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Register For ESS

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During an Emergency

Are You Ready?

A disaster can strike at any time, without warning. Learn how to make an emergency kit and plan, and protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Register for a Workshop

Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term emergency support (typically 72 hours) to British Columbians who are impacted by disasters. Assistance includes shelter, food, clothing, emotional support, and family reunification. 

ESS is a provincial program administered on the North Shore by North Shore Emergency Management. 

Evacuee registration 

Pre-registering for ESS speeds up the in-person registration process, provides important information for evacuees to do and consider, reduces administrative processing, and allows those impacted by disasters to receive support via e-transfer instead of vouchers or gift cards. 

Pre-registering doesn’t take long. In fact, during business hours, it takes about 15 minutes to complete these three steps: 

Download the BC Services Card app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Complete the five steps to register and verify your account:

  1. Choose how to secure your app
  2. Scan or take a photo of your ID
  3. Add your residential address
  4. Provide your email address
  5. Verify your identity. Services BC staff are available to verify your account during select hours. 

Visit ess.gov.bc.ca and complete the User Profile by following the steps:

  1. Choose the restriction setting
  2. Enter personal details
  3. Enter your primary address
  4. Enter your contact details
  5. Create security questions 

Once you’ve created your User Profile, select “Create ESS File.” Complete the ESS File by following the steps:

  1.  Choose the restriction setting
  2. Enter location details
  3. Enter household information
  4. Enter household needs (such as: shelter, food, clothing and other incidentals)
  5. Create a security phrase
  6. Review and submit information

For additional support pre-registering, please call 1 844 537 7377 or visit ess.gov.bc.ca.

Note: At the time of an emergency, you can also register in person at a designated Reception Centre. Information on where to go and what to do is often included in Evacuation Order documents.

Reception Centres

A reception centre, which could be located in a community centre, recreation centre, church or school, is a safe place where evacuees can go to receive:

  • information about the emergency.
  • assistance meeting basic needs.
  • help planning their recovery from the disaster.

Group Lodging 

Group lodging is a safe place where people can go to:

  • sleep and eat.
  • receive specialized care, including multicultural services and transportation.
  • receive health services, such as first aid and emotional support.
Lodgings are often located in community centres, recreation centres, churches or schools, and could even be located in a tent depending on what is available in the community.