Disaster recovery for communities
Last updated on November 25, 2025
These resources are intended for emergency program coordinators (or those in similar positions) to help their communities and community members recover after an emergency event.
On this page:
- Disaster recovery guide and templates
- Local recovery period guide and templates
- Re-entry guide and template
- Resources for engaging the public
- Financial resources
- Related resources
Disaster recovery guide and templates
The Disaster Recovery Guide for Indigenous governing bodies and local authorities supports communities in planning for post-disaster recovery. The accompanying post-disaster templates provide communities with practical tools to assess impacts and structure their recovery planning.
The Provincial Disaster Recovery Framework (PDF, 1MB) outlines how the Province organizes itself to assist First Nations and local authorities following large-scale events that exceed the capacity of the community.
Local recovery period guide and templates
If a local authority is ready to transition out of a state of local emergency, a local recovery period may provide continued access to certain emergency powers (PDF, 386KB) to support recovery from the emergency.
The guide and templates support this process and provide information on when a local recovery period may be necessary.
Guide and templates
The templates are available as Microsoft Word documents so they can be edited and personalized.
Decision Guide for Transition to Local Recovery Period (PDF, 502KB)
- Step 1a - Request to Declare a Local Recovery Period (DOC, 44KB)
- Step 1b - Order to Declare a Local Recovery Period (DOC, 45KB)
- Step 2a - Request to Extend or Amend a Local Recovery Period (DOC, 37KB)
- Step 2b - Order to Extend or Amend a Local Recovery Period (DOC, 39KB)
- Step 3 - Cancel a Local Recovery Period (DOC, 38KB)
Post-event reporting
Reporting requirements for local authorities after the expiry or cancellation of a local recovery period are found on our response operations page.
Re-entry guide and template
This guide and template is intended to support First Nations and local authorities in developing their own re-entry plans, to enable the safe return of residents to their communities while supporting further recovery and long-term restoration activities.
- Community Re-entry Considerations: Reference Guide (PDF, 291KB)
- Re-entry Considerations Screening Checklist (PDF, 208KB)
Resources for engaging the public
Use these resources to help support people recovering from a disaster. The social media toolkit has images and content to be used on your social media channels to help your community.
Financial resources
Following a disaster, the provincial government may authorize the event for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). Once authorized, DFA funding may assist with repair or replacement of a community's damaged infrastructure. Information on other resources that can help fund your community's recovery, including mitigation funding, is available on the financial support page.
Related resources
After an emergency incident, these resources can help with planning your community's recovery.
- Climate Ready BC provides resources for First Nations and local governments to support climate risk reduction and resilience in their communities
- Funding Finder is an online tool that helps Indigenous communities, local governments, and other organizations identify climate-related funding programs by answering a few questions about their project type, funding needs, and priorities
- First Nations' Emergency Services Society of British Columbia (FNESS) – preparedness and recovery offers mentorship and practical support for First Nations communities after an emergency
- DisasterSmart BC's economic recovery tools for communities provides practical and proven strategies, templates, and checklists to support economic recovery at every stage
- British Columbia Heritage Emergency Response Network supports cultural institutions in the event of localized emergencies that impact collections