Preparing for emergencies and packing the essentials you may need — in Yellowknife and elsewhere

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Wildfires have left thousands of people in the Northwest Territories scrambling to flee danger in recent days, giving them little time to prepare for their escape.

On Wednesday, officials issued an evacuation order for residents of Yellowknife. The evacuation would involve a "phased approach," with people from areas of the city already under alert (Kam Lake, Grace Lake, Engle industrial area) heading out Wednesday night as soon as possible, alongside people in Dettah and those along the Ingraham Trail.

Other residents of Yellowknife and Ndilǫ should leave by noon Friday.

Officials said there is time to evacuate the city of Yellowknife safely.

Those without access to a vehicle are able to board evacuation flights, which are due to begin taking off on Thursday afternoon. Hundreds of people were gathering at Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife on Thursday to register for, and to be transported to the airport for those flights.

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Here's a look at what territorial officials had advised people to have ready to go, ahead of the evacuation order being issued.

Food, water, the essentials

Authorities stress having enough supplies to take care of all family members for three days — or more for people living in more remote areas.

The Northwest Territories' Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) website has a list of what to include in an emergency kit — items that are relevant for the current wildfire-related emergency, or others in future.

These needed items include three days' worth of food and water for each family member; all relevant medications and eyeglasses; a first-aid kit; a flashlight; cellphones or other communication devices and their related chargers; as well as seasonally appropriate clothing and footwear for everyone fleeing a situation. A wind-up radio, or one that is battery-powered, is also recommended.

The MACA website says cash, credit cards and car keys also belong in this kit, as do garbage bags, moist towelettes and sanitation supplies.

Jennifer Young, the director of corporate affairs for MACA, said Wednesday that in terms of water, it's suggested that people have two litres of water per person for each of those three days of gathered supplies.

Young said the food provisions should be non-perishable and should include what's needed for pets, too.

Follow officials' instructions

Young discussed the steps people should take if they are leaving the area by car — a journey that could involve driving through very dangerous conditions, as some N.W.T. residents have already had to experience.

Young stressed it's important for residents to follow instructions from officials, and to not rush in their driving, as that may increase risks of further challenges during an evacuation.

"Many fatalities and injuries are caused by rushing away during the evacuations — especially if there is wildlife that are crossing the roads," she said.

Young said it's best to have a full tank of gas before departure, if that's possible. On Wednesday evening, Shane Thompson, the territorial Minister of Environment and Climate Change and also the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, said gas would be available along the highway, as would tow trucks.

Thompson also said buses and planes will be available to those who need assistance to leave. Officials said that would include civilian and military aircraft. 

For those driving, Young said that vehicles should have their windows rolled up and their vents closed "so that dirty air from the outside doesn't filter in."

She said drivers should also have their headlights on to ensure maximum visibility on the road.

Young emphasized that highway staff will escort people through open sections of highway that have low visibility due to wildfire smoke.

The territorial government has provided the following information for residents:

• Registration form for N.W.T. residents who need to evacuate.
• Territorial wildfire updates. Report smoke or fire by calling 1-877-698-3473.
• Emergency response resources.
• The latest community statuses, including notices, alerts and orders.
• Additional information for evacuees.