Citizens should be prepared for emergencies

MAT-SU -- While the nation's troops are waging battle, Alaska, along with the rest of the nation, is on a heightened security level, and it may mean a few changes for borough residents.

"We've moved to a high-orange," Mat-Su Borough Manager John Duffy told audience and assembly members gathered in Talkeetna last Thursday. "For us, that means we have taken a higher level of security at all of our public facilities. We also have restocked all our supplies, topped off our fuel tanks, things of that nature."

While Duffy said the heightened security level may not be noticed by the average borough citizen, a few security measures may mean interactions at fire stations and schools will be more formal. Fire stations, Duffy said, are on lockdown, meaning those visiting the stations may be required to present photo identification before entering.

Although Mat-Su schools are currently on spring break, people visiting the schools next week may be reminded to sign in and stay in public areas.

"What they're doing is reminding everybody of the existing rules," Duffy said.

If the nation's security level increases further, Duffy said, a chain of events will happen locally. An emergency operations center, similar to what was in place during the recent windstorm to coordinate responses to emergency calls, would be put into place, and borough fire and emergency responders will be called on once again.

"If we went higher than we are today, I'd start staffing the fire stations and ambulances at a higher level than they already are," Duffy said.

While the Valley seems like an unlikely target for attack, there are important facilities in the area that could slow or stop statewide functions. Rail lines that carry fuel and chemical products up and down the line could be a target, Duffy said, as well as the Parks and Glenn highways, two of the state's primary road corridors.

"There are a lot of things that could disrupt the state's economy," Duffy said.

While borough residents may not notice the added security measures being taken by the borough, Duffy said they should heed the warning and use it as a reminder to be prepared. Adequate water and food stocks for your household for at least one week is something all Alaskans should have on hand, Duffy said, along with warm, dry clothing and everything else needed to live without heat, electricity or water for several days to a week.

"[Those items should be on hand] not only because of the heightened security alert, but because we live in earthquake territory," Duffy said.