What is Emergency Social Services?
- Emergency Social Services (ESS) is BC’s province-wide, community based emergency response program.
- ESS provides those services required to preserve the well being of people affected by an emergency or disaster.
What does ESS do?
The ESS Program plays an important role in 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; and
- helping people to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster, defined as Community Recovery Efforts.
What services are provided?
ESS provides primary services such as:
- food
- lodging
- clothing
- family reunification (registration & inquiry)
ESS may also provide specialized services such as:
- emotional support
- first aid
- child care
- pet care
- public information
- radio communications
Who provides ESS in Prince George?
ESS registration and inquiry
- City of Prince George Leisure Services Department, Community Services Division
- Services for those registering for ESS support and Social agencies, commercial lodging, SPCA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, NHA, RCMP Victim Services.
Who receives ESS?
- Residents of Prince George requiring assistance in a disaster
- Travellers stranded as a result of a disaster
- Response workers on assignment during a disaster.
When is ESS provided?
- ESS may be provided for incidents ranging from a single family house fire to calamities involving mass evacuation.
- Examples of events in BC involving ESS include:
How is ESS provided?
- Our ESS Team, with the help of partner agencies, assist evacuees, often 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
- Personal Disaster Assistance volunteers (RCMP Victim Services) provide on-site services for small scale incidents (1-2 residences).
How long is ESS provided for?
- ESS is usually available for 72 hours
- 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
- Ministry of Human Resources (if no other resources)
- ESS may be extended, in exceptional circumstances, on a case-by-case basis.
What do ESS Teams do to prepare?
- Identify facilities suitable for use as reception centres
- Establish linkages with key local emergency responders and non-government disaster agencies
- Reach agreements with local businesses and service organizations