NWT Emergency Response Update – August 02, 2023 3:30pm

Press Release

August 02, 2023

Communities remain lead on response activities. Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations are fully activated and providing resources for planning, coordination, and support to community emergency management operations.

Current status

Behchokǫ̀

Residents of Behchokǫ̀ were evacuated due to wildfire concerns. An evacuation order was issued on behalf of Behchokǫ̀. An evacuation centre has been stood up at the Yellowknife Multiplex for Behchokǫ̀ residents requiring group lodging, food, and/or assistance.

Edzo residents were able to return home July 31 but an evacuation alert remains in place and residents should be prepared to evacuate again on short notice if the situation changes.
Rae and Frank Channel residents are being asked not to return to the community until the community government advises it is safe to do so. Work is currently underway to control flare ups in and around the community and to re-activate essential services when it is safe to do so. An evacuation order remains in place for Rae and Frank Channel.
An Evacuation Order remains in place for individuals located along Highway 3 between kilometres 256 and 290 (between Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife). Do not return to this area until it is deemed safe to do so.
For updates and information visit the Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex Centre Facebook page

Evacuee Registration Portal

The Evacuee Registration Portal is for NWT residents who need to evacuate—or be prepared to evacuate—due to an emergency or disaster.

Having residents registered within the portal will allow for more efficient assistance during an evacuation. It will assist all levels of government in providing support to community governments with their response efforts in times of need.

The Evacuee Registration portal contains personal information that cannot be used without consent from the individual for whom the personal information belongs.

Wildfire Status

Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:

Roads and Airports

Highway Conditions Map: the most up-to-date source for NWT highway status

• Highways 3 and 5 are being monitored closely and may require highway closure with little to no notice.

• Be prepared for poor visibility, delays and sudden road closures. Please drive with caution.

• Drive carefully, and check the Highway Conditions Map for the latest on highway status and closures.

Evacuee Accommodations

Behchokǫ̀ Evacuation Reception Centre

The evacuation reception centre at the Yellowknife Multiplex is open for evacuees of Behchokǫ̀ and Highway 3.
Any evacuee arriving in Yellowknife is encouraged to register online or in-person and staff at the evacuation centre will have information on services available, including accommodations at the centre for those who need a place to stay.
Pets, other than service animals, are not permitted inside of the evacuation centre due to allergies, hygiene, safety, and noise.
- See section on Pets for more information.

Camping Availability

The Fred Henne Park is unable to accommodate any additional evacuees at this time. Displaced residents seeking accommodations are encouraged to visit the registration centre at the Yellowknife Multiplex.
For people interested in a campsite, sites have been set aside for evacuees at the Fort Providence and Sambaa Deh Parks, Contact Us for availability:
- Fort Providence Territorial Park – Contact Marc Schmitz, Manager ITI Parks, (867) 875-7569
- Sambaa Deh Falls Territorial Park – Contact Jennifer Thistle, ITI Regional Superintendent, Jennifer_Thistle@gov.nt.ca or (867) 695-7520

Public Housing

Behchokǫ̀ Kò Gha K’àodèe phone lines are not being monitored at this time.
Public housing tenants can contact the North Slave District Office at:
867-767-9332 ext.85126
Toll-Free: 1-844-NWT-HOME (1-844-698-4663)

Health Services for Evacuees

The Marie Adele Bishop health centre in Behchokǫ̀ remains closed.
Planning is currently underway to establish a paramedic at the Community Youth Centre in Edzo to provide on call emergency support to the community. At this time the Marie Adele Bishop health centre in Behchokǫ̀ remains closed. Health and social services programs and services remain limited and will require further work to fully re-establish.
If residents wish to speak with a Registered Nurse they are encouraged to call 811. For any medical emergencies please call 911.

Access to Health Services in Yellowknife for Evacuees

To better serve Behchokǫ̀ evacuees the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority, in collaboration with the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency, has added supports in Yellowknife. Services available daily at the Evacuation Centre.
- A mini-clinic has been set up at the Yellowknife multiplex at the top of the stairs to the left of the elevator. Community Health Nurses are available from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Paramedic services are available 8am to midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
- This service can provide basic health services and refer individuals to other places if needed. This should be the first point of contact if you have a health concern.
General Health Advice
- For general non-urgent health advice call 811. Nurses are available to ask about your health, provide general health advice, answer questions, and direct you to the most appropriate resources for where you are. Services are available in over 200 languages, including Chipewyan, Cree, Tłıchǫ, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, North Slavey, South Slavey, and French.
Prescription refills or Appointments with Behchokǫ̀ Community Health Nurses
- For appointments or prescription refills, contact Frame Lake Clinic Monday to Friday between 8:05am and 4:25pm at 867-767-9125 (press 3 to speak with someone).
- Community Health Nurses from Behchokǫ̀ are available to care for evacuees at this clinic but booked appointments are required. Individuals can also speak with their pharmacist to see if they can assist with refills of certain medications, if prescription refills are required pharmacists may be able to request these from the clinic.
August 2nd Behchokǫ̀ Doctor Clinic Appointments
- If you have an existing appointment booked for the Behchokǫ̀ doctor clinic that was supposed to take place on August 2nd, please call the Frame Lake or Yellowknife Primary Care clinic to confirm your appointment. Appointments will take place at the Frame Lake Clinic.
  - Frame Lake Clinic: 867-767-9125 (press 3 to speak with someone)
  - Yellowknife Primary Care clinic: 867-767-9294 (press 0 to speak with someone)
Same-day Appointments
- If you are unable to get a same-day appointment by contacting the Frame Lake Clinic to access a Behchokǫ̀ Community Health Nurse please call Yellowknife Primary Care at 867-767-9294 (press 0 to speak with someone), phone bookings open between 8:05 am and 8:25 pm Monday to Friday and from 8:35 am and 4pm on Saturdays.
For Pregnant Individuals
- If you are pregnant and due for a prenatal appointment please call Yellowknife Primary Care at 867-767-9294 (press 0 to speak with someone) to arrange an appointment.
- Resources have been added to accommodate these appointments and we will be reaching out to individuals who are due for a prenatal, however if you are due for a prenatal and have not received a call please get in touch with us.

Mental Health Services for Evacuees

Mental health services are being coordinated at the Yellowknife Multiplex evacuation reception centre for Behchokǫ̀ evacuees.
Being evacuated from your home community is stressful; checking in with a mental health and counselling resource can help provide strategies, advice, and resources to deal with this difficult situation.

The following supports are also available:

NWT Help Line: 1-800-661-0844
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Or text CONNECT to 686868
Wellness Together Canada: Adults: 1-866-585-0445, Youth: 1-888-668-6810
Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566
Hope For Wellness: 1-855-242-3310
Family Violence Crisis line: 1-866-223-7775

Financial Support

Evacuee Income Disruption Support Program

The Evacuee Income Disruption Support program assists individuals who have lost employment income due to extended evacuation periods.
Provides financial support to adults 17+ whose employment has been disrupted by an evacuation lasting more than seven days.
Eligible residents can receive a one-time payment of $750.
For more information on how to apply:
- Call: 867-767-9168 ext. 15026
- Email: EIDS@gov.nt.ca

Hunters and Trappers Disaster Compensation

Help for those who lost homes/cabins on Highway 3

If you used your home or cabin on Highway 3 for traditional practices, like hunting, trapping, fishing, or harvesting, there may be financial help available as you work to rebuild through the Hunters and Trappers Disaster Assistance Compensation program.
If your home or cabin was lost, GNWT staff will discuss this with you when you are informed. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.
Click here for more information on the Hunters and Trappers Disaster Assistance Compensation program.

Income Assistance

Behchokǫ̀ Income Assistance recipients who received Income Assistance during the month of July 2023 and are being evacuated as a result of the wildfires, will be issued the Emergency Allowance benefits by Education, Culture and Employment.
- The rate of emergency allowance for single applicants is $500 and those with families is $1,000. The emergency allowance payments are being issued and can take up to 48 hours to be deposited.
- If you do not have direct deposit, please call the North Slave ECE Regional Service Centre at 1-866-768-8145 to let them know where you are so alternative arrangements can be made.
- If you are experiencing financial difficulties and would like to speak to someone about applying for Income Assistance, contact the North Slave ECE Regional Service Centre by calling 1-866-768-8145.

Actions today

Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Activation:

The Territorial and Regional Emergency Management Organizations (EMO) continue to monitor the wildfire situation across the territory and are in regular communication with affected communities.

Priorities for operations tomorrow

Continued monitoring of wildfire to assure safety of evacuees.
Continued support to affected communities and stakeholders.

Staying safe in an emergency

For the latest, most accurate emergency information, continue checking for updates with your local community government and visit www.gov.nt.ca/public-safety.

Returning Home Safely after a Wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire affected the area may be stressful and traumatic.

This guide will help you know what to do and where to get help. Keep yourself safe and healthy, with the checklists in the guide.

Donations

Ways non-displaced residents can help:

Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT and often handed to residents directly as gift cards. This is an effective way to meet the individual needs of displaced residents.
Physical goods can be dropped at the Yellowknife Salvation Army Thrift Shop and labeled: Fire Relief.
Food, clothing and most other donations are not being accepted at the evacuation reception centre in Yellowknife.
The evacuation reception centre will accept donations of new unopened items for basic personal care needs such as: shampoo, toiletries, towels, lotions, deodorant, face cloths, etc.

More information

NWT Alert

Follow the latest emergency alerts here: https://nwtalert.ca/#/