Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term assistance to British Columbians in need of emergency supports who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, flood, earthquake, or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support, and family reunification.
Kamloops is now using an online registration system, created by Emergency Management BC (EMBC) to register evacuees.
The online platform includes evacuee registration with a self-serve registration option to streamline processes for evacuated individuals to access services more easily and efficiently. Registering online reduces wait times and provide information on things to do and consider for evacuees and reduce processing time for volunteers.
If you are evacuated from your home and require support from Kamloops, you can register online prior to arriving at the reception centre. Once registered, proceed to the City of Kamloops' reception centre to receive supports.
If you do not require Emergency Support Services, simply self-register online.
If you require assistance with self-registration you can ask for help by calling the Emergency Support Services Info Line: 1-800-585-9559.
Tip: After you register, you may receive calls from unlisted numbers regarding your evacuee registration. Make sure your voicemail box is not full so ESS volunteers can leave a message.
If you are unable to register online, you may still register in person at the reception centre.
Emergency Support Services is based on volunteerism and is dependent on the willingness of individuals in the community to help plan for the well-being of their neighbours and fellow citizens in the event of a disaster.
ESS volunteers assist their communities in many ways, including:
- linkage to first responders agencies
- informing local businesses of the program
- identifying potential reception centres and group lodging sites
- recruiting and training more volunteers
- completing contact lists and exercising their plan
- informing the public of help available following a disaster
- providing for the essential needs of people affected by a disaster
Making a difference as part of a team that provides assistance and a shoulder to lean on when disaster forces people from their homes.
Volunteers gain valuable experience and contacts in the field of emergency management. Volunteer training is provided free of charge through the Justice Institute of BC and support organizations. Training modules include reception centre operations, family reunification, group lodging and more.
Volunteers form the backbone of ESS and are recognized by local government as part of a network of emergency responders.
Volunteers will be working directly with evacuees to support their ESS registration and provide referrals to necessary supports.
Volunteers must be:
- comfortable working on computers
- comfortable speaking directly with evacuees over the phone
- able to complete the necessary ESS training
- able to obtain a Police Information and Vulnerable Sector Check
To apply to be an ESS volunteer please fill out the online application:
Reception centres are set up in order to provide for essential needs of people affected by a disaster. The reception centre is a site (staffed by ESS volunteers) where evacuees may be received during a disaster. The facility used could be a recreation centre, community centre, church hall, or school—it depends on what is available in the community or what is needed.
Reception centres are also used as an information centre, a staging site for volunteer disaster relief workers, a site where insurance adjusters can operate, an emergency day care centre, etc.
The current dedicated Reception Centre within Kamloops is located at McArthur Island Sports Centre located at 1655 Island Parkway. Emergency Support Services will only be provided if your primary residence is one of the properties under evacuation order assigned to this location. Evacuees should confirm their assigned Reception Centre prior to arrival.
