News Release

The Township of Esquimalt is building its own Emergency Social Services (ESS) Team and is looking for community-minded volunteers to join up. Training is provided.

ESS, as part of the Esquimalt Emergency Program, is responsible for planning and providing short-term, basic emergency assistance to individuals evacuated from their homes due to an emergency or disaster. 

Volunteers are responsible for:

• Opening and operating Reception Centres to aid people affected by a disaster; 

• Providing a referral service to place evacuees in local lodging facilities; 

• Providing registration and inquiry information to the Red Cross to help re-unite families;

• Providing food to victims, volunteers, and workers affected by the emergency; 

• Arranging for distribution of basic clothing to those who require it; 

• Providing personal services, such as counselling, and meeting special needs, as required; and,

• Planning for group lodging facilities (shelters), as needed.  

If you would like to get involved and make a difference in your community, please contact:

Keith Davies, Director, Emergency Social Services
Tel: 250-412-8543