Remember last disaster, prepare for the next

A Mat-Su Borough official used a word in describing the massive disaster drills planned for next week — “commemoration.”

That caught us off guard. Disaster drills are lots of things, but rarely are they commemorative.

But we think it is appropriate that this drill is in fact partly an anniversary celebration. What better way to mark the 50th anniversary on March 27 of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami than with a disaster drill? How better to mark the anniversary of one massive quake than to prepare for the next one?

Since 1900, Alaska has experienced an average of 1,000 earthquakes per month, one magnitude 7 to 8 earthquake per year and one “great” earthquake (magnitude 8 or higher) every 13 years, according to the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission.

The 1964 earthquake — magnitude 9.2 — is the world’s second-strongest quake in recorded history, and the resulting tsunami caused 130 deaths and nearly $1 billion in damage in Alaska and California.

In commemoration, President Barack Obama has recognized the week of March 23-29 as National Tsunami Preparedness Week. See details at 1.usa.gov/1lUf4sz.

The state of Alaska also has marked the occasion, proclaiming March 27 as Good Friday Earthquake Remembrance Day. It’s part of Tsunami Preparedness Week March 23 to 29, which is a cooperative effort between NOAA’s National Weather Service, Alaska’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Alaska Broadcasters Association and local emergency management officials.

Several events are planned as part of the commemoration of this catastrophic chapter in Alaska history, including a statewide earthquake drill — called The Great Alaska Shakeout — at 1:36 p.m., March 27. Organizers are calling it the largest earthquake drill in Alaska history and it’s planned on the day and time of Alaska’s most destructive shake. Details are online at shakeout.org/alaska.

The biannual Alaska Shield exercise also is planned next week and, statewide, will include as many as 400 agencies and hundreds of volunteers. Locally, the entire Alaska State Fairgrounds complex is being taken over for the exercise aimed at increasing our earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

Be aware that some of these exercises and tests will be heard on emergency band radio, including a test of the tsunami warning system planned for March 27.

The state also is using the occasion to remind home and business owners that their insurance policies likely do not cover earthquake or tsunami damage, according to Lori Wing-Heier, director of the state Division of Insurance. She said property owners seeking earthquake and tsunami coverage should contact their current insurance broker or a specialty provider.

Scientists say Alaska is certain to see another devastating earthquake, likely in our lifetimes. This anniversary should remind us all of the need to prepare, whether the next disaster is an earthquake, wildfire or just a sustained power outage on a windy, winter day.

• Open house at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Tsunami Warning Center from 1 to 4 p.m., March 22 at 910 Felton St. in Palmer. For more information, contact 745-4212.

• 1964 Earthquake Commemorative Event to honor survivors of the earthquake and tsunami at the Anchorage Museum at 5 p.m., March 27. The museum’s 1964 Earthquake exhibit will also be on display April through September.