SCHOOLS: Know disaster, no disaster

The effects of natural disasters in Alaska can be minimized by general preparedness of regular citizens. Having a plan before an extreme condition arises, dramatically increases individual safety.

Natural disasters can be tragic blows to Alaska, both environmentally and individually. Educating people in precautionary procedures will reduce the turmoil from disasters.

A survivor of the enormous 1964 earthquake, Larry Graham, advises that people have an abundant supply of provisions for themselves. One resource that will become scarce during and after a natural disaster will be fuel for cars or any type of engine. Graham recalls, “If you had a low tank of gas before the earthquake, it stayed low for a long time.”

For these types of situations, it’s good to have a minimal supply of a gallon per person of water on hand. Preceding an event where plumbing could be damaged, also take the precaution of boiling all water that is to be consumed.

Alaska is a land of extremes. In order to survive these extremes you must have emergency supplies, plans, and some background knowledge in place before anything actually happens.

It’s possible to become trapped in a single location for extended periods of time. A supply of survival materials is imperative when access to resources are cut off.

Every emergency supply kit should contain basic first aid supplies, easy to store food, and water. It’s also be helpful to include basic tools, flashlights, radio, extra batteries, and a form of noise maker or attention getter.

Basic first aid supplies would consists of bandages of varying size, gauze to contain bleeding, and sanitizing agents to prevent infections. Helpful tools may include a can opener, knife, or pliers and screw drivers.

Non perishable food, canned goods, and basic dry ingredients are the ideal food sources for emergency situations. When stocking your food storage it’s important to remember that electricity and propane may be cut, deeming gas and electric stoves useless. At a minimum, store three days worth of food per person.

Graham recalls after the earthquake always having to boil their water so that’d it be drinkable. Immediately after the earthquake running water wasn’t available. Once there was funding for plumbing, there was never an sign, alert, or public notice that confirmed their water would be safe to drink.

For these types of situations, it’s good to have a minimal supply of a gallon per person of water on hand. Preceding an event where plumbing could be damaged, also take the precaution of boiling all water that is to be consumed.

If available, generators would be an extremely smart investment to make, because disasters or winter may cause the power to go out or an area to lose heat. Personal generators will increase your access to electricity and heat, and decrease the number of people flooding common ground. Locations like the Salvation Army will only have a limited amount of resources to give to those that had none available to them.

Back in 1964 citizens like Graham did have power after the earthquake. However, because the power grid was split 50/50, his household eventually lost power. At that point people had to find areas or home that had generators for the to use.

For earthquakes and fires specifically, evacuation plans are useful in order to make sure everyone remains accounted for. Families, schools, and businesses should review emergency procedures to establish the most efficient route out of an area and set a safe meet-up spot. Making a simple plan at home of your nearest exits and safe spots outside the house are crucial for surviving fires.

During an earthquakes in particular, it’s important to drop down and seek cover to avoid injury. Seeking shelter underneath a table, for example will protect from falling debris.

Forest fires are disasters that can be prevented. By following local fire safety rules and paying attention to the dryness of the area will help to prevent forest fires.

Alaskan winters can be major roadblocks for people. The possibility of being snowed in at home is high, so a similar supply kit to natural disasters would be extremely useful for bearing through the season.

With the inclusion of warm clothing, a standard emergency kit should contain all the supplies necessary to survive harsh winters.

Another way to eliminate disaster during harsh winter conditions is to have basic knowledge on how to handle these cold situations.

There are many precautions to take in order to minimize the overall harm of natural disasters. Having a ready plan, appropriate supplies, and emergency equipment is all that’s required to be better prepared for disastrous situations.

For more specialized information on disaster preparedness, visitReady.gov. This site goes into extensive detail on how to handle several different types of natural situations and even how to be involved in your community.

Jaide Bosen is a senior at Colony High School and survivor of several Alaskan earthquakes.