Emergency Support Services (ESS)
A provincially funded program that provides basic supports like accommodation, food, clothing and other temporary supports to people who are evacuated during an emergency event.
If you have home or tenant’s insurance, please contact your insurance provider about coverage for living expenses during evacuations.
Please be advised that due to scheduled updates to our Corporate Accounting Services, Interac e-Transfers will be temporarily unavailable for processing from 6:00 pm on December 6 until 8:00 am on December 9. Although e-Transfers can still be issued during this period, they will not be processed until December 9. If you are supporting evacuees during this time, please assess their needs to determine the most appropriate support method. Referrals will not be affected.
If you are on evacuation ORDER
1. Evacuate
Follow instructions from your First Nation or local government.
Contact your insurance provider, as most home and tenant’s insurance providers cover living expenses during evacuations.
2. Don’t have insurance or need help to meet your basic needs?
Create a profile for Emergency Support Services with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool.
3. Access support online, by phone, or in-person at a reception centre.
Once you have created a profile, you will receive instructions on how to receive supports if eligible.
Already have a profile?
Log in and Register.
Preparing for an evacuation
1. Check your insurance policy for supports available if you are evacuated. Most home and tenant insurance providers cover living expenses in evacuations.
2. If you will need help to meet your basic needs if evacuated, create a profile for Emergency Support Services with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool.
3. If you are evacuated, log into your profile, you may be able to access support online, by phone, or in-person at a reception centre.
For emergency event information, visit the website of your local government or First Nation, or go to EmergencyInfoBC.ca.
Information for responders
Responders who are responding to an active emergency, or who would like to access the ERA Training Environment can login below.
Information for suppliers
Suppliers who are registered to provide goods or services to evacuees during an emergency can submit their invoices and receipts online through the Supplier Portal.
About ESS
ESS provides short-term basic support to people impacted by disasters.
Learn more about ESS, including:
• When ESS is offered
• What supports are available
• Who supports ESS delivery
Share your feedback
Help us improve this website and how emergency information is communicated online.
Contact us
If you have any questions or need assistance,
please contact ERA Support toll-free at 1-844-537-7377.