Emergency Support Service program
Last updated on February 21, 2024Emergency 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.
On this page
About ESS
This section contains the details about the provincial ESS program.
- Support services during an emergency is for the general public and covers eligibility, what supports are provided, and how they are delivered
- Launch ESS explains how to get started, program foundations and the ERA tool, reception centres, and group lodging
- ESS responder resources provides all forms, operational procedures and service delivery guidelines
- ESS news informs subscribers on program updates and changes
ESS modernization
The Emergency Support Services Modernization Project is improving the delivery of support services by:
- Updating legislation, policies, processes and training, and
- Creating the online Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool
Modernizing helps ensure people receive timely access to services in a disaster, and better supports ESS teams. Email questions about modernization to: essmodernization@gov.bc.ca.
Subscribe to the ESS news page to stay informed of our progress.
Training
Trained responders are critical in the delivery of ESS. Both emergency management and ESS training for staff and approved volunteers is available through partnership with the Justice Institute of BC.
Volunteering for ESS
ESS relies on volunteers to coordinate support services for people forced from their homes in an emergency. Visit Emergency support service (ESS) volunteers to learn what volunteers do and how you can join.
Contact Emergency Support Services
For general questions, contact your regional office.
ESS information centre
During large events the ESS information centre may be available. Evacuees, responders and suppliers can call 1-800-585-9559.
ESS reporting
To report concerns related to fraud or misuse of ESS, or concerns related to fund transfers through the ERA Tool, evacuees, ESS responders or members of the public may email essreporting@gov.bc.ca
ERA technical questions
Evacuees, responders, and suppliers may call 1-844-537-7377 for technical assistance when using the evacuee registration and assistance (ERA) tool.
Supplier reimbursement questions
Inquiries about outstanding invoices can be directed to to essfinanceinquiries@gov.bc.ca.
ESS modernization project
Local emergency programs can email modernization questions at essmodernization@gov.bc.ca
Mailing address
Emergency Support Services
PO Box 9201, Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9J1