Emergency Social Services
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emergency Social Services (ESS) is a component of the Provincial Emergency Program of the Province of British Columbia. ESS are those services required to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or disaster. Teams are established in local municipalities and assemble together for meetings and contingency planning.
Contents |
[edit] When is ESS provided
Although ESS is designed to provide services to individuals affected by large complex disasters or emergencies, ESS may also be provided during smaller emergencies; for example a single house fire or emergencies affecting 1 to 2 families in a community.
[edit] What services are provided by ESS?
ESS provides temporary relief to individuals and families so they can begin to plan their next steps to recover after a disaster.
ESS provides primary services such as:
food;lodging;clothing; and family reunification.
ESS may also provide specialized services such as:
emotional support services; first aid; child minding; pet care; and transportation services
[edit] How is ESS provided?
ESS teams assist people affected by disaster, usually at Reception Centres. Reception Centres may be located at the local community centre, recreation centre, church, or school.
ESS teams may also provide services in the following settings:
outreach services to those unable to leave their homes; mass care (lodging and feeding) to evacuees during a major disaster; on-site services to response workers and others.
[edit] Regions
- Vancouver Island
- South West
- Central
- South East
- North East
- North West
[edit] Volunteers' Powers and Privileges
- Volunteers are allowed to use the Disaster Response Route when on duty
- Under Section 27(1b) of the Emergency Program Act, a person commits an offence who interferes with or obstructs any person in the exercise of any power or the performance of any duty conferred or imposed by this Act or the regulations is liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or to a fine of not more than $10 000 or to both imprisonment and fine.
- Civil Liability Exemption under Section 18 of the Emergency Program Act
- Workers' Compensation Board coverage
- The government maintains a comprehensive general liability insurance policy with a limit of $2 million covering all provincial volunteers
- Good Samaritan Act applies to all volunteers(unless grossly negligent)
- Training from the Provincial, Regional & Municipal Governments
- Special awards night every year
[edit] Note
Only persons over the age of 16 may sign up to become a volunteer. Persons aged 16-18 must have parental consent. There're no maximum age limit.
[edit] External links
- [1] Emergency Social Service Program, Provincial Emergency Program.
