Understanding Alaska’s Local Government Emergency Response Plans: A Citizen’s Guide

In Alaska, where natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and severe storms are common, understanding your local government’s emergency response plans is crucial. Being informed empowers you to take proactive steps in safeguarding yourself, your family, and your community.

The Role of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) are community-based organizations mandated by federal and state laws to develop and implement emergency response plans. These committees consist of volunteers and government employees from various sectors, including:

Elected officials
Law enforcement
Firefighting and first aid services
Health and environmental agencies
Transportation personnel
Community groups
Media representatives

The primary responsibilities of LEPCs include:

Identifying potential hazards within the community
Developing comprehensive emergency response plans
Coordinating with local industries and facilities to ensure safety
Educating the public about emergency preparedness

For instance, the Aleutian & Pribilof Islands LEPC serves communities such as Unalaska, Nikolski, Adak, Atka, Saint Paul, and Saint George. This committee focuses on promoting emergency planning and preparedness throughout the region. (unalaska.gov)

The Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP)

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by small communities, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) introduced the Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP). This initiative provides a customized toolkit designed to help small communities prepare for the first 72 hours of a disaster. The SCERP includes:

Community-specific emergency response information
Contact details for local resources and agencies
Guidelines for coordinating with state and federal resources

Communities can access the SCERP toolkit in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats, ensuring flexibility and ease of use. (ready.alaska.gov)

The Alaska Intrastate Mutual Aid System (AIMAS)

In addition to local planning, Alaska has established the Alaska Intrastate Mutual Aid System (AIMAS) to facilitate resource sharing during emergencies. AIMAS allows communities to request and provide assistance across the state, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response to disasters. This system is activated for:

Response, mitigation, or recovery activities related to a locally declared disaster emergency
Response to a disaster emergency declared by the Governor
Training related to disaster preparedness and response
Other drills or exercises conducted in preparation for a disaster

For more information or to participate in AIMAS, contact Mark Roberts at mark.roberts@alaska.gov or 907-428-7016. (ready.alaska.gov)

Emergency Preparedness Resources for Alaskans

Being prepared is a shared responsibility. Alaskans are encouraged to:

Develop a Personal Emergency Plan: Outline steps to take during various emergencies, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.
Assemble an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.
Stay Informed: Regularly monitor local news, weather updates, and official communications from local authorities.
Engage with LEPCs: Attend local LEPC meetings to stay informed about community-specific plans and contribute to preparedness efforts.

The Alaska Department of Health offers resources tailored for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all community members can prepare effectively. Their “Get Ready! Toolkit” provides guidance on creating emergency plans and assembling survival kits. (health.alaska.gov)

How to Access Local Emergency Plans

Local emergency plans are typically available through your community’s official website or by contacting your local government offices. For example:

Ketchikan Gateway Borough: The Greater Ketchikan Area Multi-Jurisdictional Emergency Operations Plan is accessible on their official website. (kgbak.us)
Kodiak Island: The Local Emergency Planning Committee’s plan can be found on the Kodiak Island Borough’s official website. (kodiakak.us)

By reviewing these plans, you can understand the specific procedures and resources available in your area during emergencies.

Conclusion

Understanding and engaging with your local government’s emergency response plans is vital for personal and community safety in Alaska. By familiarizing yourself with LEPCs, utilizing resources like the SCERP and AIMAS, and actively participating in preparedness initiatives, you contribute to a more resilient and prepared community.