The Maple Ridge ESS team of volunteers come together from a variety of backgrounds, ages and abilities with the common goal of giving back to the community by helping others.
Volunteer! Join the ESS Team
The City of Maple Ridge ESS volunteers are committed to working together to plan for disasters. More volunteers are always needed and welcomed. Disaster work offers a unique opportunity to help others when help is needed most. Working in this field challenges volunteers to stretch their limits and potential.
Am I Qualified to Volunteer?
There is something for everyone in the ESS program. During an emergency response, you can greet people as they arrive at a reception centre, help people with forms, help find resources, care for pets, learn about amateur radio, organize files, serve food, provide emotional support, run messages and much more.
Volunteers can also help with day-to-day tasks like planning for community events, speaking to people about emergency preparedness, or organizing training activities. People of all ages and skill sets are needed.
- The minimum age to volunteer is 18 years old (or 16 with parental consent)
How Does the ESS Team Help in an Emergency?
ESS team members help in a variety of ways:
- Identifying locations for Reception Centres and group lodging
- Recruiting and training other volunteers
- Working with local businesses, service organizations and government agencies
- Housing and feeding evacuees
- Connecting evacuees with services
- Supporting other emergency responders
How Do I Become an ESS Volunteer
Maple Ridge ESS Volunteer Registration
After registering to become an ESS Volunteer you will be contacted by the Emergency Management Office about your application to ensure all the forms are completed. A member of the Volunteer Management Team will then connect with you for a short interview.
Volunteers are encouraged to complete the self-study ESS training, and will be asked to participate in simulated exercises and attend core training courses which are offered on a monthly basis from the Justice Institute.
For more information, call 604-476-3343 or email the Emergency Program at emergencyprogram@mapleridge.ca.
Volunteer Insurance
Registered Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) volunteers have three levels of liability insurance:
- Exemption from civil liability (unless grossly negligent)
- 2 million provincial liability insurance
- Good Samaritan Act
Emergency Social Service Volunteers are also covered by WorksafeBC’s Worker's Compensation Act under four categories:
- Operational tasks
- Training tasks
- Demonstrations
- Public education and display
For more information email emergencyprogram@mapleridge.ca
Take a Course
The ESS Program relies on trained members of a community to meet the needs of people in an emergency. Most communities have an ESS team that works with local businesses to share resources during a crisis. Preparing for an emergency depends on the energy, creativity, commitment and dedication of volunteers.