Personal emergency kits exposed!

The GNWT has announced the regional winners of its 2024 Be Ready: Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home Photo Contest.

Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to be as prepared as possible for emergencies and disasters, Municipal and Community Affairs Department spokesperson Laura Busch stated in a release.

One winner was selected from each region of the territory to receive a HEPA air filter, that can help create a clean air shelter at home when experiencing the prolonged effects from wildfire smoke.

Here’s the list of winners, including photos of their personal emergency kits:

• Laura Hicks – Beaufort Delta – Inuvik
• Leona Grandjambe-Edgi – Sahtu – Fort Good Hope
• Aaron Antoine – Dehcho – Fort Simpson
• Lindsey Rutledge and Harper Strong – North Slave – Yellowknife
• Helena Katz – South Slave – Fort Smith

All Northwest Territories residents are encouraged to take the following steps to be ready for a potential emergency:

• Have a household emergency plan and check in with your family and neighbours often about emergency preparedness.
• Prepare an at-home emergency kit with enough supplies like food, batteries, and water to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.
• Pack a grab-and-go bag that you would bring with you in the event of an evacuation. Include important documents, identification, credit cards, and any prescription or special medication.
• Speak with your insurance provider to make sure your property is protected in the event of an emergency.
• If your insurance provider decides you are not qualified for certain types of disaster insurance, like flood or fire, request proof of that decision in writing to keep for your records.

For more information about making a personal emergency plan and kit, visit the GNWT’s Be Ready for Emergencies webpage.