BCHA announces launch of Emergency Management Central Booking Portal

This solution addresses the urgent need for swift and efficient evacuation procedures in response to climate crises witnessed in recent years. The innovative system aims to expedite evacuees to safe shelter with increased speed and coordination, ensuring seamless collaboration in real-time.

“When an emergency happens, it is critical people know where they can go for refuge and have the necessary support available to them,” says Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport. “We expect the new commercial lodging reservation system will make it easier for Emergency Support Services responders to help people secure a place to stay and find relief during an emergency event or evacuation, whether they are residents, visitors to our province or emergency personnel.”

The pilot reservation system is set to enhance coordination and booking efficiencies for Emergency Support Services (ESS) evacuee support in B.C. for the year 2024. With a primary focus on supporting three key host communities—Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George – the system will onboard other community ESS teams as capacity warrants. The pilot will go live with the three host communities in June 2024.

With a streamlined booking process, accessible province-wide for EMCR staff, ESS responders, and administrators, the reservation system ensures efficient coordination in times of crisis. Live availability information eliminates the need for manual calls to hotels, providing prompt updates on accommodations availability. The portal also enables simultaneous tracking of evacuee placements and inventory allocation in commercial lodging, facilitating efficient accounting and reconciliation.

A referral voucher system is also set to be introduced to provide essential information and directions to evacuees, enhancing their overall experience. With electronic reservations and property-specific access, lodging suppliers benefit from streamlined processes, allowing staff to focus on other duties. The reservation system represents a significant advancement in emergency management in British Columbia, ensuring prompt and effective support for evacuees during crises.