Before and During Winter Storm Emergencies

DURING a Winter Storm Warning

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. A winter storm can:
Last a few hours or several days and knock out heat, power and communication services and place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.

Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside.

Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
• Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
• Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
• Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
• Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

BEFORE Winter

Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.

Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ staysafe/index.html

Strong Wind Storms

While the Kenai Peninsula Borough may not experience hurricanes or tornados it does experience strong winds that rival hurricane wind speeds. During the winter months when it is snowing, the risk is not only to structures but to people as well.  Winter winds can pile drifts up, blocking roadways, driveways and potentially overloading roofs.

• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans)
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe or unable to be brought in side (e.g., propane tanks, trampolines, portable shelters)
• Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building
• Keep flashlight and battery operated radio handy for potential power outages
• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power

Before, During and After

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. The Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet areas are the most likely to be covered with volcanic ash, which is actually pulversized rock from the volcanic explosion.  Fresh volcanic ash may be harsh, acidic, gritty, and smell like sulphur.  Volcanic ash can travel 100s of miles and cause severe health problems.

A volcanic eruption can:

• Contaminate water supplies.
• Damage heaters, water heaters, boilers, machinery and electronics.
• Reduce visibility from heavy ash fall that can block out the sunlight.
• Make it hard to breathe and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

During a volcanic eruption

KPB Joint Information Hub
for multi-agency incident information

Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for KPB Alerts for critical information during emergencies.

Stay indoors if possible. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Close doors, windows and dampers

Avoid burning woodstoves or fireplaces.

Do not run exhaust fans or clothes dryers.

Ensure air intake for heating, ventilation and cooling systems are protected from ash.  Not only do you not want these systems to pull ash into your home but these systems may pull combustion air from outside and cause damage and potentially stop the unit from working. Review your owner's manual for how to prevent damage to your heating, ventilation and cooling systems.

Vacuum furniture, carpets, etc and try not to wipe, as ash will scratch.

Laundry-brush, shake, and presoak clothes. Use plenty of water and detergent; do not use hand or body soap as it tends to gum up with ash. If you have been working in ashfall, have your work clothes laundered at work or outside the home.

Cover and don't use personal computers, stereos, and other sensitive equipment.

Information on Volcano status and eruptions?

Visit the Alaska Volcano Observatory
USGS Volcano Hazards Program current volcano activity map
Volcanoes Fact Sheet

Be Safe After

Listen to authorities to find out whether it is safe to return.Visit KPB Joint Information Hub for information during disasters.

Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often overloaded after a disaster especially in Alaska. Only make emergency calls.

Avoid driving in heavy ash. Driving will stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.

If you have any breathing problems, avoid contact with ash. Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.

Wear a respirator and goggles during ash cleanup.

When sweeping, dampen to avoid raising unnecessary dust.

Mow lawns when damp and bag lawn clippings to reduce dust.

Review this Ash Alert Brochure for information during and after ashfall.

Before a volcanic eruption

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Know your area’s risk from volcanic eruption. The Kenai Peninsula Borough's biggest risk is from ash.

Investigate how your heating system, boiler, and/or water heater pulls air into system. Many of these systems pull air from outside for combustion which could damage these systems. Review your manufacturer information for how to protect your system from ash during a volcanic eruption.

Learn about community warning systems. Register for KPB Alerts to receive critical information during emergencies.
The Volcano Notification Service (VNS) is a free service that sends notifications about volcanic activity. Sign up for alerts here.

Create a shelter-in-place plan, in the Kenai Peninsula Borough the biggest risk is from ash.

Consult your doctor if you have existing respiratory difficulties.

Before, During and After

Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You and your community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment where you live, work or play. 

Although the risk of a chemical accident related to household products is slight, knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. For more information visit Household Chemical Emergencies page on Ready.Gov for additional information.

DURING a Hazardous Materials Incident

If you discover a spill report it quickly to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. Report spills to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The Anchorage ADEC office covers the Kenai Peninsula Borough and can be reached at (907) 269-3063.

Spills from residential heating oil tank systems and the resulting contamination are ongoing and widespread problems across Alaska. The ADEC works with numerous property owners every year to cleanup spills caused by leaking or failed home heating oil tank systems. In addition to the negative impact to the environment, residential heating oil spills can be expensive for the property owner, both in terms of cleaning up the environment and also the value of the lost fuel. Property values may also be diminished in association with contamination that has not been addressed.

After a Hazardous Materials Incident

Act quickly if you have come in to contact with or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities or follow directions in the products Safety Data Sheet.

Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible.

Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers.

Advise everyone who comes in to contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance.

Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.

Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.

Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation at (907)269-3063.

BEFORE an Incident Occurs, Prepare and Prevent

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and planning made available to the public upon request. For more information visit the Kenai Peninsula Borough's LEPC webpage.

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a hazardous materials incident:

• Store household chemicals properly. Follow these tips.
• Build an Emergency Supply Kit with the addition of plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan.
• Know how to operate your home’s ventilation system
• Identify an above-ground shelter room with as few openings as possible.
• Read more about Sheltering in Place.

Visit the ADEC website for Home Heating Oil Tank Guidance for information to prevent heating oil spills. By taking the preventative measures, property owners with residential fuel oil tank systems can greatly reduce the chances of having a heating oil spill.

The following fact sheets have been provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.

Hazardous Materials Accidents Fact Sheet 
Hazardous Materials in the Home Fact Sheet 

Before, During and After a Flood

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Floods may:

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
• Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.
• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

DURING a Flood

KPB Joint Information Hub
for incident information

Listen to authorities for information and instructions.

Avoid driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knowck you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Never drive around barricades.

Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.  Fast moving water can wash bridges away without warning.

If you are trapped in vehicle stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.

If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.

Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.

• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay where you are.

Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn of the electricity to prevent electric shock.

Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Related Links

National Weather Service Flood Gauges - Interactive map of all 138 river gauges in the state
Alaska.Ready.gov - State of Alaska Security and Emergency Management information
Ready.gov - Floods - Nationwide information for prior to, during and after a flood
Donald E. Gilman River Center - Kenai Peninsula multi-agency permitting, information, education center and floodplain management program

Be Safe AFTER 

If flooding has impacted your property there may be damage to your septic system, drinking water well or fuel tanks. Follow these Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation instructions for inspecting your property for damage and ensuring your drinking water is safe.

Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Prepare BEFORE

Put together a plan for emergencies by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit KPB Floodplain Management Program for information.

Sign up for your KPB Alerts warning system. The Emergency Alerts System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Create your Family Emergency Communication Plan. You can use this easy fillable form to create your contact list.

Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.

Protect your property. Move valuables to high levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Secure your fuel tanks and other items that may float away.

Visit these links to find more information about preparing your home:

How to Prepare for a Flood
Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls 
Anchor Fuel Tanks 
Build with Flood Damage Resistant Materials 
Dry Floodproof Your Building 
Install Sewer Backflow Valves 
Protect Wells From Contamination by Flooding 
Raise Electrical System Components 
Raise or Floodproof HVAC Equipment 

Overflight 091814

12/13/13: The State Individual Assistance (IA) hotline and online registration is available for individuals and families impacted by the 2013 Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood or the 2013 November Storms. The deadline to apply for IA is January 17, 2014.

To apply: Call toll free 1-855-445-7131 or apply online at Ready.alaska.gov/IA

11/19/13: Governor Parnell Declares State Disaster for the Kenai Peninsula 

Resources

For residents affected by high ground water, the borough has posted online resources for testing drinking water, disinfecting wells, pumping septic systems, cleaning mold and much more. Please be aware that well testing should be done before freezing conditions to ensure accurate results. Contact Tauriainen Laboratory to purchase a test kit @ 262-4624.

AK DEC: “Flood Preparation & Recovery for Drinking Water Systems”
EPA and AK DEC: “Septic Systems - What to do After a Flood”
FEMA: “Dealing with Mold and Mildew in Your Flood Damaged Home”
Red Cross: “Repairing Your Flooded Home”
FEMA: “Before, During, After and Additional Information Regarding Flooding”
Cook Inletkeeper: Well water testing/resources www.inletkeeper.org

Kenai Weather 

Current Advisories, Watches and Warnings

Flood Insurance - FAQs

Maps and Presentation Materials from the Oct. 3rd Kalifornsky Beach Groundwater Public Meeting 

Changing the Way Alaskans Find Help - No matter where you live in Alaska, Alaska 2-1-1 is your one-stop resource for connecting with a wide variety of vital resources in your community including emergency food and shelter, disability services, counseling, senior services, healthcare, child care, drug and alcohol programs, legal assistance, transportation needs, educational opportunities, and much more.

11/7/13: KPB 11-6-13 Public Meeting Topics Discussed
KBeach Flood photographs may be viewed HERE.
For support services, the American Red Cross Anchorage will have volunteers available to assist homeowners. Please call 301-5476 or 646-5401.

On 10/29/13, Mayor Navarre formally submitted a local disaster emergency declaration to Commissioner John Madden and his staff at the AK Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, who will prepare the declaration and supporting documentation for Governor Parnell and his cabinet to review. If the declaration is approved, the State of Alaska Individual Assistance Program may become available to private homeowners. This program may help offset some of the costs incurred during the disaster. It should be noted, the program is only available if the state approves the declaration.

  Visit the KPB on Facebook

Additional Flood Information

The following brochures, checklist and fact sheets have been provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross and the USDA Rural Development

Home Improvement/Repair Loans and Grants
National Flood Insurance Program Summary of Coverage
Are You Ready For A Flood?
After a Flood - The First Steps
Repairing Your Flooded Home 
Avoiding Flood Damage Checklist 
Floods and Flash Floods Fact Sheet 
Landslides and Mud Flows Fact Sheet

Protecting Your Property From Flooding
Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls 
Anchor Fuel Tanks 
Build with Flood Damage Resistant Materials 
Dry Floodproof Your Building 
Install Sewer Backflow Valves 
Protect Wells From Contamination by Flooding 
Raise Electrical System Components 
Raise or Floodproof HVAC Equipment 

From the Alaska Division of Environmental Conversation and the Environmental Protection Agency
Caring For Your Onsite Septic System in Alaska
Drinking Water From Household Wells
Your Septic System is Your Responsibility!
Flood - Public Health and the Environment 
Earthquakes, Floods and Home Heating Oil Tanks 
Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water 
Disinfection of Wells and Small Distribution Systems 
Indoor Sewage Cleanup 
Outdoor Sewage Cleanup

 Before, During and After

Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can:

• Often be caused by humans or lightning.
• Disrupt transportation, gas, power, and communications.
• Happen anywhere, anytime. Risk increases within periods of little rain and high winds.
• Cost the Federal Government billions of dollars each year.

During a Wildfire

KPB Joint Information Hub
for multi-agency incident information

Evacuate. Leave immediately if authorities tell you to do so.

Enact your emergency animal sheltering plan if you have animals. Please be aware that Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of public health concerns. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters.  Emotional support animals and livestock will not be allowed at the shelter. Review the KPB Pet Shelter Annex for more information.

If trapped, call 911 and give your location, but be aware that emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help people find you.

Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for KPB Alerts for critical information during emergencies.

Use an N95 mask to keep particles out of the air you breathe. How Smoke from Fires Can Affect Your Health  Wildfire Smoke and Your Health 

Be safe AFTER

Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return, and whether water is safe to drink. The KPB Joint Information Center will provide information from multiple agencies for your convenience.

Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Consider the danger to pets and livestock.

Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.

Wear a NIOSH certified-respirator dust mask and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.

Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.

Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mudflows. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—up to 5 years after a wildfire.

Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect the life you've built and to assure financial protection from future flooding.

Prepare BEFORE a Wildfire

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Sign up for KPB Alerts to receive critical information during emergencies.

Know your community’s evacuation routes.

Have a plan for pets and livestock.

Build a 7-Day Emergency Kit. Try this 7-Day Emergency Kit for an easy to follow plan to build your 7-day kit over 3 months. Consider each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets, make sure you have enough food since shelters don’t normally provide pet food. Have extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.

Keep important documents in a fireproof safe. Create passwordprotected digital copies.

Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs.

Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.

Create a defensible space around your home that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home.

Review insurance coverage to make sure it is enough to replace your property.

Burn Permits are required as of April 1st - Alaska Division of Forestry

Related Links

Ready, Set, Go Program
BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Division of Forestry
GeoMAC Wildland Fire Support
Alaska Wildland Fire Information
Funny River Fire Gallery - Peninsula Clarion
Alaska Division of Forestry on Facebook
Central Emergency Services on Facebook
Interagency Management Team on Facebook

Air Quality
Air Quality Advisories - Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation

The following brochures, checklist and fact sheets have been provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

Are You Ready For a Fire?
Avoiding Wildfire Damage Checklist 
House and Building Fires Fact Sheet 
Wildfire... Are You Prepared? 
Wildland Fires Fact Sheet

Before, During and After

An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of underground rock. Earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse, large crevices, damage to roads and cause heavy items to fall resulting in injuries and property damage. Earthquakes may also cause tsunamis, landslides and avalanches. The best way to protect yourself and your property is to prepare. 

Alaska has over 10% of the earthquakes world-wide. The 1964 Alaska earthquake is the largest recorded earthquake in North America.

During an Earthquake

KPB Joint Information Hub
for multi-agency incident information

Drop, Cover, and Hold On like you practiced. Drop to your hands and knees so earthquake doesn’t know you down. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris.

If in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.

If inside, stay there until the shaking stops. DO NOT run outside.

If in a vehicle, stop in a clear area that is away from buildings, trees, overpasses, underpasses, or utility wires.

Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be the most dangerous places because of the many items kept there.

If near slopes, cliffs, or mountains, be alert for falling rocks and landslides.

Earthquake information:

• Alaska Earthquake Center
• NOAA/National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center
• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
• State of Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission
• Plan Ahead for Disasters and learn how to take action before and after an emergency

Be Safe AFTER

Receive critical information during emergencies - sign up for KPB Alerts.

Expect aftershocks to follow the largest shock of an earthquake.

If you are in tsunami inundation zone go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. A rapid rise or fall in coastal waters after a large earthquake is a sign of an approaching tsunami.
National Tsunami Warning Center for tsunami warning information. 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. 
Evacuation Routes for Homer and Seward.

Check yourself for injury and provide assistance to others if you have training. If in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building.

Do not enter damaged buildings.

If you are trapped, cover your mouth. Send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting so that rescuers can locate you.

If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops.

Save phone calls for emergencies.

Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions. Visit the KPB Joint Information Center for up to date multi-agency information.

Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.

Before an Earthquake

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Secure items, such as televisions, and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.

Practice Drop, Cover, then Hold On with family and coworkers. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Crawl only as far as needed to reach cover from falling materials. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops.

Create a Family Emergency Communications Plan that has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.

Build a 7-Day Emergency Kit. Visit the State of Alaska 7-Day Emergency Kit for an easy to follow plan to build your 7-day kit over 3 months. Consider each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets, make sure you have enough food since shelters don’t normally provide pet food. Have extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.

Make copies of vital records and keep them in safe spot, preferably outside of the earthquake zone.

Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and house and car keys on hand.

Keep extra cash and change. If electricity is out, you will not be able to use an ATM.

Locate the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before a quake. If you have any questions, call your utility company.

Join your local Community Emergency Response Team so that you can be trained to assist your family, friends and community during an emergency.

Consider obtaining an earthquake insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover earthquake damage.

Consider a retrofit of your building to correct structural issues that make it vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake.

Protecting Your Property from Earthquakes
Anchor and Brace Propane Tanks and Gas Cylinders  
Anchor Equipment Properly  
Anchor Tall Bookcases and File Cabinets  
Bolt Sill Plates to Foundation  
Brace Cripple Walls 
Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors  
Mount Framed Pictures and Mirrors Securely 
Restrain Desktop Computers and Appliances 
Use Flexible Connection on Gas and Water Lines 
State of Alaska Earthquake & Tsunami Preparedness for tips on preparing for an earthquake in Alaska

Tsunami Brochures for Homer and Seward 

Homer Tsunami Brochure
    

Seward Tsunami Brochure    

Disasters have and will impact our communities in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. In order for our communities to better withstand and quickly recover from a disaster we all must be prepared to help ourselves and others until professional responders arrive. This website provides tips and templates for helping you get started with your disaster preparedness.

How do you start preparing your household for the next disaster? 

Start by addressing these 4 important questions:

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

2. What is my shelter plan? 

3. How do I prepare my household to be self-sufficient for 7 days?

4. What is my family/household communication plan?

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

Today we receive information through a lot of sources such as streaming online, social media, radio stations, local TV and satellite providers.  As technology changes so does the way we share information during an emergency.  If you do not have a land line, then you should sign up for KPB Alerts so that if your neighborhood is being evacuated you will receive that notification.

• KPB Alerts - Sign up for KPB Alerts at Alerts.kpb.us   This is the KPB system to notify residents based on their home addresses.  For cell phones you must register your number and location to opt in to receive these notifications. All land lines will automatically receive these notifications.
• Follow KPB Alerts on KPB Alerts Facebook Page and KPB Alerts Twitter
• EAS – Emergency Alert System - this is the federal system that breaks into local tv and radio stations with emergency information.
• Local radio stations
• NOAA weather radio - this radio receives the signal put out to activate tsunami warnings and other weather warnings.  If you live in a tsunami area, we recommend having a NOAA weather radio.
• WEA – Wireless Emergency Alerts - this is the federal system that sends notifications to your cell phones. This is the system that sends out the tsunami warnings.

For current emergency information visit the http://kpboem.blogspot.com/     This blog is your one stop shop for emergency information from many response agencies in the KPB.

Tsunami warnings are issued by NOAA and the National Weather Service to the Kenai Peninsula Borough.  These warnings are issued to all cell phones within the Kenai Peninsula Borough so even those that live outside of the tsunami inundation zone will receive those warnings. 

2. What is my shelter plan?

Always follow local authority's direction if told to evacuate! You can find up to date information on evacuations and shelter locations at the KPB OEM Blog. 

Choosing to take shelter is necessary in many emergencies and that decision must be made based on the circumstances of each threat.  Taking appropriate shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location when disaster strikes. Sheltering outside the hazard area could include staying with friends and relatives, seeking commercial lodging or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups.

If you have to evacuate please be aware that disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of public health concerns. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in a shelters. Emotional support animals will not be allowed into the shelter. Develop a plan for your pets and livestock before a disaster happens so that you can quickly evacuate and keep you and your pets safe!

If you have to evacuate and it's safe to do so consider checking with neighbors that may need a ride or additional assistance leaving their homes.

Information for sheltering in place and evacuating:
Ready.gov Sheltering
Shelter In Place Tips

3. How do I prepare my household to be self-sufficient for 7 days?

Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days or even weeks.  Follow this plan developed by the State of Alaska to build a 7-day emergency kit for your household over a period of 12 weeks so that you can spread out the cost of building your kit.

In Alaska, we recommend having supplies for your household to survive at least 7 days on your own, it would be better to have 14 day's worth of supplies.

There are many lists and ways to develop a preparedness kit. Some people create a stash with shelf stable food that can last up to 25 years while others find that keeping extra non-perishable food in their cupboards by using the first in first out method to avoid food going bad. Replace expired items and review your needs every year and update your kit as your family's needs change.   

Here are a few links with guidance on creating and maintaining your emergency kit.

Ready.Gov Build-A Kit

Red Cross Survival Kit Supplies

Weather.Gov kit and maintaining your kit

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Emergency Supplies for Earthquake Preparedness

Emergency supplies for your pets and livestock

4. What is my family/household communication plan? 

When a disaster strikes we need to be able to connect with our loved ones. It is important to limit the use of phone lines during a disaster response to enable emergency responders to coordinate response actions. Text is best!

If phones do not work how will you reconnect with your household members?  
Will I be able to reach them?
How will I know they are safe?
How can I let them know I’m OK?

• Make a plan for each family member to contact the same friend or relative to coordinante plans during an emergency.
• Develop a phone tree with two in-state contacts and one out-of-state contact. 
• Develop a plan for how you will contact each other and what you will do in different situations such as when the kids are at school and parents are at work.

You can use this household communication plan template to make your plan.