Fort McMurray re-entry: What do returning residents need to bring?

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – Wildfire evacuees will be allowed to start returning to Fort McMurray on Wednesday, about a month after a huge wildfire forced more than 80,000 residents to flee. Officials have warned it won’t be business as usual for a while. Here’s what returning residents have been advised to bring with them:

— Enough food, drinking water and prescription medication to last up to 14 days. A boil-water advisory continues to be in effect and stores are still being cleaned up and restocked.

— N-95 dust masks to reduce smoke exposure. The masks are available at hardware stores and one per household will be included in the Canadian Red Cross cleaning kits available at information centres.

— Appropriate clothing, including boots, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves.

— A camera to document any damage for insurance purposes.

— A flashlight, as some homes may not have power.