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Emergency Support Services (ESS)

During an emergency, individuals and families may be required to leave their homes with little notice. Emergency Support Services (ESS) helps provide short-term assistance to people who have been evacuated due to a disaster or emergency.

ESS supports may include temporary accommodations, food, clothing, transportation, and other essential services while evacuees work toward longer-term arrangements.

Register Before an Emergency

The Province of British Columbia uses the Emergency Registration & Assistance (ERA) system to support evacuees and deliver assistance more quickly during emergencies.

Residents are encouraged to create an ERA profile before an emergency occurs. Pre-registration can help streamline the assistance process and ensure important information is readily available if an evacuation becomes necessary.

BC Services Card App

To access ERA services, residents should download and set up the BC Services Card app.

The app allows you to securely verify your identity and access a variety of online government services. It is also used to support Emergency Support Services registration and assistance during evacuations.

Getting Started

  1. Download the BC Services Card app.

  2. Verify your identity using your BC Services Card.

  3. Create your Emergency Registration & Assistance (ERA) profile.

  4. Keep your contact information up to date.

Completing these steps before an emergency occurs can help reduce delays and improve access to available supports when they are needed most.

Why Register in Advance?

Pre-registering with ERA can help:

  • Speed up the registration process during an evacuation

  • Ensure your information is readily available to ESS responders

  • Simplify access to eligible emergency supports

  • Reduce stress during an already challenging situation

Additional Resources

Residents can learn more about the BC Services Card app, Emergency Registration & Assistance (ERA), and Emergency Support Services through the Province of British Columbia.

You can also download our BC Services Card and ESS information guide for step-by-step instructions on setting up your account and preparing for an emergency.

Be Ready Before You Need It

Taking a few minutes to set up your BC Services Card app and ERA profile today can make a significant difference during an emergency or evacuation.