Emergency Support Services (ESS)

Emergency Support Services volunteers are an incredible group of local people who want to help others in an emergency. They are committed to the wellbeing of their neighbours and have a desire to give back to their communities.

Emergency Support Services volunteers are dispatched by first responders when there is an emergency in Pitt Meadows that includes evacuees. They assist in providing short-term lodging, family reunification, food, clothing, pet care and emotional support to people affected by an emergency or displacement like a house fire, flood, or earthquake.

ESS Volunteers complete training to be able to act as liaisons between evacuees and first responders in small-scale emergencies as well as set up and operate reception centres and group lodging in large emergencies.

Volunteers attend regular training and meetings. A commitment of approximately 4-6 hours per month is required. All volunteer training is free of charge and provided by the City and Emergency Management BC through the Justice Institute of BC.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Good health;
• At least 16 years of age;
• Valid BC Driver’s License; and
• A criminal record check.

Along with enjoying the camaraderie amongst the incredible group of fellow volunteers, ESS volunteers also receive free specialized training from the City and the Justice Institute of BC. They are also eligible for Worker’s Compensation and liability insurance coverage.

Volunteers gain valuable transferrable skills including personal preparedness, leadership, empathy, and organization.

Once volunteers have received some training and experience they will be eligible to sign up for deployment to assist other communities in need of help.  You get an opportunity to meet ESS volunteers just like yourself from all over BC, building friendships that last a lifetime.

Reception Centres are safe places set up during emergencies where people can go to receive information about the emergency, assistance meeting their basic needs, and help planning their recovery from the disaster. Reception Centres are often located in community centres, recreation centres, churches, or schools.

Group lodging is a safe place for those affected by large-scale emergencies where people can go to sleep and eat, receive specialized care and health services such as first aid and emotional support. Group lodging is often located in community centres, recreation centres, churches or schools. Group lodging is opened depending on the size of emergency, the availability of commercial lodgings, and the number of responders.