Penticton Emergency Support Services (ESS)

Volunteer Applications are Currently Open

Are you looking to access ESS as an evacuee?

• What is Emergency Support Service (ESS)?

  Community-based provincial emergency response program designed to assist those affected by an emergency or disaster, whether that be a single house fire or a major disaster involving mass evacuations, such as the interface wildfires or flooding of 2017 and 2018.

  In British Columbia, local authorities must coordinate the provision of food, clothing, shelter, transportation and medical services to victims of emergencies and disasters, whether that provision is made from within or outside the local authority.

  The goal of ESS is to help people begin to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster. 

• Services Provided by ESS

  ESS is generally available for a maximum of 72 hours. During these first 72 hours evacuees should immediately plan their next steps by contacting their insurance agents, families and friends or accessing other possible resources.  Emergency Management BC (EMBC) may extend ESS under exceptional circumstances.

  Primary services provided by ESS are:

  • Temporary lodging (these are determined on a case-by-case basis)
  • Food
  • Clothing and incidentals (such as toiletries)

  Specialized services that may be coordinated on a case-by-case basis:

  • Emotional support
  • First aid and other health services
  • Pet care
  • Transportation

  Reception Centre

  A reception centre is a safe place where people can go to receive in-person services that vary depending on the type of emergency. They are often located in community centres, recreation centres, churches or schools.

• Who is Eligible for ESS?

  In many cases, homeowners or tenant insurance held by the evacuees will provide greater support than what is available through this program. If you are evacuated please consult with your insurance provider to determine what may be available to you.

  There are specific condition requirements to be eligible for these supports. For example, if you are self-sufficient (such as having appropriate insurance or the means to support yourself for those first 72 hours), you would not be eligible for ESS.