NWT Emergency Response Update - August 3, 2023 4:30pm

Public Safety Bulletin

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.

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Current status

Behchokǫ̀

  • An evacuation order remains in place for Frank Channel. 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.
  • 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.
  • Edzo residents returned home on July 31 and Rae residents were advised by their community government that they may return home as of August 3rd. However, an evacuation alert remains in place for both areas and residents should be prepared to evacuate again on short notice if the situation changes.
  • For updates and information visit the Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex Centre Facebook page
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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
  • While power is being restored to homes and buildings, residents have been asked to turn off all appliances and electronics after returning home so power can be restored safely throughout the community. Follow the directions of your community government. 
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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.

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Wildfire Status

  • Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:
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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.
  • 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.
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Evacuee Accommodations

Behchokǫ̀ Evacuation Reception Centre

  • On August 4th, 2023, at 5PM the Evacuation Reception Centre at the Yellowknife Multiplex will close as evacuees from Behchoko return to the community. This will also include stand-down of additional health services provided at the evacuation centre and Yellowknife Primary care clinics for Behchoko residents.
  • The lifted evacuation order does not include residents of Frank Channel. Residents who are unable to return to their homes - including those in Frank Channel, that need evacuation supports in Yellowknife until the evacuation order is lifted need to identify themselves and their needs at the Registration or Administration Desk at the Multiplex or call 867-446-2023.
  • Pets, other than service animals, are not permitted inside of the evacuation centre due to allergies, hygiene, safety, and noise.
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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)
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Health Services for Evacuees

  • The Marie Adele Bishop health centre in Behchokǫ̀ is in the process of reinstating services. Emergency and Ambulance services will be available and through the weekend the health centre will remain on emergency services only, with full services resuming Tuesday, August 8th, 2023
  • 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

  • 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

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
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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:

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 have been issued.
    • 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.
 

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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.
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Priorities for operations tomorrow

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

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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. 
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More information

NWT Alert

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

NWT Wildfire

 

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