Emergency Support Services (ESS)

During the event of an evacuation order, the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre may be activated. The ESS Reception Centre is managed by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), but volunteers from the community operate it to provide supports for evacuees.

ERA Bootcamp

With provincial changes to Emergency Support Services processes (moving from paper to online forms), the City of Fort St. John will be holding two two-day in-person training sessions called ERA Bootcamp. With this two-day training, you will complete 3 of the 4 required Emergency Management courses:

  • EMRG 1600 - Intro to ESS
  • EMRG 1610 - Intro to Reception Centres
  • EMRG 1615 - Registration and Referrals

ERA Bootcamp 1

Dates: March 2 & 3, 2024
Location: North Peace Leisure Pool Meeting Room
Register: Email ess@fortstjohn.ca by January 31, 2024

ERA Bootcamp 2

Dates: March 4 & 5, 2024
Location: Fort St. John Fire Hall Training Room
Register: Email ess@fortstjohn.ca by January 31, 2024

Once you've successfully completed the ERA Bootcamp, you will be able to complete the final course through the Justice Institute of BC, ERMG 1620 - Evacuee Registration & Assistance Tool for Responders.

Volunteer

Looking for a great cause to volunteer? The best time to prepare for an emergency is now! Become an ESS volunteer today by completing the form below and be ready to take action when our community needs it.

ESS Volunteer Form

Have you previously worked in an ESS?
Are you 19 years of age or older?
Are you willing to become a trained volunteer and commit to becoming a member of the ESS team, including attending bi-monthly training meetings?
(Please complete the CAPTCHA in order to submit this form)

The City of Fort St. John is committed to protecting your privacy. Any personal information you provide to us is collected pursuant to 26(c) and 26(e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of administering City services.

Should you have any questions about the collection of this personal information, please contact the Corporate Officer.

Volunteer Training Meetings

Regular meetings are held during the winter months for interested or established volunteers to train, review and improve the delivery of Emergency Support Services in Fort St. John. 

Upcoming Meetings

  • Tuesday, November 21 | 6:30 - 8 pm | Pomeroy Sport Centre West Meeting Room
  • Tuesday, January 23 | 6:30 - 8 pm | Pomeroy Sport Centre West Meeting Room
  • Tuesday, March 12 | 6:30 - 8 pm | Pomeroy Sport Centre West Meeting Room
  • Tuesday, April 23 | 6:30 - 8 pm | Location TBA - Activation Drill

Training

If you would like to learn more, visit the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) website and sign up for the following courses:

  • JIBC EMRG 1600 - Intro to ESS (previously ESS 100)
  • JIBC EMRG 1610 - Intro to Reception Centres
  • JIBC EMRG 1615 - Registration and Referrals 
  • NEW! JIBC EMRG 1620 - Evacuation Registration and Assistance (ERA) for Responders (must have BCeID)