Evacuation Preparedness
Wildfire and flood events are the highest emergency risks in the Town of Hay River area. Flooding is Hay River’s most severe natural risk hazards. Historical flood events have caused major damage and required community evacuations.
It is the responsibility of each citizen and organization to be prepared for an emergency event including the potential for an evacuation. The Town of Hay River publishes a Flood and Wildfire Preparedness Brochure that includes procedures for protecting your property, key information on evacuation procedures and evacuation communication protocols, and a emergency kit checklist.
Flood Mapping
Flood maps are important tools for preparing for emergencies, improving public safety, and increasing public awareness about flood risk. A flood hazard map shows the area that would be covered by water during a flood with a specific chance of happening any given year. The Town of Hay River is in the process of adopting 200 Year Ice Jam maps that will help guide development standards in flood zones. A 200 Year map represents a flood with a 0.5% chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year. From an emergency management perspective, the maps give a general understanding of what areas of the community can flood and the severity type.