Staying informed and prepared: How government agencies monitor natural disasters in Alaska

As Alaskans, we live in one of the most geologically active and climatically challenging regions in the United States. From earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to floods and severe winter storms, our state faces unique natural hazards. Today, let's explore how different levels of government work together to keep us safe and informed.

At the federal level, several agencies play crucial roles in monitoring natural disasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tracks weather patterns and ocean conditions, providing essential forecasts and warnings through the National Weather Service. Their weather radio broadcasts and emergency alerts are available 24/7, and anyone can access them through weather.gov or by purchasing an inexpensive NOAA Weather Radio.

For earthquake monitoring, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) maintains a vast network of seismic sensors throughout Alaska. These sensors feed real-time data to scientists who can detect and measure earthquakes as they happen. The Alaska Volcano Observatory, a joint program between the USGS, the University of Alaska, and the state's Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, keeps watch over our state's active volcanoes.

The State of Alaska's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinates disaster response. They maintain the Alaska State Emergency Operations Center to monitor potential threats and coordinate responses when disasters strike. The division also manages a system called "Alaska Alert" that can send emergency messages directly to your phone, email, or other devices. Residents can sign up for these alerts through the division's website, https://511.alaska.gov/my511/register.

At the local level, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has its own emergency management offices. This local agency work closely with city, state, and federal partners. They maintain emergency response plans, conduct drills, and manage local warning systems. Many places use systems like Nixle to send targeted alerts to residents about everything from road closures to evacuation notices.

There is a lot of coordination between these different levels of government. For example, when seismic sensors detect a significant earthquake, the information flows instantly from the USGS to state and local emergency managers. Within minutes, emergency managers can send alerts to affected communities through multiple channels, including wireless emergency alerts on cell phones, radio and TV broadcasts, and social media.

For volcanic activity, the Alaska Volcano Observatory uses a color-code system to communicate threat levels to aviation and the public. When a volcano shows signs of unrest, the observatory can quickly notify air traffic controllers, emergency managers, and the public about potential ash clouds or other hazards.

As residents, we have more ways than ever to stay informed about potential disasters. The easiest method is to ensure to enable your phone's wireless emergency alerts. These are the alerts that make your phone buzz loudly even when it's on silent mode. You can also follow your local emergency management office on social media and bookmark their websites.

Remember that effective monitoring and alert systems require our attention and action in response to warnings. Familiarize yourself with these resources before you need them. Sign up for local alerts, bookmark relevant websites, and make sure your family knows where to find emergency information.

By understanding how these systems work and connecting to them, we can better prepare for and respond to the natural hazards that come with living in our beautiful but sometimes challenging state.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.