The NWT Government has a webpage dedicated to wildfires and what to do/what you need to know. There is information here to help you in case of emergency.
Where to get information
NWT Fire Facebook page
NWT Fire X (formerly Twitter) feed
Government of Northwest Territories Notice, Alerts, and Orders
Home Insurance
Just like business insurance, you will want to get in touch with your home insurance provider to ensure that your house is covered for wildfire damage. This is much more common to be included in home insurance, however, it is always best to confirm. Additionally, if you have non-catalogued goods in your house that you would like insured (that you would not be able to bring with you in an evacuation), now is a good time to do so. Take a picture of the item and receipt (if available) and write a description.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Information on the Evacuation Order and other resources can be found on the GNWT website. Wildfires can move fast. If you have children, pets or a significant other, it is important to have an emergency evacuation plan in place, including: multiple evacuation routes planned (should one be closed), a house exit strategy, plus “ditch kits” (i.e., an overnight bag prepared in case you need to grab and run, including non-perishable foods and water). Know where you are going to go. Do you have family or friends you can stay with? Call them now to confirm so you don’t have to scramble and fight for hotel space. Having a plan in place will help you to maintain your calm and be prepared.
Mortgage
CMHC encourages homeowners to contact their financial institution at the first sign of difficulty to discuss their individual situations and options.
CMHC provides lenders with options for homeowners that may be impacted by these unfortunate events including:
For more information, homeowners may consult “How to Deal with Mortgage Payment Difficulties”.
Trip Planning
If you are planning to drive in the NWT, you will want to ensure that your route is safe. Monitor official sources such as the NWT Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the local news, and wildfire tracking websites for real-time information on fire locations, sizes, and containment efforts. During wildfires, roads can be closed without notice, please reference this map, in real time to see if the wildfires will affect your trip.