L facilities are set up in order to provide for essential housing needs of people affected by a disaster. Depending on the type and scope of the emergency, there are various services that may be available at a GL facility. These services may include those described below.
- Safety
- Check In/Out
- Sleeping Area
- Meals Distribution
- Recreation & Leisure
- Multicultural
- Information
- First Aid
- Emotional Support
- Special Needs
- Resource Acquisition
- Volunteer/Staff Management
- Security
Provides for the safety of facility for residents and responders, including implementing worker care measures
Checks in and checks out as well as signs in and signs out individuals referred to the facility for accommodation
Assigns beds for residents in the sleeping area
Provides food and beverages for residents and responders
Organizes and provides activities for residents
Provides multicultural services as needed, such as translators, etc
Provides accurate, up-to-date, relevant information and print materials are available for residents and responders
Provides basic first aid support and makes referrals to appropriate health care facilities as necessary
Provides and coordinates emotional support for residents and responders, and provides referrals to appropriate human services agencies when needed
Provides assistance to residents with special needs, e.g., pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly, dependent adults, and special needs children
Provides supplies and equipment for use by residents and responders
Coordinates the assignments for trained volunteers and trains walk-in volunteers to assist where needed
Oversees children who arrive at a RC without a parent or guardian
Provides security of the residents and responders, building, and parking area
ESS is generally available for a maximum of 72 hours. 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. Should further assistance be required, only under extenuating circumstances, a request is sent through the local Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to the provincial or territorial ESS organization (in BC it’s EMBC) authorizing an extension of the services.
