When the unexpected happens, like having to evacuate your home because of wildfire nearby, you may find yourself needing financial support to meet your basic needs in those first 72 hours. The good news is there are steps you can take now to help reduce your stress should something like that happen – including preregistering with Emergency Support Services (ESS).
ESS is a provincial program that provides temporary support for essentials such as accommodation, food, clothing and transportation for people who are unable to meet those needs when they’re evacuated. During an evacuation, evacuees can go to locations called reception centres to access supports. These centres can get very busy, as volunteers help other evacuees register and apply for ESS.
You can streamline this process and avoid long lineups by setting up an ESS profile now. With an ESS profile, you may be able to access supports without having to go to a reception centre at all.
Being prepared for an evacuation means having an ESS profile set up in advance
To create your ESS profile:
- Visit ess.gov.bc.ca
- Click “Create profile”
- Follow the registration instructions
- Add each member of your household to your profile
In addition to having one less thing to worry about in a stressful time, the benefit of creating your ESS profile with your BC Services Card means you may be able to receive eligible supports by Interac e-transfer. You know best what supports you need, and e-transfer gives you the flexibility to choose. To receive funds by Interac e-transfer, download the BC Services Card App and validate your identity. Then follow the steps to create your ESS profile before an evacuation occurs.
During an emergency event, follow instructions from your First Nation or local government on how to access ESS. With your ESS profile already set up, you’ll be a step ahead.
Did you know?
Most homeowner and tenant insurance policies will cover accommodation and other living expenses for a period of time. Get familiar with what your policy covers and make sure to include a copy of your insurance policy in your grab-and-go bag so you have it on hand for reference during an emergency.