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Current as of: 1/31/2024

General Emergency Information

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Current as of: 1/31/2024

Tsunami Hazard Mitigation

Go to high ground
A tsunami is a series of waves that can be dangerous and destructive. They can be caused by underwater disturbances or earthquakes. When you hear a tsunami warning, move at once to higher ground and stay there until local authorities say it is safe to return home.

What Can I Do Today?

Follow tsunami evacuation route signsIn case of earthquake, stay on high ground or inland

  • Be familiar with the tsunami warning signs. A rapid rise or fall in coastal waters and a large earthquake are both signs to an approaching tsunami.
  • Know the location of your local evacuation site. Most coastal communities have a designated area on high ground that the community will meet, e.g.: a school.
  • Know your community's warning siren or method of letting people know a tsunami is coming.
  • DO NOT go to the water to watch the tsunami come in!

Good Tsunami Sites

If you have questions contact:  

Anthony Picasso
   

Tsunami Evacuation Maps

COMMUNITY TSUNAMI READY COMMUNITY DISTANT TSUNAMI POTENTIAL LOCAL TSUNAMI POTENTIAL TSUNAMI SIREN TSUNAMI EVACUATION PLAN POPULATION
Adak   High Yes Yes   316
Akhiok   Medium Yes Yes   80
Akutan   Medium Yes Yes   713
Anchor Point   Medium Yes     1,845
Angoon   Low Yes     572
Atka   Medium Yes Yes   92
Attu   Medium Yes     20
Chenega Bay Yes Medium Yes Yes  Yes 86
Chignik Bay   Low Yes     103
Chignik Lagoon   Medium Yes     79
Chiniak   Medium Yes     50
Coffman Cove   Low Yes     199
Cold Bay Yes Medium Yes Yes  Yes 103
Cordova Yes Medium Yes Yes   2,571
Craig Yes Medium Yes Yes  Yes 1,397
Diomede   Low Yes     146
Edna Bay   Medium Yes     49
Elfin Cove   Medium Yes     32
False Pass   Medium Yes     64
Gambell   Low No     649
Gustavus   Medium Yes     429
Haines   Low Yes     1,811
Hollis   Low Yes     139
Homer Yes Medium Yes Yes  Yes 3,946
Hoonah   Low Yes     860
Hydaburg   Low Yes     382
Hyder   Low Yes     97
Ivanof Bay   Medium Yes     22
Juneau/Douglas   Low Yes     30,711
Kake   Low Yes Yes   710
Karluk   Medium Yes Yes   27
Kasaan   Low Yes     39
Kenai   Low Yes Yes   7,100
Ketchikan Yes Low Yes Yes   7,922
King Cove Yes Medium Yes Yes   792
Klawock   Low Yes     854
Kodiak City Yes Medium Yes    Yes 13,913
Kupreanof   Low No     23
Larsen Bay   Medium Yes Yes   115
Metlakatla   Medium Yes     1,375
Myers Chuck   Low Yes     21
Nanwalek   Medium Yes Yes   177
Nelson Lagoon   Low No     83
Nikolski   Medium Yes Yes   39
Nome   Low No Yes   3,598
Old Harbor   Medium Yes Yes   237
Ouzinkie   Medium Yes Yes   225
Pelican   Low Yes     163
Perryville   Medium Yes Yes   107
Petersburg   Low Yes Yes   3,224
Point Baker   Medium Yes     35
Port Graham   Low Yes Yes   171
Port Heiden   Low No     119
Port Lions   Medium Yes Yes   256
Port Protection   Low Yes     63
Sand Point Yes Medium Yes Yes   952
Savoonga   Low No Yes   643
Saxman   Low Yes     431
Seldovia   Medium Yes Yes   286
Seward Yes Medium Yes Yes  Yes 2,830
Shemya   High Yes     27
Shishmaref   Low No     562
Sitka Yes Medium Yes Yes   8,835
Skagway Yes Low Yes Yes  Yes 862
St. George   Medium Yes Yes   152
St. Paul   Medium Yes Yes   532
Tatitlek Yes Medium Yes    Yes 107
Tenakee Springs   Low Yes     104
Thorne Bay   Low Yes     557
Unalaska Yes Medium Yes     4,283
USCG Station Kodiak   Medium Yes      
Valdez Yes Low Yes Yes  Yes 4,036
Whale Pass   Low Yes     58
Whittier Yes Low Yes    Yes 182
Woman's Bay   Medium Yes     666
Wrangell   Low Yes     2,308
Yakutat Yes Medium Yes     808

DISTANT SOURCE TSUNAMI HAZARD means the tsunami is generated so far away that the earthquake was not felt at all or only slightly. An estimate can be made of potential danger. Maximum runup heights would only be reached at the shoreline and the maximum distance inland only reached where the coast is low, flat, and unobstructed. "High" means possible runup to 50 foot elevation and reaching up to 1 mile inland. "Moderate" means possible runup to 35 foot elevation and inland up to 3/4 mile. "Low" means possible runup to 20 foot elevation and reaching up to 1/2 mile inland.

All listed communities may have a LOCAL TSUNAMI HAZARD which means a tsunami could be generated in nearby waters and reach your community before a formal warning could be transmitted. These waves may arrive in less than one hour and have historically been the highest, up to 100 foot or more. The estimated possible height in each community is difficult to determine. Coastal residents who feel a very strong earthquake (lasting over 30 seconds or if you have difficulty standing) should move to higher ground immediately.

Historic tsunami information and ongoing numeric studies indicate that tsunami flood threat along the western Alaska coast (Bering Sea) is very low, though there is a higher threat in some instances along the Pribilof Island coasts.  We have run a preliminary tsunami propagation model. Two hypothetical tsunami sources (earthquakes of Mw 9.0) were placed in the eastern and western parts of the Aleutian chain. The tsunami waves propagated through the Northern Pacific and into the Bering Sea. The continental shelf in the Bering Sea substantially dissipates tsunami energy and slows down the waves. As a result, tsunami waves arrive at Hawaii before they reach the Bering Sea coastline, which gives sufficient warning time to those communities. Higher amplitudes were calculated for St. George and St. Paul islands due to their proximity to the continental slope. The Bristol Bay area has only an estimated >1 meter wave height potential.

Current as of: 1/31/2024

About Earthquakes

The Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Earthquake and Tsunami Program is continuously researching, learning, and developing new ways to improve the safety of Alaska’s residents and visitors before disaster strikes. Through planning and building codes, transportation, communications, and education, our staff works with our partners to prepare Alaska to decrease the loss of life, the environment, and property. If you live in an area that can be impacted by an earthquake, preparation is vital, as these events can strike suddenly, at any time, and anywhere.

Am I At Risk?

Alaska and California are generally the most seismically active regions in North America*. Do you know your risk for earthquake? All Alaskans live with earthquake hazards. The Alaska Earthquake Center detects an earthquake every fifteen minutes, on average. In 2014, they reported an all-time high of over 40,000 earthquakes in Alaska.

Knowing if you live, work, shop, vacation or drop your children off in an area that could be impacted by an earthquake fault is the first step you can take to reducing your risk of injury and decreasing property damage from an earthquake.

Once you determine your risk, you can begin to prepare your family, employees, students and others to lessen the impacts of an earthquake.

*In 2014, Oklahoma saw a 500% increase in seismic activity (quakes of magnitude 3 or greater), thereby surpassing California for the first time in recorded history.

Drop, Cover, Hold on

What Can I Do Today?

Preparedness refers to activities we do prior to an earthquake to be ready to respond to and recover from significant ground shaking. When it comes to earthquakes, there are simple things you can do to improve your chances of survival and recovery. Anything you do today will be like making a deposit in your survivability savings account for withdrawal in tough times.

At a minimum, you should be prepared to be isolated and on your own for at least seven days and nights. There will likely be the loss of utilities after a disaster. It is possible the power will be out, water may be scarce, gas lines may break, phones and cell towers could become inoperable, roads might be impassible, etc. Your only source of news may well be the car radio, assuming your local radio station has a working generator. There might not be medical assistance for days.

To begin preparing your home and family:

  • Identify potential hazards in your home and begin to fix them.
  • Create a disaster-preparedness plan.
  • Create disaster kits.
  • Identify your building's potential weaknesses and begin to fix them.
  • Protect yourself during earthquake shaking.
  • After the quake, check for injuries and damage.
  • When safe, continue to follow your disaster-preparedness plan.

Prepare Your Workplace

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Time Use Survey, in 2013 the average work day for full time employed Americans (age 25-54 with children) was 8.7 hours. An earthquake could occur anytime in that 8.7 hours. Are you prepared? Preparing your workplace is just as important as preparing your home. There are many ways to improve your safety in the event of an earthquake. Here are just a few suggestions:

  • Determine if your workplace is in an area at risk for earthquake.
  • Be familiar with your company’s emergency plan.
  • Know evacuation routes and locations deemed safe.
  • Keep a pack of personal supplies (including walking shoes) that can be grabbed quickly and easily.
  • Keep a list of emergency numbers handy

Earthquake Preparedness

For Teachers & Schools

While earthquakes have occurred throughout history, our knowledge and understanding of preparing for them is much more recent. Through planning and education, we are now in a position to ensure the current and upcoming generations make earthquake preparedness a regular part of their routine. As actions from learning to drop, cover and hold on, to securing furniture in their homes becomes the norm, students can take this information and teach their families and friends how to be prepared.

As we learn more, our partners are applying that knowledge to assist teachers, parents and schools in the education of students of all ages and abilities by providing lesson plans, curriculum, activities, games, materials, publications and a multitude of other resources.

Earthquake Preparedness

For Government Agencies & Tribes

The Earthquake and Tsunami Program is responsible for supporting all Alaska governmental agencies and tribes to ensure the protection and safety of the populace in the event of an earthquake. To this end, the Program staff is available to provide guidance and assistance to our partners in the preparation of plans to mitigate and plan for, respond to and recover from earthquakes impacting our State. In addition, many resources and guidance materials are available for review to walk developers through the planning process.

During the preparedness phase of emergency management, and as part of a comprehensive preparedness program, the emergency management community should develop plans and procedures to be implemented during an earthquake. Plans will need to be flexible and all-encompassing enough to recognize not only earthquakes, but all potential risks and exposures for the community, business, government agency, school, or hospital. Planning activities will vary by jurisdiction but should include the following: Communication, Shelters, Evacuation Plans, Resources and Inventory, Emergency Workers, Volunteers, Training, Access and Functional Needs population, Non-Government Organizations, Multi-Agency Coordination.

Earthquake Preparedness

For Businesses & Organizations

Since earthquakes often strike without warning, it is important to be prepared. Developing an earthquake preparedness plan is one of the most strategic decisions you can make if you are responsible for a business or organization. A workplace should follow accepted earthquake safety guidelines, but have in place a personalized, well-rehearsed plan to help safeguard your organization during an earthquake. Developing, and putting into place, a Disaster Plan will not only protect employees, but will help minimize the financial impact of an earthquake, and help you recover more quickly. To prepare for an earthquake, all businesses should:

  • Eliminate potential hazards
  • Make a business emergency plan
  • Train your employees
  • Exercise your emergency plan
  • Have medical supplies on hand
  • Keep disaster provisions on site

Many organizations play a role in assisting business owners with their disaster planning.

Current as of: 1/31/2024

Volcano Hazard Mitigation

Active volcanoes in Alaska

Alaska contains over 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields which have been active within the last two million years. The volcanoes in Alaska make up well over three-quarters of U.S. volcanoes that have erupted in the last two hundred years. Of these volcanoes, about 90 have been active within the last 10,000 years (and might be expected to erupt again), and more than 50 have been active within historical time (since about 1760, for Alaska).

Alaska's volcanoes are potentially hazardous to passenger and freight aircraft as jet engines sometimes fail after ingesting volcanic ash. It is estimated, based on information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, that more than 80,000 large aircraft per year, and 30,000 people per day, are in the skies over and potentially downwind of Aleutian volcanoes, mostly on the heavily traveled great-circle routes between Europe, North America, and Asia. Volcanic eruptions from Cook Inlet volcanoes (Spurr, Redoubt, Iliamna, and Augustine) can have severe impacts, as these volcanoes are nearest to Anchorage, Alaska's largest population center.

What Can I Do Today?

Before a Volcanic Eruption

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of a volcanic eruption.

  • Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. This kit should also include a pair of goggles and disposable breathing masks for each member of the family.
  • Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

During a Volcanic Eruption

  • Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast and lava flow.
  • Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
  • Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
  • Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with access and functional needs

Protection from Falling Ash

  • If you are unable to evacuate, and in order to protect yourself from falling ash, you should remain indoors with doors, windows and ventilation closed until the ash settles.
  • If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside.
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
  • Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
  • Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
  • Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.
  • Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans and other vents.
  • Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.
  • Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles.
  • Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you have to drive, keep speed down to 35 MPH or slower.
  • After a Volcanic Eruption
  • Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home.
  • Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Additional Volcano Links

If you have questions e-mail: 

Anthony Picasso
   
Current as of: 10/3/2022

Resilience

Community Resilience is the ability to prepare for anticipated hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand and recover from disruptions.  Activities, such as disaster preparedness - which includes prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery - are key steps to resilience.

The State of Alaska manages a multi-faceted program, assisting communities and stakeholders on issues related to safety, health, and the interdeendencies of physical infrastructure systems.  The Community Resilience program is part of a broader disaster resilience effort and complements work by others in the public and private sectors.  These programs work together to focus on research, community planning, response guidance, and stakeholder engagement.

The nine core elements of community resilience include:

Local knowledge

Community networks and relationships

Communication

Health

Governance and leadership

Resources

Economic investment

Preparedness, and

Mental outlook

There are currently three major progams within this Community Resilience section.  Links to other State & Federal programs related to resilience are included on the right side of this page.

Geohazards SCERP APIP

Resilience Principles

  • Ensure appropriate plans: Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP), Continuity of Operations (COOP), and Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) exist and are current.
  • Train and exercise your plans to expose gaps or weaknesses in the plan.
  • Conduct Risk Assessment
    • Identify Hazards - which hazards might impact your community?
    • Profile hazards events - how bad can it get?
      • Frequency - likelihood
      • Magnitude - strength
      • Extent - location
    • Inventory assets - which community assets will be affected by the hazards?
    • Estimate losses - what are the costs associated with the impacts?
  • Identify realistic Mitigation projects to eliminate or reduce the effects of a disaster.
  • Add redundancies to critical systems (Water, Sewer, Power, and Fuel delivery) to improve availability to restore capacity.
  • Create shared common objectives that have all communal elements (City, Tribe, Corporation) working towards similar goals, which enhances coordination and communication, leading to increased project completion.

Resilience Links