Going back to Fort McMurray? Here's what you need to know

Some of the more than 80,000 Fort McMurray residents who fled their city in early May will begin the trek back home starting Wednesday.

The following re-entry schedule is based upon safety conditions being met:

When it's safe to go back

Healthy adults will be permitted to return to Fort McMurray once the Air Quality Health Index is six or less, and weather conditions are favourable.

At-risk individuals are asked to stay away until air quality is three or less. This includes:

• People with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
• Pregnant women.
• Children under the age of seven.
• Seniors over the age of 65.

The province has also asked people with the following medical conditions to delay return until the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is up and running at full capacity:

• A chronic or acute medical condition, such as asthma.
• Anyone requiring regular primary care, specialist care, laboratory or diagnostic services.
• Anyone requiring counselling or mental health services.
• Anyone more than 36 weeks pregnant or having a high-risk pregnancy.
• Anyone receiving cancer treatment, dialysis or other specialized medical services.
• Anyone requiring home care, home oxygen or home health supports.
• Anyone recently discharged from hospital or who has had a transplant.

If you've got a health concern not included in the above list, please consult with a physician before returning to Fort McMurray. 

What to bring with you:

• A 14-day supply of water and food: While grocery stores will be open, stock may be limited. With a boil advisory in effect, bringing your own drinking water is essential.
• A small fridge or freezer: Your own fridge and freezer may not be useable and should not be relied on to store cold goods right away.
• Any necessary prescription medications: Pharmacies may not be fully stocked. 
• Rubber boots, long pants and long-sleeved shirts: Try to limit your exposure to potential hazards when you first re-enter your home. 
• An N-95 or comparable dust mask: The mask should be worn to reduce potential smoke exposure. These can be purchased at hardware stores, and one per household will be provided in the Canadian Red Cross cleaning kit.
• A new filter to replace the one in your home furnace.

More about water safety

Alberta Health Services has issued a boil water advisory for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo as a precautionary measure.

Until the advisory is lifted, use only bottled water or water that has been boiled for a full minute before:

• Drinking.
• Brushing teeth.
• Cleaning raw foods.
• Preparing infant formula or juices.

Water used for bathing or washing clothes does not need to be boiled. To wash hands, use soap and water followed by an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing more than 60 per cent alcohol after drying your hands.

What NOT to do

• Do not allow children or pets to play in fire-damaged areas.
• Do not try to use electrical appliances or power in your home that may have come in contact with fire, water or fire retardant.
• Do not start cleaning or throwing things away until you call your insurance company.

Entering your home

• Before entering, read: Returning to Your Home, published by Alberta Health Services.
• A pet reunification team may have changed your lock. Call animal at 780-788-4200 for new keys.
• Check for hazards before going inside your home.
• Wear an N-95 mask, long pants and sleeves and rubber boots.
• Leave immediately if you smell natural gas.
• You can get a free cleanup kit from the Canadian Red Cross at any information centre.
• Dispose of any perishable foods that are not in sealed packages or cans.
• Dispose of jarred food.
• When in doubt, throw it out.
• There will be designated landfill drop-offs for fridges and freezers.
• Garbage collection resumes June 16.
• Call 780-310-4455 to determine if your vehicle is being stored and how to get it back.

Returning to work

• Apply for EI as soon as possible, even if you don't have a record of employment.
• Apply by phone: 1-800-206-7218. Choose option 6.
• Apply online.
• Temporary foreign workers should call 1-877-944-9955.

For more information

• Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo: Check the municipality's Twitter, Facebook and website for updates.
• Re-entry information booklet: Read the full document here.
• Mental health help line: Call 1-877-303-2642 or Health Link at 811 if you need support.
• Canadian Red Cross: Located at all Fort McMurray information centres.
• Salvation Army: Located at Keyano/Westwood High School.
• Billy Graham Rapid Response Team: Located at Fort City Church, or call 780-880-3530.
• Samaritan's Purse: Located at Fort City Church, or call 1-866-628-6565.
• Canadian Global Response: 780-880-3667.
• ATCO Gas: 310-5678.