Last updated August 10 1400hrs
As wildfire activity increases across B.C., being prepared is more important than ever.
CLBC encourages individuals and families to set up an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile at ESS.gov.bc.ca before an emergency happens. Everyone in B.C. should register, no matter where they live or if they are near a wildfire or another similar emergency event.
Registering for ESS ahead of time can make it easier to get help if you need to leave your home.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a provincial program that helps people who must leave their homes because of a wildfire, flood, extreme heat or a similar emergency event. First Nations and local governments deliver the program which helps people meet basic needs during an evacuation, such as temporary accommodation, food, clothing and other essential items.
If you register for ESS before an emergency, you may be able to access support more quickly and spend less time waiting at an evacuation reception centre. For example, people under an evacuation order may be able to get emergency funds by e-Transfer. This can help them find a place to stay right away without first going to an evacuation reception centre.
Have a Grab-and-Go Bag Ready
The BC Government also encourages everyone to review or update their household emergency plan which includes having a grab-and-go bag for each person, as well as pets. Your emergency kit should include enough food, water, clothing, medications and other essentials to last at least 72 hours.
You can stay up to date by following updates from your local government, First Nation and trusted emergency information sources. If you are told to evacuate, leave right away and follow directions from local officials.
If you have been evacuated, you can get help by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258.
You can find current evacuation orders, evacuation alerts and recommended actions anytime at EmergencyInfoBC.ca.
For more information and emergency preparedness resources, visit CLBC’s webpage on preparing for emergencies.