Emergency Social Services (ESS) is a program run by the Emergency Management branch. The program is made up of volunteers and helps people:
- meet their basic needs during a disaster
- reunite families separated by a disaster
- provide those affected with accurate and up-to-date information
- helps people re-establish themselves after a disaster
Services provided by ESS
ESS provides temporary relief services to individuals and families during a disaster at a reception centre or group lodging facility for up to 72 hours. The time allows evacuees to plan their next steps – contacting their insurance agents, family, friends and accessing other resources.
Reception centres and group lodging facilities provide:
- food
- clothing
- lodging
- first aid
- emotional support
- pet care
- family reunification