Complacent danger

Lawrence Agosti admitted, he and his friends had grown complacent about riding in the Alaska backcountry.

“I’ve been riding on the Kenai Peninsula for years and felt like I knew the area and could handle anything,” said Agosti. That all changed on one ride.

He prided himself on being a strong rider who is generally well prepared. “This day turned out to be pretty humbling,” he admitted.

Agosti failed to check his supplies before heading out, which proved critical later. During the ride one of his friends got separated from the group. When darkness began to close in and it was time to return to the parking lot, he and his riding partner set out to find their missing friend. By the time they finally raised him on the radio and everyone regrouped, the weather had changed and snow was coming down hard. They realized they needed to act fast. They decided to make a snow shelter and wait out the night.

“That’s when I discovered just how unprepared we were,” said Agosti. “We had all become pretty lazy about being prepared. We had no way to start a fire, no food and we were soaking wet, exhausted, with no dry clothes. It was the most horrible night of my life. I really thought we were going to die.”

Whether its exposure, earthquakes, floods, fires or avalanches, Alaska is vulnerable to a host of natural and manmade disasters and emergencies. September, National Emergency Preparedness month, is when we are all reminded to check our ‘grab and go’ survival bags, review our communication plans with family and friends, and ensure we are stocked up with all of the critical supplies we might need should our world suddenly get flipped upside down. In other words, a great time to stop being complacent about getting prepared for possible danger.

For all those who honor this annual tradition, part of their plan is to attend the annual Mat Su Emergency Preparedness Expo. This year is the 14th annual and organizers have gone all out to provide favorites from past events, along with new and different exhibits that are sure to offer a host of opportunities to expand on everyone’s skills and supplies.

Iron Dog champions Tyler Aklestad and four-time winner Chris Olds with Alaska Safe Riders will be on hand to share incredible stories along with tips and tricks to help ensure your outdoor adventures (whether you’re riding an ATV, snowmachine or snowshoes) do not end in tragedy but rather bring a lifetime of good memories.

Other new exhibits this year include Scout Troop 2359/359 who will be demonstrating a safe, well-constructed campsite. Or go on the ‘Preparedness Scavenger Hunt’ and earn a chance to win two round-trip tickets on the Alaska Railroad while you, your family and friends learn and prepare.

Back again is the youth poster contest. Thanks to McDonalds all entries receive a free ice cream just for drawing a picture of what it means to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. First place winners in five age categories receive a $50 gift card thanks to support from the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and a three-day emergency ‘grab and go’ back pack thanks to the American Red Cross. These individuals also receive a community service award presented by the Mayor at a Mat-Su Borough Assembly Meeting.

Fortunately for Agosti and his group, they were young, strong and stayed focused on surviving. Worried friends and family found them the next morning which doesn’t always happen.

“We got through this because we helped each other and we stayed positive and focused on surviving. And I learned a valuable lesson. I’m packing more survival gear from now on. I’ll be prepared with some of the simplest things like a flint and steel, hot packs and a survival blanket for each person.”

Other groups have not been so lucky. Two brothers went to Hatcher Pass on a beautiful sunny February day to ride their snowboards. When a fierce spring storm rolled in, the brothers got disoriented and separated. Dressed in t-shirts and shorts, they were not prepared in any way for the weather change that took them by surprise. One of the brothers died of hypothermia while the other searched for help. Sadly, that help came too late.

Don’t get caught unprepared whether it’s in your home or while out exploring Alaska. Attend the free Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Menard Sports Center.

Learn more at www.Ready.matsugov.us