LANGLEY City is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to strengthen Emergency Support Services (ESS) for residents impacted by emergencies.
The partnership enhances Langley City’s ability to provide timely, compassionate support to individuals and families displaced by emergencies such as residential fires, floods, severe weather, and other unexpected events.
“Emergencies can happen at any hour and often without warning, which is why effective response depends on strong partnerships and coordinated support,” said Melanie LaPointe, Emergency Management Program Advisor, Langley City. “By partnering with the Canadian Red Cross, we’re enhancing local response capacity, supporting our volunteers, and strengthening assistance for residents impacted by emergencies.”
Through this collaboration, the Canadian Red Cross will support the City’s Level 1 Emergency Support Services response, also known as Personal Disaster Assistance. Trained responders will help residents access immediate basic supports including temporary lodging, food, clothing, transportation, emotional support, and other essential services.
“We are grateful to be working with Langley City to build capacity for personal disaster emergency assistance and ensure that community members have the supports they need,” said Kai Nestman, Director of Relief Operations for British Columbia and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross. “The Red Cross works in partnership with communities to respond to emergencies and unexpected events across Canada. Our trained volunteers can provide immediate, short-term support to help meet people’s urgent, basic needs.”
This assistance is available 24/7, for up to 72 hours following an emergency event. The support is intended to help bridge the gap between the initial impact of an emergency and when longer-term supports, including insurance or community resources, become available.
The City will continue to lead local emergency response through the Langley City Emergency Program, with the Canadian Red Cross providing additional capacity and support to strengthen emergency response and volunteer coordination.
The partnership also supports volunteer capacity and recruitment by expanding opportunities for residents to become involved in emergency response efforts.
In collaboration with the Canadian Red Cross, Langley City is recruiting ESS Volunteer Responders to support residents impacted by emergencies. Volunteers receive training and play an important role in supporting residents and strengthening community safety. Anyone interested in volunteering can learn more and apply at LangleyCity.ca/ESS.
