Langley City Partners with Canadian Red Cross to Strengthen Emergency Support Services for Residents

Langley City, B.C. (Richa Walia): Langley City has announced a new partnership with the Canadian Red Cross to strengthen Emergency Support Services (ESS) for residents impacted by emergencies such as fires, floods, severe weather, and other unexpected events.

The collaboration is designed to enhance the City’s ability to deliver timely, compassionate, and coordinated assistance to individuals and families displaced during emergencies. Through this partnership, trained Red Cross responders will support Langley City’s Level 1 Emergency Support Services, also known as Personal Disaster Assistance.

“Emergencies can happen at any hour and often without warning, which is why effective response depends on strong partnerships and coordinated support,” said Melanie LaPointe, Emergency Management Program Advisor for Langley City. “By partnering with the Canadian Red Cross, we’re enhancing local response capacity, supporting our volunteers, and strengthening assistance for residents impacted by emergencies.”

Under the agreement, the Canadian Red Cross will help provide immediate short-term supports for up to 72 hours following an emergency. These services include temporary lodging, food, clothing, transportation, emotional support, and access to essential services during the critical initial recovery period.

“We are grateful to be working with Langley City to build capacity for personal disaster emergency assistance and ensure that community members have the supports they need,” said Kai Nestman, Director of Relief Operations for British Columbia and Yukon with the Canadian Red Cross. “The Red Cross works in partnership with communities to respond to emergencies and unexpected events across Canada.”

The City emphasized that while Langley City will continue to lead its local emergency response through its Emergency Program, the Red Cross will provide additional capacity, expertise, and volunteer coordination support.

The partnership also aims to strengthen community resilience by expanding volunteer recruitment. Residents will have opportunities to join as Emergency Support Services (ESS) Volunteer Responders, receiving training to assist those affected during crises.

Officials say the initiative is intended to bridge the gap between immediate emergency impact and longer-term recovery supports, including insurance claims and community-based assistance.