The Alaska Earthquake
December 1, 2018
FEMA, through its Regional Response Coordination Center in Bothell, Washington, is monitoring the effects of the earthquake near Anchorage, Alaska.
A reminder to those in the affected areas:
Residents in the affected areas should follow the direction of state, tribal, and local officials.
Aftershocks will continue to occur. Be prepared to drop, cover and hold and follow the direction of local officials to remain safe.
Public safety is federal, state, tribal and local officials’ highest priority but those in the impacted area may be the help until help arrives. If it is safe, check on your neighbors who may require assistance such as infants, children, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
Document damages. Take photos or video of losses, contact insurance company, and begin cleaning up and making repairs. Be ready to report damages if asked.
On November 30, 2018, President Trump declared an emergency in the State of Alaska, limited to Direct Federal Assistance for Anchorage Municipality, Kenai Peninsula Borough, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough at the request of Governor Walker. The emergency declaration makes direct federal support available for debris removal, emergency protective measures, emergency communications, or emergency public transportation.
Aftershocks Continue
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that at 9:29 a.m. PST a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska at a depth of 21 miles. More than 130 aftershocks have occurred, including five at a magnitude of 5.0 or greater.
Continue to expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.
Structures should be inspected after larger aftershocks and awareness and caution are advised.
During an earthquake, Drop, Cover and Hold On. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.
People with mobility disabilities and cannot drop, should still cover and hold on. People who use wheelchairs should lock your wheels and not try to transfer during shaking. Everyone who is staying put should cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
Safety
Use extreme caution during post-disaster clean-up of buildings and around debris. Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean-up.
Earthquakes can cause obvious, visible damage that anyone can see, but also can cause damage hidden behind walls and in attics, basements and crawlspaces and on roofs. Even if you don’t see it, your property may have sustained damage.
Regardless of whether you have earthquake insurance, document your damages and activities and have your property thoroughly inspected by one or more experienced local contractors or structural engineers.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Cellular and land line phone systems may not be functioning properly. Use text and social media to reach out contact loved ones, when available. Phone lines may be overwhelmed and often, texts can make it through when voice calls can't.
Residents in the affected areas should stay off roads. If you must drive, call 511 or visit 511.alaska.gov or dot.alaska.gov/earthquake2018 for updated information on road closures and damages.
If you are running a portable generator to help provide heat, ensure there’s a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Never use a generator, camp stove, charcoal grill, gasoline or propane heater inside your home. Never hear your home with a stovetop or oven.
Keep generators outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and vents to avoid accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you smell gas, your gas can be turned off at the main gas service shutoff valve. Do not shut off the gas unless you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line or suspect a gas leak. If you shut off the gas, there may be a considerable delay before your provider can turn your service back on.
Help injured or trapped persons if it is safe for you to do so. Check on neighbors who may require assistance such as infants, children, older adults, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock beneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes strike suddenly, without warning, and they can occur at any time of the year, day or night. Forty-five states and territories in the United States are at moderate to very high risk of earthquakes, and they are located in every region of the country. Learn how to prepare for an earthquake with the following safety tips provided by the American Red Cross.
Are You at Increased Risk from Earthquakes?
Contact your local emergency management office, local American Red Cross, state geological survey or department of natural resources for specific information about your community’s risk. However, bear in mind:
Mobile homes and homes not attached to their foundations are at particular risk during an earthquake.
Buildings with foundations resting on landfill and other unstable soils are at increased risk of damage.
Did You Know?
Doorways are no stronger than any other part of a structure so don’t rely on them for protection! During an earthquake, get under a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on. It will help shelter you from falling objects that could injure you during an earthquake.
Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan
· Choose a safe place in every room — under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
· Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON with your children. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you.
· Choose an out-of-town family contact.
· Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home.
· Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.
Be prepared to be without electricity, gas, water and telephones for up to three days. Have Supplies On-hand Including:
· First aid kit and essential medications.
· Canned food and can opener.
· At least three gallons of water per person.
· Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
· Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
· Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
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