Your serpentine belt is broke
why is my escort so light on the power steering
The 1995 Escort did not have power steering.
Belt slipping Did coolant get on belt during replacement?
Bad power steering pump
Power Steering Pump Reservoir.
Ford escort has a power steering fluid capacity of one point. The manufacturer recommends that you never overfill the power steering fluid.
It probably needs power steering fluid added.
You are having fan belt problems.
Check your fan/accessory/serpentine belt.
Alternator Belt has snapped, causing you alternator to stop charging causing you battery light to come on, but this belt also runs your power steering pump which if that's not working your steering will become heavy
According to the 1998 Ford Escort Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
Could be a slipping or broken belt.