Introduction to Emergency Social Services Presented by: (Your Name) (Your Organization)

Slide 2 Emergency Social Services Emergency Social Services (ESS) is BC’s province-wide, community based, emergency response program ESS are those services required to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or disaster Overview of ESS What is Emergency Social Services?

Slide 3 Emergency Social Services Overview of ESS ESS is an integral part of Emergency Management in BC by: Helping people to remain independent and self- sufficient Helping people to meet their basic needs during a disaster Reuniting families separated by disaster Providing people with accurate and up-to-date information about the situation at hand Helping people to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster What does ESS Do?

Slide 4 Emergency Social Services Overview of ESS ESS provides primary services such as: food lodging clothing emotional support first aid child care pet care public information radio communications ESS may also provide specialized services such as: family reunification (registration & inquiry) What services are provided?

Slide 5 Emergency Social Services ESS volunteers and staff –over 5,000 local volunteers and staff across BC –ESS Support Organizations –Provincial Emergency Program regional and provincial staff Every local authority in BC should have an ESS team The local ESS leader is the ESS Director The ESS Director reports to Emergency Program Coordinator Overview of ESS Who provides ESS?

Slide 6 Emergency Social Services Local Authority Level Overview of ESS

Slide 7 Emergency Social Services Citizens of British Columbia who have been displaced from their residence by a disaster or emergency Overview of ESS Travellers stranded as a result of a disaster Response workers on assignment during a disaster or emergency Who receives ESS ?

Slide 8 Emergency Social Services ESS may be provided for incidents ranging from a single family house fire to calamities involving mass evacuation When is ESS provided? floods urban fires earthquakes oil spills blizzards severe weather landslides and avalanches wildland urban interface fires Overview of ESS Examples of events in BC involving ESS include:

Slide 9 Emergency Social Services ESS is typically available for 72 hours immediately following the start of an event During these first 72 hours, evacuees should immediately plan their next steps by contacting: –insurance agents (if relevant) –family and friends –local non-profit agencies ESS may be extended, in exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis Overview of ESS How long is ESS provided for?

Slide 10 Emergency Social Services ESS teams assist evacuees at Reception Centres ESS teams may also provide: –outreach services for shut-ins –Group Lodging (shelter and food) to evacuees during a major event –on-site services to response workers and others Level 1 ESS volunteers provide on-site services for small scale incidents (1-2 residences) Overview of ESS How is ESS provided?

Slide 11 Emergency Social Services Identify facilities suitable for use as Reception Centres and for Group Lodging. Recruit and train volunteers Establish linkages with key local emergency responders and any disaster related non-government organizations Reach agreements with local businesses and services organizations Overview of ESS What do ESS teams do to prepare?

Slide 12 Emergency Social Services Conclusion The success of ESS depends on the ongoing commitment of volunteers and other key stakeholders, and on the support of local, regional and provincial governments.

Slide 13 Emergency Social Services