Emergency Social Services (ESS) is an emergency response program offering essential services to all those affected by wide-scale emergency or disaster in Newfoundland and Labrador.
ESS provides temporary assistance until regular services resume operation or until other plans or programs come into effect.
Reception Centres are one-stop service sites where people can gather to receive emergency services. The Centres provide an opportunity to meet and greet all persons affected and offer the following:
During the recovery phase, information on the number of people requiring emergency services is essential for effective allocation of resources and delivery of assistance.
Registration and inquiry services provide the following:
Food may be delivered to emergency locations; provided by mobile food services and restaurants; or made available through supermarket vouchers.
Emergency Food Services provides:
Emergency food is essential to sustain life but also helps:
Clothing is provided first to prevent loss of life from exposure or to meet basic clothing needs until normal sources of supply are available. ESS may provide clothing or assistance with the purchase of clothing.
Emergency clothing includes:
Safe, temporary lodging may be provided in group settings such as schools, churches, arenas, halls and other large venues, or in hotels and other commercial accommodations.
Consideration is given to:
People affected by a disaster may have to adjust to major changes in their lives. Personal services provide for the physical, social, emotional and financial needs of those affected.
Delivery of services may include:
A referral for ESS services can be made by contacting: