Have you ever wondered how a family receives help when they are displaced by a disaster? Emergencies and disasters can occur unexpectedly, causing significant disruptions and putting people’s lives and well-being at risk. Emergency Support Services (ESS) is the “heart of emergency response” that helps people have their basic needs cared for. ESS volunteers help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from these events effectively.
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) oversees eight Emergency Support Services programs that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of different communities. These programs are an integral part of SRD’s comprehensive regional strategy for disaster planning and are crucial for communities to enhance their resilience, protect lives, and facilitate a swift recovery in the face of emergencies and disasters.
Communities require Emergency Support Services for many reasons.
Emergencies often result in the displacement of individuals and families from their homes. ESS respondents fully assess those displaced by the emergency to evaluate their needs immediately following the event; complete documentation and ensure the appropriate supports are provided, such as shelter, clothing, food, comfort.
Emergencies can cause emotional distress and trauma. ESS respondents support the recovery of impacted individuals by providing referrals to partner agencies and other community-based assistance.
Within ESS there is a Pet Care Team because it is recognized that failure to care for pets during an emergency has negative implications for the emotional and physical well-being of both the guardian and the animal.
During disasters the Pet Care Team offers assistance by providing services such as:
· Setting up of temporary animal intake shelters, including care and maintenance of animals.
· Reuniting pets with their guardians.
The Regional District invites community members to learn more about your community’s Emergency Support Services by attending a virtual information session.
· Session 1 – Tuesday February 27th from 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
· Session 2 – Wednesday February 28th from 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Both sessions will be the same. No preregistration is necessary. For more information and to obtain the Zoom link for these sessions please visit www.srd.ca/ess-recruitment.
If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering but unable to attend one of these sessions, please contact Shaun Koopman, SRD Manager of Emergency Services at skoopman@srd.ca or 250-830-6702.
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