAT Team

Hub Oil ExplosionAugust 1999 Lynwood RidgeJune 2001 New York Response (9/11)September 2001 Duralite FireNovember 2001 Hazco FireDecember 2001 G8 Summit (EOC Only)June 2002 Erlton FireMay 2002 First Church of Christ Scientist FireJune 2002 Century Gardens FireSeptember 2002 BC FiresAugust 2003 Edmonton Hail & Flood DisasterJuly 2004 DSS Responses

Calgary FloodJune 2005 Suncourt Place FireFebruary 2007 Provincial Disaster Recovery ProgramJune 2007 Lakeview Mews FireJuly 2007 Dover Seniors FireAugust 2008 DSS Responses

What to Expect  Para-Military system (i.e. hierarchical, rule-based, clear line of authority and responsibility)  Hectic environment  Evacuees who may be traumatized At a Reception Centre

What to Expect èEnsure your own family’s basic needs are met first As you will be of no help to evacuees until you are certain your family is taken care of (e.g. child care) èAdvise your family/employer where you will be èEnsure that work responsibilities are covered èRealize that 100% of your effort & commitment are required at a Reception Centre If you are unable to provide this, advise your DSS supervisor èNever assist any type of disaster response with which you have an emotional attachment (i.e. a family member or friend was a victim of the event) Responsibilities & Self Care (Before reporting to the Reception Center)

Top Reasons to Get Involved Career Enhancement Corporate and Community recognition Opportunity to “Make a Difference”! Camaraderie and Teamwork Satisfaction of knowing you helped when it was most needed Valuable Courses and Training Benefits of Joining a Team

Training Opportunities ARES Radio Certification Basic DSS Training Crisis Intervention During Disasters DSS Orientation Emergency Operations Centre (Levels 1 & 2) First Aid: Emergency Level Mock Disaster Exercises Personal Disaster Preparedness Train the Trainer (Tabletop exercises) Local and National Conferences

The work of Disaster Social Services touches the lives of all Calgarians DSS is prepared and committed to helping those in need during times of disaster Your involvement is important towards ensuring that DSS can respond effectively when disasters occur

How to Get Involved Contact Arlene Baxendale DSS Planner (403)