Emergency Measures

•  An emergency is defined as an unexpected or dangerous situation that requires a quick response. Specific examples include wildfires, major storms, plane crashes or long power outages in winter weather.
• It is important to be prepared for an emergency.
• In the event of an emergency, always follow the instructions of emergency personnel and be as self-sufficient as you can.  This will help responders assist others who may require more immediate assistance.

• National guidelines recommend creating emergency kits with 3 to 7 days of food and water for all family members. 
• You can purchase pre-made kits or create your own based on your family's needs
• Store emergency kits along with battery operated flashlights and other needed items in an easy-to-find place in your home
• Create a personal emergency plan which may include what you will do if your phone doesn't work or if you are unable to reach your family members, or what to do if you are unable to travel to a particular part of town
• More information on Emergency Preparedness kits can be found on the Government of Canada's Emergency Preparedness website

There are a few simple steps that you, your family or colleagues can take to prepare for a winter power outage.  See What does Emergency Preparedness mean and how can I prepare?

• winter power outages
• winter heat source outages
• wildfires
• plane crashes and other severe accidents

• In the case of an extended power outage in cold weather, the Emergency Plan will be activated by the Senior Administrative Officer, the Mayor or their designated alternates.
• The Town may also activate portions of the Plan in the event that the Town becomes a reception centre for other northern communities that are forced to evacuate due to an emergency

• Once the Town declares a local state of emergency, it provides the Town with additional powers under the Civil Emergency Measures Act. The Town can then seek any assistance from businesses or use their personnel or equipment to deal with the emergency within our community boundaries. The Town includes GNWT authorities and other support partners within our Plan to ensure proper communications with those agencies that may provide further assistance.

  If the Town depletes its resources and requests further assistance from the GNWT, the GNWT will enact their Emergency Operation Centre and/or provide any further assistance as required by the local authority.

  Communications between agencies is necessary in order for an emergency plan to work effectively.

To declare a state of local emergency, the Mayor and Senior Administrative Officer, in consultation with other agencies, may declare a state of local emergency in accordance with the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

See also When and how is the Town's Emergency Plan activated?

• In an emergency, the Town will communicate through available communication tools such as local media, the Town's social media sites (Facebook & Twitter) and website
• When an emergency affects a specific neighbourhood or part of town, the Town may also go door-to-door with its partners such as the RCMP and Fire Department

• During a power outage at extreme temperatures, information is provided by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation
• The Mayor or Senior Administrative Officer will inform and update the public to the status of emergency situations on behalf of the Town.  The Town may have multiple spokespersons depending on how long the emergency lasts or if there is more than one emergency location
• For a health related emergency, either the Chief Medical Health Officer or another representative from the Territorial Government's Department of Health and Social Services will be the designated spokesperson.  The Town will provide assistance in this case as well. 

• As every situation is unique, the Town will attempt to say whether something is an emergency or not
• Examples of an emergency response which do NOT trigger a state of emergency being declared include:
  • fire response
  • spill or hazardous materials scene
  • RCMP dealing with a specific situation
  • water being too turbid
  • natural gas flaring as part of regular maintenance

• Arm yourself with knowledge by reading the information on this webpage or by visiting the Government of Canada Emergency Preparedness website
• Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours which includes:
  • making a plan in advance
  • having an emergency kit stocked with supplies