Penticton Emergency Support Services (ESS)

ESS is a community-based provincial emergency response program that provides short-term basic support such as shelter, food, clothing, and transportation to those affected by an emergency or disaster. 

The goal of ESS is to help people begin to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster. 

In many cases, homeowners or tenant insurance held by the evacuees will provide greater support than what is available through this program. If you are evacuated, please consult with your insurance provider to determine what services may be available to you.

There are specific condition requirements to be eligible for these supports. For example, if you are self-sufficient (such as having appropriate insurance or the means to support yourself for those first 72 hours), you would not be eligible for ESS. 

ESS is generally available for a maximum of 72 hours to evacuees whose insurance coverage is not reasonably and/or readily available.  During these first 72 hours, evacuees should immediately plan their next steps by contacting their insurance agents, families and friends, or accessing other possible resources.  ESS may be extended beyond 72 hours under exceptional circumstances.

Primary services provided by ESS are:

• Temporary lodging (these are determined on a case-by-case basis)
• Food
• Clothing and incidentals (such as toiletries)

Specialized services that may be coordinated on a case-by-case basis:

• Emotional support
• First aid and other health services
• Pet care
• Transportation

Reception Centre

A reception centre is a safe place where people can go to receive in-person services that vary depending on the type of emergency. 

Emergency Support Services is the heart of emergency responses. This is a very dedicated group of volunteers that are committed to supporting neighbours and community members during emergencies. Some of the benefits of volunteering with the Penticton ESS team include:

• Free training from the Justice Institute of BC
• Free training from the City of Penticton
• Opportunities to contribute to a safe and healthy community
• Supporting evacuees during an emergency

Since 2020, the incredible team of volunteers with Penticton ESS has dedicated over 14,000 hours to training and response in local, regional and provincial emergencies. 

There are four major roles that Penticton ESS typically recruits for:

• Greeter at the Reception Centre - this is the first individual that greets evacuees when evacuees enter the Reception Centre. They help explain the process to evacuees and help them find the registration area in the Reception Centre.

• Registration and Referral - they help evacuees complete their ESS registration and provide referrals to various supports.

• Documentation Room - they help organise, file, and, using spreadsheets, provider aggregate information about evacuees being supported. 

• Group lodging - provide temporary accommodations in a group facility (e.g., gymnasium floor) to evacuees that have no other accommodation option.

For a detailed description of the ESS volunteer role, please click here.

We have made the process as easy as possible for you. There are just a few steps:

1. Submit your application during an open call. 
2. We will contact you to arrange an interview and police checks.
3. If there is mutual agreement that you want to join the team and there is a role for you on the team, you will be offered a place on the team.
4. You will need to complete a police check (paid by ESS) and sign the Code of Conduct.
5. You will then be provided with information about training courses to help you get the skills and tools to successfully join the team.

Please contact the Penticton ESS team if you have any additional questions, or wish to find out more by emailing ess@penticton.ca or call 250.328.8749.