As NWT evacuees drove south with Alberta destinations in mind last week, one of the questions running through many minds was whether there would be enough gasoline to get them there.

There was lots of time to think about it because the lineup to pull into the Big River Service Centre near Fort Providence last Wednesday and Thursday stretched for kilometres.

Linda Croft, general manager of the business who has been working there since 2014, said sheSA国际影视传媒檚 never seen a crisis of this magnitude before.

SA国际影视传媒淟ike most of the people down here, not to this extent,SA国际影视传媒� she said, recalling the fires of 2014 that caused significant traffic but nothing compared to the current situation.

The service centre has been inundated with a constant flow of traffic.

SA国际影视传媒淥ur pumps just didnSA国际影视传媒檛 stop and by 2 p.m. (Aug. 16) they were lined up out the highway and itSA国际影视传媒檚 been like that straight,SA国际影视传媒� Croft described.

The lines of vehicles were backed up to Blue Fish Creek.

Despite the high demand, Croft assured that there was no shortage of gas. The service centre had received a fuel delivery on Aug. 20 before the evacuation started and essentially had full tanks when the road closures began due to minimal traffic. To ensure they remained well-stocked, they accepted an additional delivery from Fort Simpson last Thursday expected another on Friday.

SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 not a chance that weSA国际影视传媒檙e going to run out of fuel. Everybody that wants to get out of Yellowknife is gonna get out,SA国际影视传媒� Croft emphasized at the time.

However, there were concerns about running out of food staples. With shipping companies hesitant to come north due to the limited demand in Fort Providence, Croft was working with the GNWT and suppliers in the south to arrange for shipments of groceries.

SA国际影视传媒淩ight now ISA国际影视传媒檓 working with the territorial government and my suppliers down south to see how we can get some groceries and things to come in,SA国际影视传媒� she said last week. SA国际影视传媒淥ne way or the other, weSA国际影视传媒檒l have some things even if I have to drive south to get it myself.SA国际影视传媒�

Edna Dow, a resident of Hay River who was in Yellowknife during the evacuation, has been preparing for the worst since 1963.

She and her family had stocked up on gas and supplies in anticipation of the floods that have ravaged their community. Despite the long lines and wait times to sign up for flights last week0, Dow and her family managed to evacuate to Alberta, where they will meet up with other family members who have already fled the area.

Dow, who travels between Hay River and Alberta for eye appointments, is grateful for the preparations she made in advance of this latest disaster.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 just a matter of being prepared,SA国际影视传媒� she says. SA国际影视传媒淲e were prepared the day before (the stores closed).SA国际影视传媒�