Emergency Support Services - City of Kamloops

Emergency Support Services is based on volunteerism and is dependent on the willingness of individuals in the community to help plan for the well-being of their neighbours and fellow citizens in the event of a disaster. Emergency Support Services volunteers assist their communities in many ways, including: -linkage to first responders agencies -informing local businesses of the program -identifying potential reception centres and group lodging sites -recruiting and training more volunteers -completing contact lists and exercising their plan -informing the public of help available following a disaster -providing for the essential needs of people affected by a disaster Making a difference as part of a team that provides assistance and a shoulder to lean on when disaster forces people from their homes. Volunteers gain valuable experience and contacts in the field of emergency management. Volunteer training is provided free of charge through the Justice Institute of BC and support organizations. Training modules include reception centre operations, family reunification, group lodging and more. Volunteers form the backbone of Emergency Support Services and are recognized by local government as part of a network of emergency responders. Volunteers will be working directly with evacuees to support their Emergency Support Services registration and provide referrals to necessary supports. To be successful as an Emergency Support Service Volunteer, one must be: -comfortable working on computers -comfortable speaking directly with evacuees over the phone -able to complete the necessary Emergency Support Services training - able to obtain a Police Information and Vulnerable Sector Check

Emergency Support Services provide short-term assistance to British Columbians in need of emergency supports who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, accommodation, clothing, incidentals, and resources for information and guidance. There are three levels of incident classifications where a resident may require the use of Emergency Support Services: Level 1: Small-scale incidents (e.g., individual house fires) Level 2: Larger incidents involving multiple structures or communities (e.g., apartment fires) Level 3: Full-scale activations or community-wide evacuations The City works in partnership with the Province of BC to ensure that residents are aware of tools and resources available to them during an emergency. Reception centres are set up to provide for essential needs of people affected by a disaster. The reception centre is a site (staffed by Emergency Support Services volunteers) where evacuees may be received during a disaster. At the Reception Centre, individuals can register and receive short-term support services and guidance towards where to find information regarding their evcauated community. It is a staging site for volunteer disaster relief works and a site where other support organizations will set up to assist with Emergency Support Services delivery and provide other resources to evacuees.