Survive-It Services
Why ESS Matters More Than Ever
When disaster strikes, people turn to Emergency Support Services (ESS) for support, safety, and hope. But too often, ESS teams are stretched thin, under-trained, or relying on outdated plans. The result? Stress, confusion, and lost trust when your community needs you most.
That’s why I do this work. I don’t just train ESS teams—I help them gain the skills, confidence, and systems they need to step into action with clarity and compassion. With the right preparation, your ESS team can move from feeling overwhelmed to being a trusted lifeline when it matters most.
We offer services for Disaster Prepardness and for Emergency Support Services. Please contact us if you require more information or have questions about registering for any upcoming programs or workshops.
Is your Emergency Support Services (ESS) Plan sitting on the shelf collecting dust?
Do those well-intentioned training workshops and exercise plans keep falling to the bottom of your to-do list?
If you’re like many ESS teams, training and exercise plans often get pushed aside. I can help turn those intentions into action—by creating clear plans, delivering training, and designing exercises that give your team real opportunities to practice. When ESS is made a priority, those plans move off the shelf and into action.
That’s where I come in.
Check out the Reception Centre and Group Lodging video to see an ESS exercise in action—because when it comes to emergency response, practice makes perfect.
With over 30 years specializing in Emergency Support Services (ESS), including recent work as ESS Director for the City of Vancouver, I've responded to 45–60 activations annually, ranging from small to extensive, requiring Reception or Lodging Centres. Additionally, I've supported First Nations ESS (FNESS), aiding in plan development, and served as an instructor with the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC), teaching ESS teams nationwide.
My work has helped ESS teams gain the confidence to adapt plans, take control, and bring peace of mind during uncertain times. I am committed to keeping ESS teams prepared—let’s connect to ensure your team is ready for whatever comes next.
Whether your team is brand new, experienced but needing a refresher, or ready to advance their skills, I provide comprehensive ESS training tailored to your community’s needs. Delivered in person or online, these workshops bring new and seasoned ESS responders together to learn, practice, and build confidence. The result? A stronger, more capable ESS team that’s ready to respond when your community needs them most.
Strong leadership is the backbone of every successful ESS response. This workshop prepares team members to step confidently into management roles at a Reception or Group Lodging Centre. Training is interactive, practical, and tailored to your community’s unique needs—whether delivered in person or online—and includes a tabletop exercise so participants can immediately practice what they’ve learned.
The best way to build confidence is through practice. ESS Exercises provide a safe, supportive environment for your team to test plans, strengthen teamwork, and gain hands-on experience in key roles. Each exercise is custom designed for your community so your responders walk away with practical skills they can use in the next activation.
Is your ESS Plan overdue for an update? I’ll work with you to review agreements, update outdated sections, and design a plan that reflects today’s realities. Together, we’ll create a clear, practical roadmap so your team is ready for the next response—not scrambling when it arrives.
No two communities are alike—so your ESS training shouldn’t be, either. I collaborate with you to design custom training and exercises that reflect your community’s strengths, challenges, and resources. Big or small, we’ll create a program that works for you and ensures your team is truly prepared.
Each program is designed to build confidence, strengthen skills, and ensure your ESS team is truly ready when disaster strikes. For more information on any of these ESS offerings, please reach out.