Residents who want to help their neighbours during emergencies and disasters are being invited to join one of the Strathcona Regional District’s Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer teams.

The regional program supports individuals and families who have been forced from their homes because of house fires, evacuations and other emergencies.

Emergency Support Services volunteers can register evacuees and coordinate immediate necessities such as food, clothing and temporary lodging during the first 72 hours following a disaster.

Assistance is traditionally provided through referral vouchers involving local businesses. The province’s Evacuee Registration and Assistance system also allows displaced residents to register digitally and receive financial assistance through electronic transfer.

Several volunteer positions are available.

Mass Care team members staff reception centres and group lodging facilities, while Level One volunteers respond on short notice to smaller emergencies such as single-family house fires.

Other volunteers care for displaced companion animals, provide short-term psychological first aid and operate emergency radio equipment when regular communication systems are disrupted or unavailable.

Opportunities are available in Campbell River, Quadra and Cortes islands, Gold River, the Outer Discovery Islands, Sayward, Tahsis and Zeballos.

Applicants should be dependable, able to work compassionately under pressure and have independent transportation and a valid driver’s licence.

Volunteers must complete the required training and pass a police-records check before participating in an emergency response. Monthly training sessions generally require approximately two hours, with additional courses and exercises offered throughout the year.

Adults can apply, while youth aged 16 or 17 may participate with parental consent.

Additional information and the online volunteer application form are available at Strathcona Regional District.