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.
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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.
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
Take part in our "6 Weeks to Preparedness for Kids" activity list
Helpful tips for you and your family.
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.