Emergency & Disasters

The Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction by First Nations in BC provides a roadmap for building community resilience and preparedness, strengthening infrastructure and building standards, and enhancing emergency response and recovery capacities. By implementing this plan, First Nations in BC can reduce disaster risk and build a safer and more sustainable future for their communities.

First Nations' Emergency Services Society (FNESS)

WEBSITE

Please note FNESS EOC is standing down as of 1600 hours May 25, 2023.
Please contact our Duty Manager at dutymanager@fness.bc.ca or 1-888-388-4431.

Situation Report #20 2023/05/25

Situation Report #19 2023/05/24

Flood Preparedness

View Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide PDF

Disaster Financial Assistance

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available for local governments and First Nations in regions that may have been impacted by the wildfires that started June 16, 2021.

DFA is available to help community authorities cover disaster-related losses that are not covered by insurance, such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure – including roads, bridges and other publicly owned infrastructure.

Individuals who have been impacted by wildfires are encouraged to contact their insurance representative. Standard home and business insurance policies cover fire damage and additional living expenses – for things like food, shelter and clothing – if residents need to leave their homes because of a mandatory evacuation order issued by civil authorities.

More information about DFA can be found online

First Nations Health Authority

Website

Preparing for hot weather

Accessing medications and providing continuity of care
If you have been displaced by an evacuation, you can visit a pharmacy near you to access an emergency supply of medications you may need. Read more here

Canadian Red Cross: Help Desk for Indigenous Leadership

The Canadian Red Cross, with funding from Indigenous Services Canada / First Nations Inuit Health Branch, has launched a Help Desk resource for Indigenous Community Leadership. The Help Desk is launched in coordination with other Indigenous help desks, such as First Nations Health Managers Association’s InfoPoint.

To access supports, evacuated British Columbians need to register with the Red Cross by calling 1 800 863-6582, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time).

Red Cross Information Sheet pdf

Canadian Red Cross website 

Family Reunification line at 1-800-863-6582