Local emergency response operations

This page is for Indigenous communities and local emergency program staff responsible for public safety during an emergency. Most of the templates and forms are in Word (DOCX) format so that you can add, delete or edit tasks as you customize the process to meet your community needs.

On this page

• Declaring a State of Local Emergency (SOLE)
• Emergency alerts
• Evacuation resources
• Emergency response operations
• Post-event reporting
• Public and Media Communications
• Financial guidance for response and recovery costs

Declaring a State of Local Emergency

Emergency program staff and officials must be prepared to declare a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) in response to an emergency. The guide and templates are available to guide the process. 

Guide

• Declaring a State of Local Emergency in B.C. (PDF, 571KB)

Templates

• SOLE Declaration template (DOCX)
• To extend or amend a declaration:
  • First, submit this to the Minister for approval:
    SOLE Request Extension or Amendment template (DOCX) 
  • Second, this can be completed after you get an approved request:
    SOLE Extension or Amendment Order template (DOCX)
• SOLE Cancellation Order template (DOCX)
• This designates individuals to act on behalf of a local authority:
  SOLE Emergency Authorization Matrix template (DOCX)  

Band council resolution for First Nations communities

Although not required, many First Nations may choose to declare a First Nation state of local emergency prior to making a Band Council Resolution issuing an evacuation order. Please see Evacuation Resources for First Nations evacuation templates.

BC emergency alerts

Guidance, operational information and submission form for communities to request a BC emergency alert.

Guidelines and forms

• BC Emergency Alert Guidelines (PDF, 786KB)
• Emergency Alert Submission Form (PDF, 2MB)
• Web-based Emergency Alert Submission Form

Evacuation resources

These guidelines outline considerations when conducting evacuations. 

Guides

These guides do not apply to First Nations communities, but are available if they wish to use them. 

• Evacuation Operational Guide (PDF, 676.6KB)
• Managing Access to Areas Under Evacuation Order (PDF, 418KB)

Checklists

For use by Local authorities and First Nations during evacuations.

• Evacuation Alert Checklist (PDF, 110.7 KB)
• Evacuation Order Checklist (PDF, 108.9KB)
• Evacuation Amendment Checklist (PDF, 108.9KB)
• Evacuation Rescind Checklist (PDF, 135.6KB)

Emergency response operations

These guidelines are for an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in the event of a major emergency.

Guides

• Emergency Operations Centre Operational Guidelines (PDF, 2.2MB)
• Emergency support service forms, guides and manuals

Templates

Community Response Locations Portal

The Community Response Locations Portal is a centralized database created for First Nations and local governments to help share emergency response locations with the public during extreme temperatures and other emergencies.

Communities can add and edit emergency response locations into the portal that are automatically shared publicly on emergencymapbc.ca The portal is used to share:

• Cooling centres and spaces in response to hot weather events
• Warming centres and spaces in response to cold weather events
• Emergency Support Services reception centres during evacuations

This data can be shared on local community websites (if your site has map features), and amplified on provincial emergency response channels including EmergencyInfoBC.ca and @EmergencyInfoBC on X (formerly Twitter). Historical data will also be saved and made available for communities on Climate Ready BC to support future planning for climate-related emergencies. 

How to enter your data

For login credentials and any questions regarding the portal contact your local regional office.

Post-event reporting

Guidelines and template of reporting requirements for local authorities after the expiry or cancellation of a State of Local Emergency or local recovery period.

Guides

• Post-Event Reporting by Local Authorities Under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (PDF, 145KB)

Templates

• Local Authority Post-Event Report (DOCX, 70KB)

Public and media communications

A comprehensive guide to help build trust and connect with the public during an emergency.

Guide

• Communications Guide (PDF, 2 MB) - Includes tips and advice on public engagement and social media management.

Templates and resources

• Hazard and emergency icons for emergency communications (ZIP folder, 3MB)
• Social media packages have pre-formatted messaging to share with your social media followers
• Media conference attendance record (424)(DOCX)
• Media tracking report (423)(DOCX)

Financial guidance for response and recovery costs

These guides and templates will help with financial assistance claims for response and recovery costs. Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has different guidance and templates.

Guides

• Financial Assistance Guide for Emergency Response and Recovery Costs (PDF, 971 KB)
• Host Community Response Costs (PDF) - Clarifying Addendum to Financial Assistance Guide

Templates

• Expenditure Authorization form (DOCX) 
• Expenditures - event totals (534)(XLSX) 
• Resource request (DOCX) 
• Response Claim Reimbursement form (XLSX, 125KB)

Questions?

Please contact a Regional Office if you have any questions about these resources.