Emergency Response

Spring Breakup Information

The Village of Fort Simpson has staff in position to monitor the ice conditions and water levels of the Liard and Mackenzie Rivers. A Flood Committee consisting of representatives from all support agencies will be meeting on an as-required basis to monitor the ice and flood conditions. Should conditions develop that require the evacuation of some or all residents from the island, the following procedures have been put in place to deal with the emergency. The procedures are based on water levels as determined at the water gauge on the Mackenzie River.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT, THE FLOOD COMMITTEE STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF EVERYONE FOLLOWING THESE INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Keep all vehicles fully fueled
  • Keep food, water, extra clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, tents and any other items you will require packed and ready to go
  • Dress warmly
  • Throw the main breaker switch and shut off all fuel and propane tanks

FLOOD WATCH PRODEDURE:

1. 12.5 Meters – FLOOD WATCH COMMENCES

2. 13.0 Meters – Threatening water and ice conditions will be broadcast as follows:

  • Radio – 90.7 FM Periodic Updates
  • Village of Fort Simpson Facebook Page
  • Village of Fort Simpson Website for updates
  • Information may also be obtained by calling the Village Office at 695-2253

3. 13.5 Meters

  • Village emergency measures personnel will establish an Emergency Operations Centre
  • Notification to Schools, Day Care Centre, Health Centre, Fort Simpson Elders Care Home and Stanley Isaiah Clusters (elders needing assistance) to be on evacuation alert

4. 14.0 Meters

  • Continuous siren will sound for 4 minutes non stop
  • Emergency Operations Centre to declare a LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
  • Schools, Day Care, Bars and Liquor Store will be ordered to close
  • Personnel designated for roadblocks and registration placed on standby notice
  • Water levels updated every 15 minutes

5. 14.5 Meters

  • Elders Care Home to begin evacuation to the GNWT Main Airport for further evacuation to Yellowknife
  • Health Centre and Stanley Isaiah Clusters (elders needing assistance) to begin evacuation to the GNWT Main Airport

6. 15.0 Meters - EVACUATION

  • Continuous siren will sound for 15 minutes non stop and may be repeated until evacuation is complete
  • Roadblocks are placed with registration of evacuees as they leave the Island
  • People with vehicles should leave the Island. Pet owners will be responsible for the wellbeing of their pets & should bring all necessary supplies for their pets such as leashes, kennels, food & water
  • People without vehicles are to proceed immediately to the Thomas Simpson School for evacuation transportation
  • Water levels updated every 15 minutes

For more information on how to get prepared for a flood visit: Get Prepared