Get ready for the next big thing: Earthquake preparedness vital for Alaskans

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
JBER Public Affairs

3/17/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- Many people who live where tornados occur build storm shelters or basements under their houses. Coastal residents often have several days warning in advance of a hurricane to board up their windows, stock up on canned goods and water or simply head inland. But how do those who reside in earthquake country prepare for their most probable disaster - one that is impossible to predict with accuracy?

Alaska is undoubtedly earthquake country. According to the U.S. Geographical Survey, nine of the 10 most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in the U.S. have occurred in Alaska.

Additionally, the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission estimates the Last Frontier is home to an average of 1,000 earthquakes per month, any one of which could be the next catastrophic one. According to the ASHSC, it is not possible to predict the time and location of the next big earthquake, but the active geology of Alaska guarantees that major, damaging earthquakes will continue to occur.

One such major, damaging earthquake was the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, which struck 50 years ago this month with an epicenter about 75 miles east of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The monster 9.2-magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that followed took 128 lives in Alaska, California and Oregon. The quake, the second most powerful ever recorded in the world, destroyed parts of Anchorage and the surrounding area, including what were then Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, according to the USGS.

"Immediately following the initial shocks, Alaskan Air Command and the 5040th Air Base Wing began making initial damage assessments and formulating recovery plans," said Doug Beckstead, JBER historian. "The first total damage assessment [for Elmendorf alone] was placed at $10 million (more than $73 million when adjusted for inflation)."

A lot has changed in Alaska since 1964, but one thing that has not is the state's propensity for ground shaking.

"Alaska is a very seismically active area," Beckstead said. "Most of the earthquakes that occur here every day are not even felt, but people should not take that as a sign that [an earthquake similar to the one in 1964] won't happen again. It is always a good thing to be prepared with a plan for what you will do when the next big one strikes, because history is a good teacher of lessons."

According to ready.alaska.gov, most earthquake-related casualties are preventable and taking certain preparedness measures can lessen the impact of an earthquake.

The Municipality of Anchorage suggests Alaskans adhere to the following safety tips:

Before an earthquake strikes:
- Prepare a disaster supply kit - at home, at work and for your car.
- Secure bookcases, file cabinets, pictures, mirrors, etc. to walls. Include hot water heaters and other appliances, which could move and rupture gas or electrical lines.
- Know where to locate switches and how to turn off home gas, electricity and water.
- Develop a family plan for disasters.
- Practice earthquake safety drills.
- Be able to take care of yourself and your family for five to seven days after a disaster, before emergency services may be able to reach you.
- Know basic first aid.
- Know emergency phone numbers.
- Know how to open and close an automatic garage door manually.

During an earthquake:
- Stay calm and stay where you are -- if inside, stay inside; if outside, stay outside.
- If inside: drop, cover and hold on - take cover under a heavy desk or against an inside wall away from glass and falling objects.
- If outside: safely move to a clear area, away from buildings, overpasses, signs, utility lines and trees. Sit on the ground and do not stand up.
- If on the road: drive away from underpasses and overpasses. Stop in a safe area and stay in your vehicle.

After an earthquake:
- Be prepared for aftershocks.
- Listen to the radio for public safety instructions.
- Check for injuries and provide first aid.
- Check for safety hazards: gas or water leaks, sewage breaks, downed power lines, etc. - Check for any building damage and evacuate if dangerous.
- Properly clean up spilled medicines, bleaches and other hazardous materials.
- Phone lines should be kept as clear as possible for true emergency situations.

For more information, there are several resources available to learn more about earthquake preparedness, including ready.alaska.gov, aeic.alaska.edu and earthquake.usgs.gov, which details the 1964 quake. These and many more are easy to find through online search engines.