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EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
According to the Alaska Earthquake Information Center, Alaska experiences over 20,000 earthquakes per year. Typically, after an earthquake is experienced within the Municipality of Anchorage the Emergency Operations Center receives questions about a potential tsunami. The potential for a tsunami to effect Anchorage is unlikely.
Below you will find a quote from Dr. Sokolowski, former director of the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, stated in a year 2000 presentation to the Corps of Engineers at the Catastrophic Earthquake Damage Workshop:
"Anchorage is considered to have very limited threat of a major tsunami moving up and through the Gulf of Alaska and Cook Inlet. Studies by NOAA and USGS indicate that the design of Cook Inlet limits any major tsunami from affecting the Port area of Anchorage even from a major tsunami generated from an event in Japan or Hawaii.
Furthermore, unless conditions are perfect with respect to tides and season no affect will be seen at the Port. Some low lying areas in the Portage area could be affected by a major event in the Pacific. The most plausible scenario is the failure of the area known as Castle Mountain across Cook Inlet. This is termed an inland tsunami and would require a major portion of soil breaking away for the other side of Cook Inlet. The size of this wave would be dependant on the amount of soil that has shifted or fallen."
Before an Earthquake strikes:
- Secure bookcases, file cabinets, pictures, mirrors, etc. to walls. Include hot water heaters and other appliances, which could move and rupture gas or electrical lines
- Know where to locate switches and how to turn off home gas, electricity and water
- Practice with family members earthquake safety whether you are inside or outside
- Know how to open and close an automatic garage door manually
- Prepare a disaster supply kit
- Know basic first aid
- Know emergency phone numbers
- Have a plan for reuniting family members should they become separated
During an Earthquake
- Stay calm! If inside, stay inside. If outside, stay outside
- Inside: DROP - COVER – HOLD Take cover under a heavy desk or against an inside wall away from glass and falling objects.
- Outside: Move to a clear area, away from buildings, signs, utility lines and trees. Sit on the ground do not attempt to stand
- On the road: Drive away from underpasses and overpasses. Stop in a safe area. Stay in vehicle
After an Earthquake
- Be prepared for aftershocks
- Check for injuries and provide first aid
- Check for safety hazards: gas or water leaks, sewage breaks, downed power lines. Check for any building damage & evacuate if dangerous.
- If evacuation is necessary, remember to take your personal items with you including car keys, coats, etc.
- Clean-up spilled medicines, bleaches and other hazardous materials
- Listen to the radio (KFQD 750 AM) (EAS) for public safety instructions
- Do not use the telephone or cellular phone except for an emergency
- Plan for at least a 72 to 120 hour survival situation
Emergency Supplies to Keep on Hand
- Portable radio and flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit and first aid book
- Prescription medication. Important documents, birth certificates, insurance policies
- Water, sufficient for 3 – 7 days. 1 gal./day per person. Change water every 6 mo.
- Canned and dried foods sufficient for your household for 3 – 7 days. (Rotate every 6 months). Include a manual can opener and pet supplies, if necessary
- Adjustable wrench for gas and water turn-off
- Fully charged fire extinguisher
- Clothing: Thick-soled shoes, heavy leather gloves, heavy winter clothing
- Matches, candles and portable stove.
- Cash for food, gasoline and emergency supplies
- Plastic bags for waste and weather protection
Click here to view the publication "Are You Ready?" a preparedness book covering natural disasters and terrorism.
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