Kamloops residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to prepare for emergencies by registering for the BC Services Card app and creating a profile within the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool for Emergency Support Services.
By preparing in advance, residents can ensure faster access to emergency support and make informed decisions in the event of an unforeseen event, ranging from single-home incidents to full community evacuations. Emergency Support Services provides short-term assistance to British Columbians in need of emergency support when they have been forced to leave their homes because of fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergencies.
The BC Services Card app is the fastest way to verify your identity in an emergency and enhances your choice in how you receive support. The app also connects you to other important services, such as the Health Gateway, the Canada Revenue Agency, My Service Canada, StudentAid BC, and ICBC.
By taking the steps now to set up your BC Services Card app and Evacuee Registration and Assistance profile in an emergency it can help you:
- verify your identity in an emergency
- access support more quickly
- receive e-transfers for food, lodging, clothing, and incidentals
- choose between self-registration or in-person assistance
- reduce stress and wait times at reception centres
Even small emergencies like individual house fires may require support from Emergency Support Services. Having your profile ready ahead of time saves time, reduces stress, and ensures you receive support in the way that works best for you.
To familiarize yourself, create a profile, and access the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool, visit ESS.Gov.BC.ca.
Verification on the BC Services Card app can take up to two weeks, so it is important to register now—before an emergency happens.
During large-scale events, verified residents may be able to self-register online and receive e-transfers. This helps ease pressure on reception centres, allowing them to support people who need in-person help.
Those without a verified account will still receive support in person, but it will be in the form of specific paper referral vouchers for hotels, restaurants, and stores, which may limit choice and flexibility during emergencies.
Kamloops has a team of trained, dedicated volunteers and staff ready to respond and support residents in times of crisis. They work in partnership with the Province of BC to offer this service at different scales, from small-scale incidents to large-scale evacuations.
Support includes providing individuals and families with necessities, such as food, accommodation, clothing, incidentals, and resources for information and guidance.
For more information on the City’s role with Emergency Support Services, BC Services Card app registration steps, and other valuable resources, visit Kamloops.ca/ESS.
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