When emergencies force people from their homes, whether due to wildfire, flooding, or another sudden event, Emergency Support Services (ESS) is often the first place evacuees turn for help.
ESS is a provincial program delivered locally by trained staff and volunteers, including here in Golden, and it provides short-term assistance to people who are evacuated from their primary residence due to an emergency. The focus is simple but vital: helping people meet their most immediate needs during an incredibly stressful time.
Through ESS, eligible evacuees can receive short-term support for up to 72 hours. This can include help with food, temporary lodging, and basic necessities such as clothing or essential personal items, depending on individual circumstances. Support is needs-based, meaning assistance is tailored to each household’s situation.
Local Reception Centres, when activated, are often the hub of this work. These centres are run by local ESS teams, all volunteers in Golden, and provide a safe place for evacuees to register, ask questions, and access support. Evacuees may be asked to complete a needs assessment and show photo identification if available. In some cases, food, water, or shelter options may be available onsite, along with referrals to community groups as well as other support organizations.
“Emergency Support Services is about meeting people where they are, often on what is one of the worst days of their lives,” said Leanne Simonson, the local Emergency Support Services Director in Golden. “Our volunteers help evacuees navigate the first 72 hours, whether that’s finding a safe place to stay, accessing food, or simply answering questions when everything feels overwhelming. Having trained local volunteers makes a huge difference in how quickly and compassionately we can respond.”
In addition to in-person support, evacuees can also register online through the province’s Evacuee Registration and Assistance system at ess.gov.bc.ca or by calling the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258, which operates year-round. The helpline can assist with registration, needs assessments, and guidance during an evacuation, with interpretation available in more than 220 languages.
Having a BC Services Card account can make the process smoother, particularly for those receiving assistance through Interac e-Transfer, but in-person support is still available for those without one.
While ESS is often associated with large-scale wildfire seasons, the service is active whenever evacuations occur, including evacuations due to single house fires, and its effectiveness depends heavily on local capacity. That is where volunteers come in.
ESS relies on trained community volunteers to staff Reception Centres, assist evacuees with registration, and help coordinate support during emergencies. Volunteers come from all walks of life and receive training before being deployed. Local ESS coordinators say having a strong volunteer base is critical, especially during prolonged or multi-day events.
Locally, residents interested in learning more should reach out to the Emergency Support Services Director, Leanne Simonson, at (250) 344-0138 for more information. The ESS email address is GoldenESSD@gmail.com, or follow ‘Golden Emergency Support Services’ on Facebook.
More information about Emergency Support Services, including how to register in advance or learn about volunteering, is available at ess.gov.bc.ca. Locally, residents can also watch for future calls for volunteers through the Town of Golden and emergency management channels.
As recent years have shown, emergencies can happen quickly and with little warning. Services like ESS, and the volunteers who support them, play a quiet but essential role in helping Golden residents get through the first critical days when it matters most.
Emergency Support Services is looking for local volunteers
Like many local volunteer-led groups, manpower is a precious commodity. ESS is no different in that regard and is actively looking to grow its volunteer team, and local residents are encouraged to consider getting involved.
ESS volunteers play a hands-on role during emergencies by helping staff Reception Centres, assisting evacuees with registration and needs assessments, and providing clear, calm support during stressful situations. Volunteers do not need emergency response experience, just a willingness to help and the ability to stay organized and compassionate under pressure. Training is provided.
“Emergencies don’t give much notice, and having a strong local volunteer base is essential,” said Simonson. “When people are forced to leave their homes, they’re often scared, tired, and unsure what comes next. Volunteers are a key part of helping them feel supported and informed.”
Volunteering with ESS is not a full-time commitment. Many volunteers are called on only when emergencies occur, and roles can vary depending on availability, skills, and comfort level. It is an opportunity to support neighbours and strengthen community resilience before the next emergency happens.
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about Emergency Support Services can find information at ess.gov.bc.ca or reach out locally through email or by calling (250) 344-0138.
What do Emergency Support Services volunteers do?
Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers support evacuees during emergencies by helping deliver short-term assistance in a calm, organized way. Duties may include:
• Welcoming evacuees at a Reception Centre and helping them feel oriented and supported
• Assisting with evacuee registration and basic needs assessments
• Providing clear information about available supports, next steps, and local resources
• Helping issue referrals for food, lodging, or essential supplies, depending on eligibility
• Supporting people who may be anxious, tired, or overwhelmed during an evacuation
• Working alongside other local agencies and community organizations
• Helping with basic administrative tasks such as data entry or documentation
• Supporting Reception Centre setup, operations, or takedown as needed
Volunteers are matched to roles based on their comfort level, skills, and availability. Not all roles involve direct public interaction, and training is provided before deployment.
ESS volunteers are not first responders. Their role is focused on practical, people-centred support during the critical first days of an emergency.
Why setting up the BC Services Card app matters before an emergency
Local Emergency Support Services coordinators are encouraging residents to set up their BC Services Card account and mobile app before an emergency happens, not while one is unfolding.
The BC Services Card account acts as a secure digital identification and is a key tool used by Emergency Support Services. Having an active account allows evacuees to register for ESS support online, complete a needs assessment more quickly, and, if eligible, receive financial assistance through Interac e-Transfer.
“Trying to set up accounts during an evacuation can be stressful, especially if internet access is limited or people are already overwhelmed,” said the local ESS Director. “If residents take a few minutes now to get the BC Services Card app set up, it can make a real difference if they ever need to access support.”
Residents do not need a BC Services Card account to receive in-person help at a Reception Centre. However, an online account is required to receive support by Interac e-Transfer, which is often the fastest way to deliver assistance.
The BC Services Card app is free and available through official app stores for both iPhone and Android devices. Once set up, residents can use it to securely access provincial services, including Emergency Support Services registration.
ESS officials recommend that residents:
• Download the BC Services Card app in advance
• Ensure their contact information is up to date
• Know their login details
• Have access to an email address and online banking, if possible
During emergencies, small steps taken ahead of time can reduce delays and frustration. Being prepared digitally is now part of being prepared locally.
More information is available at ess.gov.bc.ca.
