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PUBLIC ADVISORY REGARDING EVACUATION ALERT

The City just issued an Evacuation Alert, what does that mean?

  • An Evacuation Alert means that there is an increased risk to Yellowknife due to wildfire nearing the community. Residents should be prepared.
  • There would be an Evacuation Order given if the risk escalates. The situation may change.
  • It is time to prepare yourself and your family to evacuate your premises or property should it be necessary.
  • Residents will be given as much advanced notice as possible prior to Evacuation Order. You may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
  • The City can advise residents that if an evacuation is determined to be necessary, residents will be notified of the location of evacuation centres and the safest route to take to those centres.

Ensure that you’re getting your information from trusted sources.

What should you do?

  • Make a plan. Talk to those in your household and create a designated meeting area outside the evacuation area. Plan a place to meet in case an Evacuation Order is called when separated.
  • Have an evacuation plan in place and communicate that plan with people living in the residence and neighbours.
  • Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
  • Ensure you have an emergency kit. More information can be found here: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-en.aspx.
  • Residents should arrange accommodations with family or friends before an Evacuation Order, if possible.
  • Hook up all recreational vehicles and trailers.
  • Check on neighbours and work together.
  • Arrange transportation for all your household members. Ensure all personal vehicles are fully fueled.
  • Pre-register on the NWT’s Evacuee Registration Form here: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/form/evac.

Communications:

The City understands that residents are concerned with the situation in the area and in the rest of the territory. Residents will be notified of any updated levels of risk via the emergency alert functions on cell phones.

The City has been assured by NorthwestTel that if the fiber optic line was to be compromised, cell phones and cellular data will still be accessible for residents. Emergency information on the internet will be available to residents via the City’s website and social media. If in the unlikely event that communications are affected, the City will put out paper updates at City Hall and the Multiplex for residents to access.

We have been asked for a more specific plan and what will happen in the event of an evacuation. The situation is dynamic.  Actions will depend on the conditions and risks of a specific situation. The City can advise residents that if an evacuation is determined to be necessary, residents will be notified of the location of evacuation centres and the safest route to take to those centres.

Evacuation Alert Checklist.