East Kootenay - Emergency Support Services (ESS)

What is the ESS Program?

The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Program in British Columbia provides short-term assistance to people forced to leave their homes due to emergencies like wildfires, house fires, floods, or evacuations. ESS volunteers help deliver essential services such as shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support. As part of a trained team, volunteers play a vital role in supporting displaced individuals and families during crises. The program is coordinated by local governments and supported by the Ministry of Emergency Management & Climate Readiness. Volunteering with ESS is a meaningful way to help your community stay safe, recover faster, and build resilience in the face of disaster.

 What Should You Know About Emergency Support Services (ESS)?

• The ESS program provides temporary essential support for people affected by disasters through a network of volunteers.
• The RDEK has three ESS teams in the region. Each is run separately, but we can respond anywhere within the RDEK.
• We may also have opportunities to respond to support our neighbouring districts on larger incidents, or further afield.
• No previous experience is necessary.
• Responders are all ages and come from many different backgrounds.
• ESS is a great way to meet other community minded people and support your friends and neighbours when disaster strikes.
• All required equipment and training are provided – there are no out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers commit to a minimum of 18 hours of training per year, plus monthly team meetings. Optional regional training opportunities may be offered a few times a year.
• ESS Responders receive insurance coverage through WorkSafe BC.

ESS in East Kootenays

• In East Kootenays there are three ESS teams:
  • Central Region ESS Team
  • Columbia Valley ESS Team
  • Elk Valley ESS Team
• Depending on the community you live in, you will join your local ESS team as an ESS volunteer.
• If you wanted, you will also be able to respond outside your community in other parts of East Kootenays or other parts of BC for major disasters.

Benefits of being an ESS volunteer

• Volunteers may be eligible for EMCR-funded training conducted by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) Emergency Management Division or other approved agency.
• Volunteers may be provided the following when registered for volunteer work for either a local authority or EMCR under an authorized EMCR operational or training task number:
  • Workers’ compensation coverage.
  • Liability coverage.
  • Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for authorized operational tasks.
  • Reimbursement for the repair/replacement of personal property or equipment lost or damaged on an operational task.