Government of the Northwest Territories Calls On Residents to “Be Ready” For Emergencies With New Campaign

Press Release

March 30, 2022

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) wants residents to be ready for emergencies when they happen. With spring flood and wildfire seasons approaching, the territorial government has launched a new campaign to help residents prepare.

A marketing campaign is being launched using radio, newspapers, community-focused print products, and social media advertising.

The campaign focuses on important things to know when preparing for emergencies, including:

Understanding the most common risks in the Northwest Territories.
Knowing your community’s emergency plan
Making an emergency plan for your home
Building an emergency kit
Staying up to date with government and local news sources
Understanding and planning for evacuations
Knowing what to do before, during, and after floods
Avoiding misinformation and disinformation

Quote

“Our government wants to ensure that residents have the information and resources they need to be ready for an emergency. There are many simple and inexpensive things we can all do today to ensure that we are prepared whenever an emergency strikes. This campaign has been designed to reach residents in all communities and provide them with the information they will need to be ready.”

-Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

Northerners should prepare emergency kits to allow them to last 3-7 days without running water or electricity. There are times where they may be away from home for even longer in some emergencies.
Fewer than half of Canadians have an emergency kit packed with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medication, and cash.
The most likely emergency situations to prepare for in the NWT are:
- Floods
- Wildfires
- Transportation incidents (i.e. traffic accidents)
- Severe weather
- Critical infrastructure failure
All communities near waterways are at risk of flooding due to severe weather or ice jams – especially during spring break-up. NWT Communities with the greatest risk of experiencing flooding are:
- Hay River
- Kátł’odeeche
- Nahanni Butte
- Fort Liard
- Fort Simpson
- Aklavik
- Fort Good Hope
- Tulita
- Jean Marie River