Emergency Support Services
Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term basic support to people impacted by disasters.
The program is financed by the provincial government and administered by Indigenous communities and local governments.
During an emergency event, ESS may be offered to an evacuee for a short period of time.
There are eligibility requirements for emergency support services. For example, if you’re able to support yourself for the first 72 hours of an emergency, you would not be eligible for ESS.
Supports provided to those eligible are determined by a case-by-case basis. Services may be available for an extended period depending on the emergency and the circumstances of an evacuation.
Primary services include temporary lodging, food, clothing, and incidentals (such as toiletries)
Specialized services include emotional support, health services (such as first aid), pet care, and transportation
Evacuees register for ESS by following the instructions provided on their evacuation alert or order. This process can be different for each community. It is at the discretion of the local emergency program to determine if online or paper registration is available at the time of the emergency event. Online uses the Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool with a self-registration option. Paper includes in-person registration with paper forms. Both options require a trained ESS responder to connect with an evacuee to complete registration and provide emergency supports on a case-by-case basis.
Pre-register for services
Pre-registering ahead of time will mean you're already set up in the ERA tool and may be eligible for Interac e-transfer payments, making it easier to access Emergency Support Services during an emergency.
To pre-register follow these steps:
- Download the BC Services Card app from the Apple or Google app stores.
- Open the BC Services Card app and follow the instructions.
- In the app, under "Services" locate "Evacuee Registration Assistance" and follow the login and registration instructions.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a provincial program for local authorities and Indigenous governments to deliver services to the public in an emergency. They often depend on volunteers to coordinate these services for people forced from their homes because of an emergency.
The Village of McBride relies on volunteers like you to provide Emergency Support Services in the Robson Valley.
If you would like to get involved and join the Village of McBride Emergency Support Services team, please complete the form below and drop off at the Village Office
