Emergency Disaster Services is expecting another hectic season

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team expects to be busy this spring and summer. A dry winter can point to another hectic wildfire season.

Last year, the City of Yellowknife faced a crisis that led to the evacuation of 20,000 people from their homes. In response, the EDS team stepped up, spending the entire month of August providing meals to first responders in Yellowknife and evacuees in Edmonton and St. Albert. This massive operation showcased the team’s dedication and capability.

However, it also came with valuable lessons that will help the team respond to crises even more effectively and efficiently than they have in the past.

Major Ben Lippers, Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Prairies and Northern Territories Division, and his team have been getting ready for the upcoming wildfire season since last fall.

To prepare, EDS has been active around the division, participating in internal and external training exercises, to ensure they are ready for deployment.

EDS at Search and Rescue Alberta

From March 21-23, The Salvation Army’s Alberta EDS team participated in a mock emergency exercise held by Search and Rescue Alberta (SARA) in Cochrane. The exercise simulated an approaching wildfire near Cochrane and involved approximately 200 SARA members.

“It allows us to bring our volunteers, even if they’re newbies, and get the training and see how they are,” explained Major Ben Lippers. “It hones the people’s skill, and you cook for more than just your family at home. This allows individuals to decide if they like the work.”

When natural disasters strike, EDS is on-site to provide those affected and first responders with food, water, and spiritual care. The training exercise allowed the crew to test their procedures and equipment to ensure they’re ready to deploy.

EDS team training at Pine Lake camp

The EDS specialist’s in the Prairies and Northern Territories division also came together at Pine Lake camp in Alberta to attend a two-day training session on April 25-26th.

“We had the Territorial Headquarters EDS trainer in to instruct us in teaching styles and reviewing updated courses,” Major Ben Lippers said. “Then we practiced pulling and backing up new equipment.”

Another important aspect of EDS is the volunteers and training. The EDS specialists around the division learned how to recruit and keep them engaged.

EDS at GRIP

The Salvation Army’s EDS team kicked off Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5- 11) at Get Ready in the Park at The Edmonton Expo Center on May 4.

The event was a great way for the public to get a firsthand look at the equipment EDS uses on the scene of a disaster. Individuals and families had a chance to walk through the mobile kitchens, examine the equipment, and ask questions about how the team makes their presence felt on-site.

On display for The Salvation Army were two Community Response Units (CRU) and a modified trailer that the crew can use for sleeping when necessary. One of the CRUs is capable of producing 1500 meals a day, while the bigger of the two allows the EDS team to produce a staggering 4500 meals each day.

Additional help is also on the way for EDS. Last year, the team had to drive two hours to and from site to serve meals to first responders due to limited accommodations in the area. However, all the money raised at the 2024 Supreme Group Salvation Army Golf Classic is going towards purchasing a Rapid Response Bunk House & Tow Vehicle.

The new additions will ensure EDS can respond fast and start helping affected areas as quickly as possible. Immediate access to clean, private quarters, bathrooms, and showers on a mission will cut travel times and let them focus on effectively serving those in need.

How to get involved

The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services team always seeks volunteers to help during disaster season. When the team is out on a mission, it must fulfil many roles. They seek cooks, liaisons, reception desk workers, and emotional/spiritual care volunteers. If you are 18+ and interested, call 03-512-4612 or sign up online.