Jeanine Ziolkoski, Emergency Support Services Resource Acquistion
As a pet lover and lifelong volunteer, Jeanine first heard of Emergency Support Services (ESS) when she signed up for a pet first aid course on Bowen, which ESS hosted 6 years ago. She signed up with Pet Services, but after learning about the need for volunteers in other roles and that training was provided, she became a core member of Bowen’s ESS team.
When asked what motivated her, she explained, “Years ago, an immediate relative had a major house fire that displaced their family of five plus their large dog in the middle of the night.” Recently, a close friend experienced the same situation, but she was alone. Jeanine wants to ensure that the Bowen community is prepared to offer support if and or when such a thing happens here.”
In bigger cities, signing up one hotel as a supplier allows for many evacuees to be housed, but Jeanine understands the importance of initiating many lodging partnerships on Bowen. “It would be difficult to provide lodging for evacuees on short notice without supplier relationships pre-established. Resource Acquisition volunteers compile profiles so that ESS can match an evacuee household with lodging suitable to their needs.”
Providers of food and lodging who haven’t already signed up as an ESS supplier can contact her at ESSresponder1@bimbc.ca
In addition to behind-the-scenes roles in preparedness, Jeanine is a responder for disasters such as house fires, or larger magnitude events, and is prepared to assist other jurisdictions in BC when there’s need, as was the case when she represented Bowen Island ESS assisting flood evacuees in Abbotsford, putting her training and experience to good use.
To volunteer with ESS, contact:
Carolyn ESS Director boweness@bimbc.ca
