The Regional District East Kootenay (RDEK) is among more than 57 local governments and First Nations to receive funding to improve and modernize emergency support services (ESS) for people evacuated from their homes during emergencies.

More than $2.2 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will support communities to expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention and training, including in-house training, and the purchase of ESS equipment.

The funds will also support the modernization of local ESS programs to move toward digital registration and reporting through the Evacuee Registration and Assistance online tool. This will help communities move to online ESS registration and allow direct payment to evacuees. Additionally, funding will focus on promoting knowledge sharing, enhancing mutual aid between communities, and allow applicants to act as host communities for evacuees.

The RDEK is approved for $149,907 for an ESS Capacity Building Project in Cranbrook, Fernie, Invermere and Canal Flats.

The money is for sea-cans for three sub-regions to store ESS supplies such as cots, blankets and generators and a trailer.

“When floods, fires or other emergencies cause people to evacuate, our local Emergency Support Services volunteers are there to provide support and short-term assistance to anyone in the East Kootenay,” said Susan Clovechok, Electoral Area F Director and RDEK vice-chair.

“They are a critical component of our emergency response system when it comes to assisting displaced residents, and this funding will ensure that they have the tools necessary to provide the best support possible. We are grateful for this funding as it will mean our team is well-equipped to support with emergency response throughout the region and residents can be even more confident in our ability to assist in the event of evacuation.”

Funding may be used for buying ESS supplies and equipment, training and exercises for ESS responders, responder recruitment and retention activities, and personal protective equipment for ESS responders.

In February 2023, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness committed a further $180 million to CEPF, bringing the total investment to $369 million since its establishment in 2017.

More than $113 million has been approved for First Nations and local governments through CEPF for almost 1,400 projects that help communities mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.

On average, approximately 30,000 people use ESS each year.

That number was higher in 2021 due to the wildfire season and November flooding.

CEPF is a suite of programs divided into several funding streams, including public notification and evacuation planning, emergency support services, and extreme temperature risk mapping, assessment and planning.

Lead image: The 2021 Bill Nye Mountain wildfire, east of Wasa. e-KNOW file photo

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