Response Programs

Emergency Support Services

Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides temporary assistance for those who are forced to leave their homes due to fire, flood, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, family reunification and emotional support.

In Coquitlam, local ESS planning and response is organized by the Parks, Recreation and Culture, and numerous community partners.

Reception Centres

A Reception Centre is a pre-identified facility where ESS services can be provided to the community. The location of these centres will be publicized via the media, as they become available.

If you evacuate your home, it is recommended that you register at a Reception Centre, if one has been activated by the City. This is important even if you plan to stay with friends or relatives and not at one of the locations set up to house evacuees. Registration ensures emergency officials know that you have left the area and are accounted for.

Coquitlam Search & Rescue

Coquitlam Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization that provides inland water and wilderness search and rescue for Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Anmore, Belcarra and Port Moody residents and visitors.

Emergency Amateur Radio

The Coquitlam Amateur Radio Emergency Services Society and ARES team are community-based volunteer organizations that provide amateur radio communications for the City in an emergency. Amateur radio is a means of back up communication, if all other normal communications systems fail.

The team is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the amateur radio fan out plan, as well as providing certified radio operators and equipment to City facilities, as requested.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit Coquitlam Amateur Radio Emergency Services Society’s website.

Community Emergency Preparedness Volunteers

HEROS Community Preparedness Volunteers assist the City’s Emergency Program in delivering emergency preparedness information to residents, community groups and the general public. Volunteers will:

  • Facilitate emergency preparedness presentations
  • Attend special events to promote emergency preparedness
  • Distribute emergency preparedness information in the community

If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please email the Emergency Program Office.

Emergency Event Donation Management

During fire-based or other emergency events, there are times that residents are displaced for extended periods. During these incidents, the City often receives queries and offers from those wishing to assist those in need. As the City has no mandate to accept donations, we offer the following information for reference.

Coquitlam Foundation (Cash Donations Only)

Coquitlam Foundation is well known in Coquitlam with a Board of Directors that includes the Mayor of Coquitlam or his/her designate. The foundation can collect cash donations - both large and small - in support of specific emergency events. While they can collect funds, disbursement is done in partnership with other non-profit organizations as identified at the time of the event.

In addition to collecting cash donations, the Foundation can also help interested parties establish their own donor-advised fund with the Foundation.

Donations can be made online to the Coquitlam Foundation. Or for more information, call 604-468-9598.

Canadian Red Cross (Cash Donations Only)

Canadian Red Cross can distribute funds directly and quickly by using their own funds first while engaging and working with local organizations in acquiring aid (e.g. local food bank, thrift stores, business, etc.) Unlike the Coquitlam Foundation, however, is that funds donated to the Red Cross may not be earmarked for a specific event or relief effort.

Donations can be made online to the Canadian Red Cross. Or for more information, call 800-418-1111.

Other Resources

The following are some additional resources to help you with your decision to donate: