Emergency Social Services / Disaster Assistance

ESS is a pre-planned emergency response organization designed to provide those basic necessities which, after a disaster, are considered essential for the immediate and continuing well-being of persons affected.

In the Cowichan Valley the four Primary Reception Centres are:

Centenial Hall / Cowichan Lake Sports Arena
 Lake Cowichan
 309, 311 South Shore Rd.
Cowichan Community Centre
 Duncan 2687 James Street
Frank Jameson Community Centre
 Ladysmith  810 6th Avenue
Kerry Park Recreation Centre
 Mill Bay
 1035 Shawnigan Mill Bay Rd.

Services provided at Reception Centres:

Coordination of:
 Emergency Food
 Clothing

Lodging
As well as:
 Family Reunification
 Emotional Support
  
 For more information on reception centres, please see the CVRD Emergency Preparedness Workbook.

Another great resource in an emergency is the Canadian Red Cross.

Register for Emergency Alerts.  Residents and businesses within the Cowichan Valley Regional District area — including  Ladysmith — may now register to receive emergency notification for events such as forest fires, floods and hazardous materials spills that require evacuation or other emergency response actions from residents or businesses.  Register on-line at www.cvrd.bc.ca/EAlert, or email: EAlert@cvrd.bc.ca or call 250-746-2564.

The Regional District will also continue to provide emergency information through its website and local radio, television and newspapers. www.cvrd.bc.ca

Note: In order for you to receive notifications, it is vital that the CVRD has your current contact information. If you move or change your phone number or email address, you must re-register.

Ladysmith Search and Rescue - Phone: 250.245.7761

Members are experienced in ground and embankment searches. Receives training and support from B.C. PEP. Fifteen members have training in basic SAR techniques. Provides support to other provincial volunteer SAR groups when requested. Founded 1967.  

Cowichan Search and Rescue

For public education or recruiting information please visit our Website:  http://www.cowsar.org or email at info@cowichansar.org

Links

For more information regarding search and rescues, visit the following links:

British Columbia Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) 

AdventureSmart