Vernon/Coldstream ESS:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Charles Dickens could also be describing the experience that many ESS volunteers have during local emergencies. ESS was created to provide short term assistance to British Columbians who are forced out of their homes due to fires, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. Our role is to help people during a very difficult and stressful time in their lives. We are the 'people' part of emergency response.
There are many roles that volunteers can help fill within the ESS team for Vernon/Coldstream. They range from working directly with evacuees in registration, to connecting evacuees with their families/friends to providing food, allocating resources and support at Reception Centres to scheduling tasks or people.
Broadly, ESS volunteers are people committed to the wellbeing of others.
We welcome inquiries about becoming part of the Vernon/Coldstream ESS team. Each potential volunteer will meet with the leadership team so you can meet us and we can get to know you, your skills and what you can contribute to our community. ESS teams are required to handle sensitive, confidential information; and therefore we will ask for personal references and clearances before you start.
For more information, please email ESS Volunteer Coordinator at involved2@shaw.ca.
Basic Requirements to become an ESS Volunteer
Transportation:
Because emergencies can happen at any time of day or night, ESS volunteers must have their own transport so that they can attend where needed.
Attendance at Training:
Volunteers must be willing to attend training in at least one area of service to insure that we meet the expectations of the Provincial Emergency Program requirements.
Have a phone and preferably email:
This is needed so that the Volunteer Coordinator or ESS Director can easily contact volunteers and update them on initiatives and training.
Personal attributes:
ESS Volunteers should be flexible, responsible, accountable and physically and emotional capable of handling the demands placed on them during emergencies. The Provincial Emergency Program, of which ESS is a part, uses an Incident Command process to communicate, allocate resources and make decisions. All volunteers need to be comfortable working under this structure which is critical to efficient operations during emergencies.
How To Apply
1) Fill-out ESS Application Form
2) Obtain a Criminal Record Check (free to volunteers from the RCMP Detachment) and a Driver's Abstract (BC Access Centre)
3) Drop-off completed application package:
Attention: Emergency Support Services
City of Vernon - Corporate Services Building
2900-32nd Avenue |
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