Register for Emergency Support Services 

Several times a year the Regional District of Nanaimo, Emergency Services team deploys Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers to assist residents being evacuated from their home due to e.g. flood, fire etc. The RDN also plans for mass evacuations and the deployment of large-scale ESS supports in the event of large-scale incidents. Did you know you can register in advance for Emergency Support Services, making it easier, if disaster strikes, to receive basic ESS supports (food, accommodation, clothing for up to 72 hours) after an emergency? Here's how. 

Register for services

Evacuees register for ESS by following the instructions provided on their evacuation alert or order. This process can be different for each community. It is the discretion of the local emergency program to determine if online or paper registration is available at the time of the emergency event.

• Online uses the Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool with a self-registration option.
• Paper includes in-person registration with paper forms.

Both options require a trained ESS responder to connect with an evacuee to complete registration and provide emergency supports on a case-by-case basis. 

Source: Support services during an emergency (Province of BC)

Create a profile for ESS

Creating a profile ahead of time will make it easier to access Emergency Support Services during an emergency. To pre-register follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit ess.gov.bc.ca

Step 2: Click 'Create Profile'

Step 3: Follow the BC Services Card login and registration instructions 

Source: Support services during an emergency (Province of BC)

Already evacuated?

If you're already evacuated, contact the Reception Centre outlined in your Evacuation Order to access supports.

Source: Support services during an emergency (Province of BC)

Important ESS tips (Government of BC)

Useful links

• Emergency Support Services | RDN 
• ESS Volunteers | RDN 
• Support services during an emergency (Province of BC)