Maple Ridge, B.C., November 18, 2024—The City of Maple Ridge is looking for community-driven volunteers to join its Emergency Support Services team and help their neighbours in times of need.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) provide short-term, essential support to individuals and families forced to evacuate their homes due to disasters such as fires, floods, or earthquakes. Volunteers provide temporary lodging, food, clothing, emotional support, and family reunification services, helping residents re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster.
"Volunteers are the backbone of our emergency readiness program," said Edd Bennett, the City’s Emergency Program Manager. "We are seeking dedicated individuals who want to make a difference in times of crisis. Our ESS volunteers are highly trained to support residents during their most challenging moments, and their efforts are essential to the safety and resilience of our community."
Get Involved – There’s Something for Everyone
The role includes the opportunity to:
- Liaise between evacuees and first responders
- Help evacuees access services and find safe locations for assistance
- Coordinate temporary accommodation, food, and essentials
- Provide specialized services like emotional support and pet care
- Operate facilities for large groups of evacuees
- Offer emergency preparedness education to the public and organizations
Benefits to Volunteering
- Prepare you for emergencies
- Build skills like empathy, organization, and leadership
- Receive free training and advancement
- Connect with like-minded people
- Provide satisfaction from community service
Key Requirements:
- Valid BC Driver's License
- Must Live in or close to Maple Ridge
- Complete City of Maple Ridge ESS training (available for free)
- Commit to 3 to 4 number of volunteer hours per month
- Police Record Check
How to Become an ESS Volunteer
To become an ESS volunteer, complete the online application at MapleRidge.ca/ESSVolunteer. After registering, the Emergency Program Office will contact you to confirm that all required forms are completed, followed by a brief interview.
For more information, call 604-476-3063 or email EmergencyProgram@mapleridge.ca.
About Maple Ridge Emergency Support Services
The City of Maple Ridge’s ESS program provides immediate, short-term support to residents impacted by emergencies. This local initiative is part of a vital provincial program delivered across 150 municipalities in British Columbia, with over 5,000 volunteers dedicating their time to assisting others in crisis. British Columbians displaced from their homes may receive emergency support for up to 72 hours, with ESS volunteers providing the care and support needed during this time.
- 30 -
For additional information, contact
Edd Bennett, Emergency Program Manager
Fire and Rescue Services
T: 604-476-3063 E: ebennett@mapleridge.ca