Videos to watch on how to make your home safer:
www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_personal_prep_video_index.shtml
KCAW FM 104.7
KIFW AM 1230
Marine Weather Radio Frequency 135.9
www.ready.gov
www.fema.gov
https://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division
https://www.muni.org/Departments/OEM/Pages/default.aspx
www.redcross.org/ak/anchorage
Creating a family emergency plan
Earthquake Survival Guide Before, During and After
Red Cross Earthquake Safety Checklist:
Link for Red Cross Safety List
If you can count to 20 or have difficulty standing during an earthquake; it can indicate a potential 7.0 or higher magnitude.
If you are inside when the shaking starts . . .
• Drop, Cover and Hold On. Move as little as possible.
• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on. Protect your head with a pillow.
• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit.
If you are outside when the shaking starts . . .
Find a clear spot (away from buildings, power lines, trees, street lights) and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops. If there are downed power lines – keep at least 30 feet away from them. Never try to move them or walk under them.
Near a mountainous area or near unstable slopes or cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris. Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.
If you are in a vehicle when the shaking starts . . .
Pull over to a clear location and stop. Avoid bridges and power lines if possible. Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops. If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
Do not wait for tsunami warning siren to move to higher ground - there is a chance that transmission tower was damaged in earthquake. Tune to local radio stations or NOAA weather channel on your portable radio, for updates.
Determine if your home, school or workplace is in a tsunami safe area.
Arrange ahead of time to go to a friend’s home or other location that is at higher ground if you are located inside the inundation area on the map above. This would be preferable to going to an evacuation shelter due to lack of supplies and beds. Traffic going to Sitka High School can get easily congested – what are the alternate routes to get to higher ground in Sitka? Plan ahead the quickest route to get to higher ground that takes no longer than 10 minutes to get to, if possible. You should be able to reach your safe location on foot within 15 minutes.
At the beach:
If you’re at the near the shoreline, one indicator may be unusual activity such as the ocean receding seaward and exposing sea bottom, rocks or sea life, or even the sound of a loud roar. Head for higher ground. Stay away from rivers or streams leading to the ocean.
If you cannot get to higher ground; consider vertical elevation – a concrete building – go to upper floors.
On the boat:
People who are already on boats when an earthquake occurs should understand that the safest place to be is in deep water where wave energy is diffused. Do not return to port until an “ALL CLEAR” is issued by local authorities.
Tsunami Warning System:
TSUNAMI WARNING = Danger; follow emergency procedures immediately. Wave inundations of over three feet is possible.
TSUNAMI ADVISORY = Be prepared to take action. Advisories are issued when tsunami amplitude is in the range of one to three feet.
TSUNAMI WATCH = Be alert; listen to local radio station: KCAW FM104.7 or KIFW AM 1230 and NOAA weather channel. Stay tuned for updates.
Evacuation Shelters in Sitka:
Sitka High School (Primary)
Keet Gooshi Heen (Secondary)
