Emergency Social Services

Emergency Social Services (ESS) provides basic supports for residents displaced by emergencies or incidents in the Municipality.

Become an ESS volunteer

Residents are encouraged to be prepared and resilient during emergencies. Plan ahead. Have an emergency plan and an emergency kit with essential items to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.

Supports during an evacuation

If an evacuation order is issued, ESS will activate a Registration Centre to assist people who need essential services like food, lodging, and basic needs. Instructions for evacuees will be published on the municipal website and municipal social media channels @RMWoodBuffalo . Please follow trusted information sources.

Short-term essential services may be provided such as:

Food: Meals and snacks, or vouchers for nearby restaurants.
Lodging: Temporary shelter for those who cannot return home.
Hygiene kits or other basic needs: Basic necessities for personal well-being.

Supports are only available from the date of registration (not retroactive) and are extended as required. Supports are suspended after an evacuation order is rescinded. The Registration Centre may also not be located in your immediate community. Locations can change depending on highway conditions and the nature of the emergency.

Financial supports

The Municipality does not provide direct financial support to evacuees. These may be available through the province, your insurance provider, or other agencies.

Animal supports

Evacuees are responsible for the care, feeding, and medical needs of their animals. In some circumstances reasonable emergency pet care may be available.

If you had to evacuate without your pet, fill out the Animal Rescue Form

Registering during an evacuation/incident

In-person registration: If you need support such as food, lodging, and other basic needs, you must report in-person to a Reception Centre. Residents who are unable to evacuate on their own, and who do not have a full-time caregiver, should consider signing up for the Vulnerable Persons Registry

Frequently asked questions

Can I get support from my personal insurance policy during an evacuation?

If you are under an evacuation order issued by local authorities, many homeowner’s and tenant’s insurance policies will cover reasonable additional living expenses. This coverage typically begins on the date of evacuation and lasts for a specified period, which your insurance representative can clarify.

Check with your insurance representative about the specifics of your policy. Eligible insurance expenses may include hotel stays, additional food costs, travel-related expenses, and other necessary costs incurred due to the evacuation. It's important to keep all receipts for expenses and maintain a detailed log.

Contact your insurance representative if you have questions about your insurance coverage during the wildfires.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has updated information about insurance during wildfires. Albertans affected by wildfires can visit their web page for information on property and auto insurance or contact their Consumer Information Centre:
- Phone: 1-844-2ASK-IBC (1-844-227-5422)
- Email: AskIBCWest@IBC.ca (Western and Pacific regions)

Do I have to register to receive help during an evacuation?

You must register in-person to receive supports such as food, lodging and essential needs. If you have engaged your insurer and do not need additional support, you there will be options available to register online. You must report to the ESS Reception Centre if you require in-person support.

What are the benefits of volunteering with the ESS team?

Volunteer for the ESS program are always welcome. Qualities of an ESS team member include:

Courage
Patience
Commitment
Flexibility

Benefits of being an ESS team member include:

Training - Access to RMWB ESS training courses as well as courses offered through Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)
Knowledge and experience - Knowing what to do and how to help others in an emergency can have a huge impact on those who are directly affected by the emergency
Being part of a team - For some, being part of a team can build confidence and understanding. It can also help develop lifelong relationships with others who share the same passion for giving back to their community.

How do I become a volunteer?

Submit an application form