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Delta Emergency Social Services

Overview

Emergency Social Services (or ESS) is an emergency response program that provides services that are required to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or disaster.

The program provides short-term assistance to British Columbians who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes the provision of food, clothing, lodging, emotional support and family reunification.

In British Columbia, municipalities are responsible for planning and operating emergency responses within their jurisdictional areas, including Emergency Social Services, with assistance funded by the province. The Corporation of Delta has a well established Emergency Social Services Program that operates in North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen, and this program is prepared to meet the needs of the community for the first 72 hours following a disaster or emergency.

The success of the Emergency Social Services program in Delta depends on a strong partnership between community volunteers and staff of the Corporation of Delta to plan and provide for the essential needs of individuals, families and response workers.

The Parks, Recreation and Culture department is responsible for administering Delta's program and employs a full-time Emergency Social Services Manager. The Emergency Social Services Manager administers the Emergency Social Services program in consultation with the Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture and the Chief of the Delta Fire Department.

ESS Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers are responsible for undertaking their own personal preparedness in order to be able to respond quickly and professionally during emergency situations.

In the event of a major emergency or disaster in Delta, the first responsibility of an Emergency Social Services volunteer is their safety and the safety and security of their family. When this has been established, volunteers are responsible for providing emergency human support services.

Volunteers in Delta's Emergency Social Services program are responsible for obtaining training in Emergency Social Services. Offered through the Justice Institute and support organizations, training is available in various emergency management topics including (but not limited to) Reception Centre Operations, Registration & Referrals, Family Reunification, and Disaster Child Care. No specific skills are required to become a volunteer. However, skills in areas such as volunteer management, interviewing and second languages are considered an asset.

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How to Become a Volunteer

The Corporation of Delta's Emergency Social Services program is dependent on the willingness of individuals in the community to help plan for the well-being of their community in the event of a disaster. Emergency Social Services Volunteers assist their communities in many ways, including:

Volunteers are always needed, and welcomed. If a volunteer position in emergency response interests you, the Corporation of Delta is currently recruiting volunteers into its' Emergency Social Services program. A commitment of approximately 2-4 hours a month is required for training and exercises.

For more information about becoming an ESS volunteer, please email ess@delta.ca, or contact Delta's Emergency Social Services Manager at (604) 952-3129.

To find out more information about Emergency Social Services in British Columbia, please visit:

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