NWT Emergency Response Update - August 4, 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 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.

  • 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 officals.

  • 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

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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

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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.

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 Mapfor the latest on highway status and closures.

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Evacuee Accommodations

Evacuation Reception Centre

  • On August 4, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. the Evacuation Reception Centre at the Yellowknife Multiplex will close as evacuees from Behchokǫ̀ 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 Behchokǫ̀ residents.

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 8, 2023.

  • 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

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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.

Income Assistance

  • Behchokǫ̀ Income Assistance recipients who received Income Assistance during the month of July 2023 and had been 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.

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: 

More information

NWT Alert

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

NWT Wildfire

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