NWT Emergency Response Update – August 9, 2023 5:00pm

Press Release

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

An Evacuation Alert is in place for cabin and home owners between km 284 and 306 at Boundary Creek on Highway 3.
Residents need to be prepared to leave within one hour notice should an Evacuation Order be issued. Follow the directions of emergency officials.
An Evacuation Alert is in place for Behchokǫ̀ residents. This includes Rae, Edzo, and Frank Channel. Residents should be prepared to evacuate again on short notice if the situation changes.
Frank Channel and Rae residents were able to return home as of August 3 (4:30pm and 10:00am, respectively). Edzo residents were able to return home as of July 31.
For updates and information visit the Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex Centre Facebook page

Kakisa

An Evacuation Alert is in place for Kakisa residents.
An Evacuation Alert means that residents need to be prepared to leave within one hour notice should an Evacuation Order be issued. Follow the directions of emergency officials and your community government.
For updates on the wildfire situation visit the NWT Fire Facebook page

Returning Home Safely after a Wildfire

Returning home after a wildfire affected the area may be stressful and traumatic. Keep yourself safe and healthy, with these simple checklists www.gov.nt.ca/safe-return

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:

NWT Fire Wildfire Update (website)
- NWT Fire Facebook page
- NWT Fire Twitter

Roads and Airports

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

Highway 3: Highway 3 between Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife is being monitored closely due to wildfire. The situation can change quickly with no warning.
Highway 5: Highway 5 is being monitored closely due to wildfire. The situation can change quickly with no warning.
Highway 8: Highway is being monitored closely due to wildfire in the Yukon. The situation can change quickly with no warning.
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.

Health Services for Evacuees

The Marie Adele Bishop health centre in Behchokǫ̀ has resumed regular services.
Any evacuees remaining in Yellowknife can access services at Health and Social Services facilities as all residents are able.
- Frame Lake Community Health Clinic, 312 Old Airport Rd (across from Walmart), Phone: 867-767-9125
- Yellowknife Primary Care Clinic, 4915 48 St (across from Downtown grocery store), Phone: 867-767-9294

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.
For medical emergencies, call 911.

Mental Health Services for 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.
There are a number of remote supports that are accessible below.

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

Income Assistance

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.

Donations

Ways non-displaced residents can help: