If there is an emergency that requires Emergency Support Services within the Regional District boundaries, please call 250-692-1553.
What is Emergency Support Services (ESS)?
Emergency Support Services is a community-based emergency response program designed to meet the basic needs for displaced individuals and/or families impacted by a disaster or emergency that threatens people or property.
The ESS program is designed to
Help meet the basic needs for up to 72 hours.
Reunite families if separated by a disaster.
Provide accurate and up-to-date information on the situation that affects them.
What services are provided by ESS?
ESS provides short-term supports such as food, clothing, shelter and incidentals.
Who provides ESS?
The Regional District is responsible for operating an ESS program as part of the overall emergency management program.
Dedicated ESS volunteers attend monthly in-house training through their community ESS team and spend several hours completing required emergency management courses through JIBC, sponsored by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).
How is ESS provided?
Municipal ESSteam members assist evacuees, this happens at the site of the emergency when there are only one or two homes that are affected. When there is a larger disaster that results in evacuations, a Reception Centre may be activated within the community or in a neighbouring community.
How long are ESS supports provided for?
ESS supports are generally available for up to 72 hours. During the first 72 hours, evacuees should plan their next steps by contacting their insurance company, family or friends. ESS may be extended in exceptional circumstances only.
Where to register for supports services
In smaller events (such as house fires), local ESS teams may assist evacuees at the site of the disaster. In larger events requiring evacuation, the local authority (municipality or RDBN) will activate a Reception Center for evacuees to recieve services. Reception Centre locations and contact information is included on all Evacuation Orders. ESS volunteers will be ready to receive residents to help with the registration process.
Residents may register themselves through the government website by visiting Access Emergency Support Service and following the instructions provided. If you self-register, you will still have to attend the Reception Centre (RC) to access ESS supports. At the RC you can also let the ESS volunteers know you are safe in case family members are looking for you.
The RDBN offers Emergency Support Services for rural residents within the RDBN boundaries
Electoral Area A (Smithers/Telkwa Rural)
Electoral Area B (Burns Lake Rural)
Electoral Area C (Fort St. James Rural)
Electoral Area D (Fraser Lake Rural)
Electoral Area E (Francois/Ootsa Lake Rural)
Electoral Area F (Vanderhoof Rural)
Electoral Area G (Houston/Granisle Rural)
If there is a non-emergency or would like to know more about how to become an ESS volunteer please call
250-692-3195, 1-800-320-3339, or email protective.services@rdbn.bc.ca
RDBN currently has four ESS teams covering the rural areas
Bulkley Nechako ESS Teams
Bulkley ESS
Services areas of Electoral Area A & G, Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa, Witset First Nation, District of Houston and Village of Granisle
Burns Lake ESS
Services areas of Electoral Area B & E and Village of Burns Lake
Vanderhoof ESS
Services areas of Electoral Areas D & F, District of Vanderhoof, Village of Fraser Lake, and Fort Fraser
Fort St. James ESS
Services areas of Electoral Area C and District of Fort St. James
RDBN is always looking for volunteers to join a community ESS team
The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako values its strong partnership with First Nations and member municipalities when providing Emergency Support Services. Collaboration ensures that we are better prepared to respond to emergencies together and provide essential support to all residents. By fostering close partnerships, we leverage shared knowledge, resources, and cultural insights to enhance the resilience and safety of our region.
