It was just announced that the City of Yellowknife is working on a five-phased approach to allowing residents to return to their homes. Since there has been no damage to the city, the plan will be able to be accelerated. At this time, there is no set date for when the general public will be able to return.
When returning home after a wildfire, once local governments have deemed it safe to do so, keep an eye on what community leaders are saying regarding structural damages and potentially hazardous conditions. This can include hazardous gas and vapours, potential losses in electricity and other utilities, and drinking water. If you are unsure that your water is safe to drink, boil it for five minutes beforehand.
Check what food you may be able to take with you as you return, as the food in your home may have spoiled in the time since the evacuation.
When returning to the city, keep an eye out for hotspots among the trees, as they could still potentially flare up into another fire. Power lines and poles may have also fallen onto the roads. Take pictures of anything that looks out of the ordinary or potentially dangerous, and alert the proper authorities.
When it comes to mental health, coping with the stress of a disaster can be challenging. There are several ways to help take care of oneself, including eating healthy food, staying hydrated, resting as often as possible, pacing out clean-up activities, and prioritizing tasks to avoid trying to do everything at once. It is also important to look out for signs of stress in others. These can include feelings of worry, frustration, and hopelessness, constantly thinking about the disaster, having flashbacks to the event, and changes in the sleep pattern.
The NWT Helpline can also be reached at 1-800-661-0844.
