NWT Emergency Response Update - May 29, 2023 4:00pm

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

Kátł'odeeche First Nation

An Evacuation order remains in effect for Kátł'odeeche First Nation while the community prepares a re-entry plan. Follow the Kátł'odeeche First Nation Facebook page for regular updates. It is not safe to return to Kátł'odeeche First Nation at this time.

Hay River

The Town of Hay River Evacuation Order has been reduced to an Evacuation Alert.

https://hayriver.com/2023-wildfire-updates/ 

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Roads and Airports

  • Highway 2 is open. Conditions could change quickly, be prepared for delays or sudden road closures.  
  • Highway 5 is open. Conditions could change quickly, be prepared for delays or sudden road closures.  
  • The Hay River Airport is open, normal flight operations have resumed.

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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. Before returning home think about what you will see, hear and smell in your community upon return to emotionally prepare yourself and your family. Your community may have changed dramatically.

Keep yourself safe and healthy, with the checklists in the guide.

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Wildfire Status

Wildfires Recovery Pathfinder

A GNWT Pathfinder has been appointed to provide information on questions evacuees may have and where they can get additional details on what services may be available locally or at the evacuation centre in Yellowknife. 

As this rapidly changing situation develops, any new information will be shared by the GNWT as soon as it becomes available.

. The pathfinder is available Monday-Friday 9am - 4:30pm.

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Health Services for Evacuees

Healthcare providers are available to assist with health needs of Hay River and KFN evacuees, this includes regular appointments, prescription refills, etc.

  • Call 867-767-9294 or 867-767-9125 for a phone consultation. Identify yourself as an evacuee so we can direct your calls appropriately.
    • We expect high call volumes for this service, so we ask all residents to have patience when calling.
    • For 24/7 non-urgent health advice and information, call 8-1-1 free-of-charge to speak to a registered nurse.

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. Services available to evacuees include:

  • In Person Services at the Multiplex: Mental health workers are available from 9am to 9pm daily at the evacuation centre.
  • Virtual or Remote Supports: Contact the Yellowknife Community Counselling office for information on mental health services. Virtual services are available to people in Yellowknife or another community.
  • Yellowknife Community Counselling Office: Phone Counselling is available 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday. (867) 767-9110 ext. 3

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

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Evacuee Accommodations

Evacuation Reception Centre

  • For those unable to return to K’atl’odeeche First Nation, the Evacuation Reception Centre at the Yellowknife Multiplex continues to be available.  
  • Services include evacuee registration, cots, food service, and onsite first aid and mental health supports. Individuals can also get information at the reception centre about accessing health and social services and things like prescriptions.
    • Individuals who have evacuated to Yellowknife – whether they are staying at the reception centre or not - must register in person if they want to be on the list for current or future evacuee services or information updates.
    • For evacuees outside of Yellowknife, accommodations and associated costs for those evacuees are not covered by the GNWT. 
    • For evacuees outside of Yellowknife looking for additional accommodation options and support for associated costs, check with your Community Government.

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Financial Support for Evacuees

The 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.

The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant

  • The Community Government Hosting Evacuees Grant provides financial assistance to eligible community governments that host evacuees outside of a designated Evacuation Centre.
  • To be eligible for the grant, community governments must host 10 or more registered evacuees.
  • Funding starts at $20,000 and is capped at $40,000, and is based on total evacuees hosted.
  • Funding can be requested after an evacuation order has been in place for seven or more days.

Business Relief

  • Qualifying businesses can access Operational Support under the GNWT’s SEED policy to provide emergency relief or support business recovery.
  • Prior to filling out an application, businesses should contact the Department of Industry Tourism and Investment’s South Slave Regional Office at: (867) 872-8046 or by e-mailing: brenda_mcdonald@gov.nt.ca

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Public Housing

Hay River Housing Authority: 867-874-6477
Housing NWT Toll Free Number: 1-844-NWT-HOME (1-844-698-4663)

  • Kátł’odeeche First Nation: Housing NWT is assessing the status of public housing units and will be in contact with KFN housing clients. The evacuation order for Kátł’odeeche is still in effect. It is not safe to return to KFN.
  • Hay River: Hay River Housing Authority staff continue to assess public housing units in Hay River and there are no issues at this time.
    • Hay River public housing tenants can return to their homes. However, the Town of Hay River has advised is not suitable for those with special health care needs to return. Those with Special Health Needs are advised to delay their re-entry to allow for full restoration of their support services and risk reduction. More information is available in the Hay River Community Re-entry Plan, here.

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Actions today

Emergency Management Organization (EMO) Activation:

  • The Territorial, South Slave, and North Slave Emergency Management Organizations (EMO) remain activated.
  • The South Slave REMO and Territorial EMO is in regular communication with and providing ongoing support to the communities of Hay River and the Kátł’odeeche First Nation for wildfires.

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Priorities for operations tomorrow

  • Continued monitoring of wildfire to assure safety of evacuees.
  • Continued support to the Town of Hay River, Kátł’odeeche First Nation and partner agencies.

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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

Many people ask how they can help support evacuees. Here are some ways you can provide donations and support:

  • Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT.
  • Gift cards will be accepted at the Yellowknife reception centre, but donations to United Way are preferred as they are easier to coordinate.
  • Physical goods can be dropped at the Yellowknife Salvation Army Thrift Shop and labeled: Fire Relief.
  • Food donations are not being accepted at the evacuation reception centre in Yellowknife.

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Current status – Flood Watch

  • The risk of ice-jam induced flooding for NWT communities has passed for the 2022-23 season.

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More information

 

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