Urging BC people to pre-register with Emergency Support Services
By Southeast Fire Centre
As wildfire activity increases, government is encouraging everyone throughout BC to pre-register for Emergency Support Services (ESS) before an emergency occurs, regardless of where they live or how close they are to an active wildfire or other emergency event.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) make it quicker and easier to receive support if you need to evacuate. Registering in advance ensures you and your family get immediate assistance in your time of need.
For example, individuals and families under an evacuation order may be able to receive $200 per night via e-Transfer without having to visit a reception centre in person, providing them with the flexibility to immediately evacuate to a hotel, campground or stay with friends or family in another community.
ESS is a provincial program that is administered by local governments and First Nations, designed to support people who need help meeting their basic needs during an evacuation. This can include accommodation, clothing, food and other incidentals.
During an emergency, people who need support meeting their basic needs are required to register with ESS either through an evacuee reception centre established by the local authority or online at ESS.gov.bc.ca. Support is also available through the BC Evacuee Helpline (1-800-387-4258).
People are also urged to take additional steps to be prepared, including:
- creating or updating your household emergency plan
- pack a grab-and-go bag for each member of your household, including pets, that should include enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, including food, water, clothing, medications and other essentials
- stay informed by monitoring your local government or First Nation website and social media channels
Information on all evacuation orders and evacuation alerts in B.C., including recommended actions to take, is available 24/7 at EmergencyInfoBC.ca
In the event of an evacuation order, people must leave the area immediately and follow the direction of their local authority. Evacuation orders are issued by local governments and First Nations as a last resort to protect lives.
Before travelling in the Province, people are urged to monitor for evacuation orders and alerts and be flexible to adjusting their plans or routes as necessary. For up-to-date information about road conditions visit: https://drivebc.ca/
Learn More:
- To register with Emergency Support Services, visit: https://ESS.gov.bc.ca
- For information on evacuation alerts and orders, visit: https://EmergencyInfoBC.ca
or follow @EmergencyInfoBC on X or Facebook. - To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, visit: https://PreparedBC.ca/
- To learn about how to prepare for wildfires, visit: https://firesmartbc.ca/
- Real-time wildfire information can be found on the BC Wildfire Service mobile app, which is available for Apple and Android users.
- To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 toll free or *5555 on a cellphone or download the BC Wildfire Service app. Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.bc.gov.WildfireInformation; iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bc-wildfire-service/id1477675008?ls=1
- For BC Wildfire Service information and updates, visit: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/dashboard
