During emergencies such as wildfires, floods, telecommunications outages, etc., it is important for NWT residents and visitors to our territory to know what health and social services programs and services are available and how to access them. 

In the event of an emergency, such as an evacuation, flood, or wildfire, NTHSSA staff will continue to support the case management and care coordination of existing clients, including but not limited to home care clients, individuals accessing child and family services, those requiring prenatal care, clients with complex mental health needs and clients who need ongoing treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy.

Need to Know Information

• In all emergencies, follow the instructions of public safety first. 

• In the event of a telecommunication/power outage, where you are unable to reach your local health clinic or hospital by phone, go in person for any urgent needs, if it is safe to do so. If you have a family member in care that you are trying to reach, please either go in person, if it is safe to do so, or use online platforms such as Messenger, FaceTime or WhatsApp, as internet services may remain available in certain areas, during emergencies.   

• Be prepared for an evacuation or emergency and ensure that you pack your medication and take your prescription information with you.

• If you have an urgent issue that requires assistance from child and family services and you are unable to reach the on-call emergency number, please present at your local health centre for assistance, if it is safe to do so.

• In an emergency, if services are reduced in an evacuated location, specific details to support your health and social services needs will be provided both locally and through public guidance issued about that specific community and event.

• Registered nurses are available 24/7 to provide you with confidential health advice and support. Call 811 or 1-844-259-1793 to speak with a registered nurse and get guidance on a range of health concerns, from general health queries to non-urgent health issues.

• If you require information about your medical travel and are accessing services through the NTHSSA Medical Travel Program, visit the medical travel page for contact information or to call the backup phone number in emergencies at 867-446-6828.

• In an emergency, if an evacuation centre is set up and you're unable to stay safely in group lodgings due to mobility issues or other reasons, please contact the staff at the Reception Centre. Health and Social Services Authority teams can help with health and social needs, but they are unable to assist with accommodations.

Mental Health Supports

• Wildfires, evacuation, and crises can have many different impacts on you and your family. If you have questions about managing stress, mood, sleep, or feel you/your family members are struggling, there are many supports available to you. Visit our Mental Health Resources and Supports webpage for eMental health links and/or information about how to access crisis lines, including 811.   

Child and Family Services Supports

• In the event of telecommunication issues or if you have an urgent child protection concern and are unable to reach on-call staff, please connect with your local RCMP detachment in-person or visit your local health centre for assistance. 

General Emergency Information

• For the latest information on wildfires, please visit the NWT Fire Page: Wildfire Update | Environment and Climate Change (gov.nt.ca)

• For the latest information on GNWT response to emergencies, including public safety information, please visit the GNWT’s public safety page: Public Safety | Government of Northwest Territories

NTHSSA News and Updates

• In the event of an emergency, the NTHSSA will issue public notices that can be found by visiting the NTHSSA newsroom page.

• Regular updates during emergencies can also be found on the NTHSSA Facebook page as needed.