Your community needs your help to prepare for emergencies
The Village of New Denver is in the process of developing an Emergency Support Services Team. This team, once fully trained, will be available to organize and provide relief in the event of emergencies. Please read the initial media release HERE.
What is ESS?
Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a program that provides short-term disaster relief across British Columbia in the event of: fires, mud slides, floods, earthquakes, or other emergencies. ESS relies on community volunteers to coordinate support services for people forced from their homes in an emergency.
Local emergency programs can support evacuees through the ESS program during an emergency event. This can be done through curbside support or an open reception centre within, or close to, the community affected.
Disaster work offers a unique opportunity to help others when help is needed most
New Denver Emergency Support Services are looking for volunteers who:
- Have compassion for people affected by disaster and are willing to help
- Have good communication skills
- Are flexible and able to respond on short notice
- Are able to work well with others
- Are in good health and have a sense of adventure
Before an emergency, volunteer responsibilities may include:
- Inform community businesses in the Slocan Valley of the program
- Identify potential reception centres and group lodging sites
- Recruit and train volunteers
- Maintain resource contact lists
- Inform the public of help available in the event of an emergency
During an emergency, volunteer responsibilities may include:
- Coordinating the provision of
- Food, clothing, and lodging
- Emotional support
- Pet care
- Transportation
- Family reunification
- Helping evacuees register online with ESS to receive support
As a Registered ESS volunteer:
- You will meet and train with inspiring people, be a part of a team that makes a difference, and gain the appreciation of community members and evacuees you assist;
- You are developing valuable skills through free training offered through the Justice Institute of BC and partner agencies;
- You are committing to approximately 40 hours of volunteer training;
- You will receive Work Safe and liability insurance coverage while on assignment; and
- Your travel and accommodation costs are reimbursed when you are on assignment.
For more information, or to sign up, please email Nicky at ESS1@newdenver.ca
