During a disaster response, additional emergency response centres may be opened to provide support:
Comfort Centre
As a result of extreme weather events, members of the public are often finding themselves without power, sometimes for extended periods, or otherwise affected by the climate. While these events fall outside of traditional ESS response activities, and such events do not warrant the activation of a reception centre, there may be a need to open a facility whereby citizens can find respite from adverse weather conditions. Services provided may include shelter from weather, nourishment, companionship or information.
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
The focal point for the community’s overall management of the disaster. Coordination and direction for the entire community response is provided by senior representatives from each of the key agencies involved in the response and may include law enforcement, fire and rescue, ambulance, engineering, utilities, ESS, health, public works, Office of the City Manager, or the Chief Administrative Officer. Information from the RC is important to the EOC group. It will inform them as to the needs of evacuees and the assistance the RC has provided to the people who have experienced the disaster.
Surrey EOC 2005
Group Lodging
A group lodging facility provides emergency shelter style accommodations for persons affected by the disaster, either evacuees or emergency responders. It could be co-located with the RC or at a separate location.
Group Lodging Exercise Set-up 2009
Volunteer Services Centre
When a disaster happens in a community, many people will simply walk in or phone the RC to offer assistance. The ESS team can set up a Volunteer Services area within the RC or they can set up a separate facility designated strictly to manage walk-in disaster volunteers.
