NWT Emergency Response Update - September 05, 2023 5:00 PM

Public Safety Bulletin

Residents and evacuees can call 1-844-259-1793 to ask questions about evacuation

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Current Status


Territorial State of Emergency

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has extended the Territorial State of Emergency until September 11, 2023.

This allows the GNWT to acquire and deploy the necessary resources to support emergency management and protect the health and safety of Northwest Territories residents. 

This measure has ensured that the Emergency Management Organization (EMO) is better equipped to support the GNWT, community governments, and public agencies involved in emergency management plans and programs under the Emergency Management Act.

General Updates

The latest updates from the Emergency Management Organization can be found here: Latest Updates

Information about which NWT communities are currently under an evacuation order can be found here: Notices, Alerts, and Orders

Information about Evacuee Reception Centre locations can be found here: Evacuee Reception Centres

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Yellowknife, Dettah, N’Dilo and Ingraham Trail Re-Entry Update


Until the status of the evacuation order changes road check stops are still in place (anticipated for 11am Wednesday). To ensure our highways and checkpoints are safe and clear for Essential workers until the roads are open to all residents, we ask that the general public NOT try to drive into Yellowknife until the evacuation order is lifted on Wednesday. This will ensure essential workers can get home so that Yellowknife can be better prepared to provide essential services to residents coming home.

We are aware of a situation in Fort Providence where a transport truck took out some power lines leaving parts of the town are without power. We are monitoring the situation and assessing what if any impacts this will have on residents driving. At this time, it is not expected to affect the re-entry plans for Wednesday Sept 6th. For essential workers returning to Yellowknife today, the power outage is likely to affect gas stations and retail operations in Fort Providence. If you haven't yet crossed the Alberta-NWT border, ensure you have enough fuel and supplies for the trip, prepare for a delay in Fort Providence, or consider rescheduling your drive until power is restored.

For non-essential workers planning their return trip tomorrow, remember to plan ahead, pack 72 hours worth of supplies, and be ready for unexpected delays

 Residents can follow Northland Utilities on Facebook or Twitter for updates as they come available.

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Things to keep in mind as you travel

If you’re traveling by road, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • While the fire situation around Yellowknife is looking better, there are still active fires near Enterprise, Fort Smith, Hay River, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, and surrounding areas. 

  • Firefighters are still working, and are sometimes doing work along the highways. Please drive carefully, and follow instructions from emergency responders. Thank you to the many fire crews still working tirelessly to keep the NWT safe! 

  • Road check stops are still in place. To ensure our highways and checkpoints are safe and clear for Essential workers today, we ask that the general public NOT try to drive into Yellowknife until the evacuation order is lifted on Wednesday. This will ensure essential workers can get home so that Yellowknife can be better prepared to provide essential services to residents coming home.

  • When you do make your way back, please drive carefully and follow directions and signs.  There will be lots of people heading home, so it’s important to drive safely.

  • Watch out for animals and wildlife! We’ve had recent reports of wildlife sightings near the road and instances of animals approaching stopped vehicles searching for food. Never feed the wildlife, and be sure to keep your food and garbage in secure containers.

 For more information on returning by road, visit: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/public-safety/returning-yellowknife-road

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Wildfire Status

Follow NWT Fire for updates on wildfire:

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Highways and Airports

Visit the Highway Conditions Map for the NWT current highways status

Wildfires in the NWT mean highways could close with little or no advance notice: 

  • Highway 1 - OPEN Southbound. Northbound traffic is restricted to essential workers that are on the official list for re-entry.

  • Highway 2 - CLOSED. First responders, trucks carrying fuel and groceries and essential workers may be granted access based on highway conditions

  • Highway 3 - OPEN Southbound. Northbound traffic is restricted to essential workers that are on the official list for re-entry.

  • Highway 5 - CLOSED. First responders, trucks carrying fuel and groceries and essential workers may be granted access based on highway conditions

  • Highway 6 - CLOSED. First responders, trucks carrying fuel and groceries and essential workers may be granted access based on highway conditions

DO NOT call NWT Fire for highway updates.

Please check the NWT Highway Conditions Map for the latest updates: https://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/Highways 

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Finance

The GNWT continues to offer several financial support programs:

This is a difficult time financially for many residents. Something to consider and inquire about is that many banks and financial institutions offer supports and options for clients who have been impacted by natural disasters. Contact your bank or financial institution to inquire about supports they can offer, such as:

  • Special payment arrangements and deferrals on mortgages, loans, and lines of credit

  • Debt consolidation or re-amortization

  • Repayment options for credit cards

Ask your financial institution if they have these programs.

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Health Services Updates

 

Information and updates can be found here.

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Justice

Please consult the NWT Courts website for more information.

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Donations

Monetary donations are being accepted by United Way NWT.

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Be Ready for Wildfires

Get your Emergency Kit and essentials packed and ready. 

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More Information


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. All residents who have been evacuated are asked to register themselves in the portal, even if you have also registered at an evacuation centre.

NWT Wildfires Safety Check

A public Facebook group is available to mark yourself safe from the 2023 wildfires in the NWT.

If you need to report a missing person, contact the RCMP at 867-669-1111.

 NWT Alert

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

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