Canadian Red Cross takes over B.C.’s Emergency Support Services following recent floods

Canadian Red Cross takes over B.C.'s Emergency Support Services following recent floods
Nicholas Pescod / CHEK News

The Province of B.C. has announced that the Canadian Red Cross has taken over, effective immediately, the continued Emergency Support Services (ESS) following recent flooding across the Province.

According to the government, it is “grateful” that the Red Cross has stepped up to provide ESS and deliver it on behalf of B.C. to those impacted by recent floods and extreme weather.

The Province says it is comfortable having the Canadian Red Cross take the reins, as it has the capacity and experience to deal with emergency situations like the one B.C. has been facing.

To ensure a smooth transition, staff from the Red Cross have been contacting people currently receiving support to confirm ongoing needs.

People who have not yet been contacted should call the Red Cross (toll-free) at 1 800 863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time) or visit the closest Red Cross Reception Centre, notes the Province.

Locations of Red Cross centres are listed online at redcross.ca/2021bcfloods.

The Province has also teamed with the Canadian Red Cross to provide $2,000 to help people, whose primary residences have been placed on evacuation orders due to flooding, to meet their immediate needs associated with being evacuated.

READ MORE: B.C. set to use Alert Ready system when next storm strikes in days ahead

This financial assistance is in addition to, and will not affect eligibility for, ESS, adds the Province.

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