The City of Victoria has a dedicated team of volunteers serving their community to support emergency preparedness, response and recovery. Well-trained, skilled volunteers play a vital role before, during and after a crisis. Volunteers are provided with free training and valuable experience in emergency preparedness and public safety.
Volunteering with the City of Victoria is a dynamic and ongoing process. Experience is not necessary, but you need to be a team player and able to work in high-stress environments. Positive attitudes are a must.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) Team
The Emergency Support Services (ESS) program provides short-term, basic support to those affected by emergencies ranging from a house fire to an earthquake or tsunami. This helps those impacted to re-establish themselves following an emergency.
ESS is a provincial program funded by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and delivered by local authorities and Indigenous governments.
The City of Victoria is currently recruiting ESS volunteers. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid provincial Driver’s Licence. This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening.
Cyclist Response Team
Cyclists can play an important role in emergency response by navigating through urban areas more easily than larger vehicles. The role is particularly critical when roads are damaged after an earthquake. The City’s Cyclist Response Team (CRT) trains in:
- using a bicycle trailer
- logistics support
- bike maintenance and repair
- first aid
- rapid damage assessment
- radio communications
- wayfinding
The CRT trains at least once a month. Members are required to onboard as ESS members before joining the CRT.
Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) Team
The Auxiliary Communications Services (ACS) team provides back-up communications during emergencies. If traditional services are unavailable, ACS will provide two-way communications between the City and critical response partner organizations. This helps emergency responders coordinate activities with the City’s Emergency Operations Centre. An amateur radio license is not required to join this team.