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For a second year, Fort Liard is asking residents to pre-register in case of an evacuation. Residents can register at the community hall on May 12 and May 14 from 1-4pm.
“It’s good to have everything ready to go in the event of emergency evacuations,” said Evelyn Wilson, Fort Liard’s fire chief and emergency response officer.
Last year, she said more than 100 households attended the pre-registration, and Wilson was able to go to the remaining houses to help them with registering.
While the pre-registration list wasn’t needed last year, Wilson said “it’s better to be prepared now than later.”
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Should a community evacuation be called because of a flood or wildfire, Wilson will have all the physical registration forms, while someone will be outside the community checking off households as they leave. Someone else will be at the community hall checking off families waiting for transportation.
Residents don’t need to bring anything with them when they pre-register, but they should know how many people and pets are in their household, their address, and if anyone has a medical condition.
Wilson said residents who pre-register will be given a sign to hang on their doorknob to use during an evacuation that indicates if they have evacuated or if they need assistance.
In a May 6 update, the GNWT said the breakup-related flood risk to Fort Liard has passed, but Wilson said they’re “not out of the woods yet” and are monitoring the spring melt coming down from the mountains.
Wilson said May and June are looking OK in terms of wildfire risk but July, August and September are expected to be dryer.
The hamlet is extending into the community a fire break near the airport that was started last year, and Wilson is preparing some Firesmarting proposals.
