Esquimalt Emergency Program

Esquimalt's Emergency Program

Emergencies and disasters can affect any of us whether it's a severe storm, an earthquake, or a major power outage. 

This program helps you get prepared, stay informed, and connect with support before, during, and after emergencies.

Whether you’re preparing your household, looking to help others, or accessing support during a crisis, everything you need starts here. 

We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.
Petra Nemcova (tsunami survivor and founder of Happy Hearts Fund)

Know the local hazards

Find out what emergencies are most likely to happen in Esquimalt and what you can do to stay safe.
This section includes local hazard guides, maps, and step-by-step instructions for what to do before, during, and after events like:
  • Earthquakes
  • Tsunamis
  • Extreme heat and storms
  • House fires
  • Hazardous spills and air quality issues

Emergency alerts, evacuation & shelter-in-place information

When something happens, getting accurate and timely information can save lives.
This section explains how to:
  •  Sign up for Esquimalt Alert and other trusted notification tools
  • Understand what an Evacuation Alert vs. Order means
  • Shelter-in-place

Active Alerts, Advisories and Warnings

Get prepared for an emergency

Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve broken it down into easy, doable actions.
Here you’ll find:
  • How to build your emergency kit and grab-and-go bag
  • Tips for creating a simple family plan
  • Guides for preparing with children, pets, or disability-related needs
  • Plain language checklists and downloadable resources
It also includes our learning series, a growing library of practical guides with a 6-step format for:
  • Kids preparedness
  • Pets preparedness 
  • Inclusive preparedness 
  • Neighbour-to-Neighbour preparedness

Volunteer & get involved with the Emergency Program

Want to make a difference before, during, or after an emergency?
We offer several ways to get involved, with training provided:
  • Join the Emergency Support Services (ESS) team
  • Be part of the Emergency Radio Communications team
  • Support your neighbours through the Resilient Neighbourhoods Program
Everyone has a role to play—whether you're hands-on, behind the scenes, or just curious to learn more.
The work of volunteers doesn’t always make the news, but it always makes a difference.
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