Volunteers

What is Emergency Social Services?

Emergency Social Services (ESS) is a program that provides short term disaster relief across British Columbia in the event of fires, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies.

ESS depends on community volunteers to plan and provide for the essential needs of individuals, families and response workers. This may include food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and finding loved ones.

Most communities in B.C. have an ESS team that develops liaisons with community businesses willing to share their resources in times of trouble. The task of planning for disasters requires energy and creativity, and depends on the commitment and dedication of many volunteers.

How Can You Help?

Your community needs your help to prepare for emergencies. ESS volunteers:

• inform community businesses of the program
• identify potential Reception Centres and Group Lodging sites
• recruit and train more volunteers
• complete contact lists and exercise the plan
• inform the public of help available following a disaster

More volunteers are always needed and welcomed. Disaster work offers a unique opportunity to help others when help is needed most. Working in this field challenges volunteers to stretch their own limits and potential.

Your local team needs volunteers who:

• have a concern for people affected by disaster, and want to help
• have good communication skills
• are able to respond on short notice
• are flexible and work well as part of a team
• are in good health
• have a sense of adventure

No specific skills are required to become a volunteer. However, skills such as volunteer management, interviewing and second languages are great assets.

What are some of the rewards in ESS?

Making a Difference: You are part of a team that provides lodging, food and a shoulder to lean on when disaster forces people from their homes.

Training: Offered through the Justice Institute and Support Organizations, training includes Reception Centre Operations, Family Reunification, Disaster Child Care and others.

Recognition: Volunteers form the backbone of ESS. Recognition of their efforts may take many forms, including volunteer appreciation events, certificates, awards or letters from local government or provincial government, in addition to expressions of appreciation from peers, community members and those they have helped.

Protection: All ESS volunteers receive Workers' Compensation Board and liability insurance coverage while on assignment.

Emergency Social Services
Provincial Emergency Program

Phone toll free within B.C.: 1 800 585-9559

DOC REF #: ESS070