ABOUT ESS

EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible for ESS?

A. Any person who is forced from their home because of an emergency, or who is stranded or unable to reach home as a consequence of an emergency for which a PEP task number has been issued, may be eligible for ESS.

Services are available to people who need emergency assistance and do not have sufficient personal resources (eg., insurance, family or friends) or access to those resources due to an emergency.

Q2. How long is ESS assistance available for?

A. Under most circumstances ESS assistance is available for the 72 hours immediately following an emergency. The 72 hour period allows individuals and families time to collect themselves emotionally and develop a plan to become self reliant following the emergency that has forced them from their home.

However, when the emergency situation persists beyond 72 hours, as can happen with large forest fires or major flooding, PEP may, at its discretion, extend the period of assistance beyond 72 hours.

Q3. Where do I go to get ESS assistance in the case of a major event/disaster?

A. The location for ESS assistance will depend on the emergency plan for your community and the specific circumstances of each emergency. Most communities have pre-identified facilities (eg., recreation centre, church, etc.) that are suitable for ESS Reception Centres should people be forced from their homes due to a disaster or emergency.

When a disaster occurs and there is a need for an evacuation, your local authorities (i.e., usually the ESS Director) will determine which facilities are to serve as Reception Centres, taking into account factors such as safety or accessibility. Your local authorities will also identify evacuation routes. You should listen to your local radio or television station for specific instructions.

Q4. What exactly do we need in our ESS Plan? Do you have a template, or can I copy the plan from another community?

A. You will learn the basics needed for your ESS Plan through available training from the Justice Institute, particularly the ESS Director Course. You may also refer to the PEP Local Authority Planning Guide for some basic planning recommendations.

You may find some useful information in another community’s plan, however each community should develop a plan that is specific to their own needs, taking into consideration the relevant hazards for the area, geography, population distribution and available resources. When creating your plan, remember to take into account the key concepts of ESS – flexibility and adaptability.

Q5. If evacuees are in receipt of BC Employment and Assistance ('income assistance'), are they still eligible for Emergency Social Services?

A. ESS is not a BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) program. The services of the program are available to all residents of BC who do not have the necessary resources to meet their basic needs as a result of evacuation from their homes. If evacuees identify themselves as BCEA clients, and it is not expected they will be able to return to their home within 72 hours, you should advise them to contact their Employment and Assistance Worker as soon as possible to discuss long-term needs.