The Kenai Peninsula Borough, in cooperation with FEMA and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has completed installation of a new all hazard warning siren system in Anchor Point, Homer, Seward, Nanwalek, Port Graham and Seldovia.

The new sirens are intended primarily for coastal tsunami warning for communities in Resurrection Bay and Kachemak Bay. However, the sirens have the ability to provide warnings for other hazards depending upon the alert need (see examples below).

Each siren tone will be followed by a pre-recorded voice message identifying the emergency and advising residents to tune to local radio for further information. 911 Dispatch centers in Seward, Homer and Soldotna also have the ability to broadcast a live voice message or type in a current message that would be translated to voice for broadcast over the sirens.

The sirens are tested the first Wednesday of each month at approximately 1 p.m., and the siren at the Seward Fire Department is activated daily at noon.

Listen to examples of voice messages or the siren tones:

The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was established by ordinance for coordination of disaster management between the Borough, the State of Alaska, other municipalities, and response and recovery organizations. The OEM also provides administrative support to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The KPB has experienced earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, floods, tsunami, fires and winter storms. Brochures, fact sheets and checklists are available from the links on the left or by contacting our office. We hope you will familiarize yourself with emergency preparedness.

The KPB OEM has the primary responsibility for disaster management programs and activities. The overall objectives for OEM are disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery to all disaster incidents, whether natural or man-made. The KPB is an active location for natural disasters.

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is made up of Borough citizens from all walks of life including industry, local government, police and fire representatives, and others concerned about emergency preparedness at all levels.

The OEM works in conjunction with the LEPC to keep the KPB Emergency Response Plan as a working document which provides a system to manage the preparation for, mitigation of, response to, and recovery from disaster emergencies.

The KPB, in cooperation with FEMA and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has completed installation of a all hazard warning siren system in Anchor Point, Homer, Seward, Nanwalek, Port Graham and Seldovia.

The KPB was the first government in the State of Alaska to offer the Community Alert Network (CAN), which was a computerized phone system to warn residents of important information.  With newer mobility technology, this system has been replaced with KPB Alerts. Residents should register their cell phone to associate it with a location for receiving local emergency notifications released by the Office of Emergency Management.

The OEM prepares and distributes emergency preparedness information to the public, informing them how to prepare for emergencies and the suitable actions that should be followed after emergency situations.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management
Emergency Response Center
253 Wilson Lane, Soldotna, AK  99669
907-262-4910 Office      907-714-2395 Fax
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Before and During Winter Storm Emergencies

DURING a Winter Storm Warning

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. A winter storm can:
Last a few hours or several days and knock out heat, power and communication services and place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.

Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside.

Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.

Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away.

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.
• Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin.
• Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.
• Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
• Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

BEFORE Winter

Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.

Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/ staysafe/index.html

Strong Wind Storms

While the Kenai Peninsula Borough may not experience hurricanes or tornados it does experience strong winds that rival hurricane wind speeds. During the winter months when it is snowing, the risk is not only to structures but to people as well.  Winter winds can pile drifts up, blocking roadways, driveways and potentially overloading roofs.

• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans)
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe or unable to be brought in side (e.g., propane tanks, trampolines, portable shelters)
• Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building
• Keep flashlight and battery operated radio handy for potential power outages
• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power

Before, During and After

A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. The Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet areas are the most likely to be covered with volcanic ash, which is actually pulversized rock from the volcanic explosion.  Fresh volcanic ash may be harsh, acidic, gritty, and smell like sulphur.  Volcanic ash can travel 100s of miles and cause severe health problems.

A volcanic eruption can:

• Contaminate water supplies.
• Damage heaters, water heaters, boilers, machinery and electronics.
• Reduce visibility from heavy ash fall that can block out the sunlight.
• Make it hard to breathe and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

During a volcanic eruption

KPB Joint Information Hub
for multi-agency incident information

Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for KPB Alerts for critical information during emergencies.

Stay indoors if possible. Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Close doors, windows and dampers

Avoid burning woodstoves or fireplaces.

Do not run exhaust fans or clothes dryers.

Ensure air intake for heating, ventilation and cooling systems are protected from ash.  Not only do you not want these systems to pull ash into your home but these systems may pull combustion air from outside and cause damage and potentially stop the unit from working. Review your owner's manual for how to prevent damage to your heating, ventilation and cooling systems.

Vacuum furniture, carpets, etc and try not to wipe, as ash will scratch.

Laundry-brush, shake, and presoak clothes. Use plenty of water and detergent; do not use hand or body soap as it tends to gum up with ash. If you have been working in ashfall, have your work clothes laundered at work or outside the home.

Cover and don't use personal computers, stereos, and other sensitive equipment.

Information on Volcano status and eruptions?

Visit the Alaska Volcano Observatory
USGS Volcano Hazards Program current volcano activity map
Volcanoes Fact Sheet

Be Safe After

Listen to authorities to find out whether it is safe to return.Visit KPB Joint Information Hub for information during disasters.

Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often overloaded after a disaster especially in Alaska. Only make emergency calls.

Avoid driving in heavy ash. Driving will stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.

If you have any breathing problems, avoid contact with ash. Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.

Wear a respirator and goggles during ash cleanup.

When sweeping, dampen to avoid raising unnecessary dust.

Mow lawns when damp and bag lawn clippings to reduce dust.

Review this Ash Alert Brochure for information during and after ashfall.

Before a volcanic eruption

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Know your area’s risk from volcanic eruption. The Kenai Peninsula Borough's biggest risk is from ash.

Investigate how your heating system, boiler, and/or water heater pulls air into system. Many of these systems pull air from outside for combustion which could damage these systems. Review your manufacturer information for how to protect your system from ash during a volcanic eruption.

Learn about community warning systems. Register for KPB Alerts to receive critical information during emergencies.
The Volcano Notification Service (VNS) is a free service that sends notifications about volcanic activity. Sign up for alerts here.

Create a shelter-in-place plan, in the Kenai Peninsula Borough the biggest risk is from ash.

Consult your doctor if you have existing respiratory difficulties.

Before, During and After

Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. You and your community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into the environment where you live, work or play. 

Although the risk of a chemical accident related to household products is slight, knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury. For more information visit Household Chemical Emergencies page on Ready.Gov for additional information.

DURING a Hazardous Materials Incident

If you discover a spill report it quickly to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. Report spills to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). The Anchorage ADEC office covers the Kenai Peninsula Borough and can be reached at (907) 269-3063.

Spills from residential heating oil tank systems and the resulting contamination are ongoing and widespread problems across Alaska. The ADEC works with numerous property owners every year to cleanup spills caused by leaking or failed home heating oil tank systems. In addition to the negative impact to the environment, residential heating oil spills can be expensive for the property owner, both in terms of cleaning up the environment and also the value of the lost fuel. Property values may also be diminished in association with contamination that has not been addressed.

After a Hazardous Materials Incident

Act quickly if you have come in to contact with or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities or follow directions in the products Safety Data Sheet.

Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible.

Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers.

Advise everyone who comes in to contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance.

Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.

Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.

Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation at (907)269-3063.

BEFORE an Incident Occurs, Prepare and Prevent

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and planning made available to the public upon request. For more information visit the Kenai Peninsula Borough's LEPC webpage.

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a hazardous materials incident:

• Store household chemicals properly. Follow these tips.
• Build an Emergency Supply Kit with the addition of plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Make a Family Emergency Plan.
• Know how to operate your home’s ventilation system
• Identify an above-ground shelter room with as few openings as possible.
• Read more about Sheltering in Place.

Visit the ADEC website for Home Heating Oil Tank Guidance for information to prevent heating oil spills. By taking the preventative measures, property owners with residential fuel oil tank systems can greatly reduce the chances of having a heating oil spill.

The following fact sheets have been provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross.

Hazardous Materials Accidents Fact Sheet 
Hazardous Materials in the Home Fact Sheet 

Before, During and After a Flood

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.

Floods may:

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.
• Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.
• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

DURING a Flood

KPB Joint Information Hub
for incident information

Listen to authorities for information and instructions.

Avoid driving through flood waters. Just six inches of moving water can knowck you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Never drive around barricades.

Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.  Fast moving water can wash bridges away without warning.

If you are trapped in vehicle stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then seek refuge on the roof.

If trapped in a building, then go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Go on the roof only if necessary. Once there, signal for help.

Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.

• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay where you are.

Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn of the electricity to prevent electric shock.

Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Related Links

National Weather Service Flood Gauges - Interactive map of all 138 river gauges in the state
Alaska.Ready.gov - State of Alaska Security and Emergency Management information
Ready.gov - Floods - Nationwide information for prior to, during and after a flood
Donald E. Gilman River Center - Kenai Peninsula multi-agency permitting, information, education center and floodplain management program

Be Safe AFTER 

If flooding has impacted your property there may be damage to your septic system, drinking water well or fuel tanks. Follow these Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation instructions for inspecting your property for damage and ensuring your drinking water is safe.

Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris and be contaminated. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Prepare BEFORE

Put together a plan for emergencies by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?

Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit KPB Floodplain Management Program for information.

Sign up for your KPB Alerts warning system. The Emergency Alerts System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Create your Family Emergency Communication Plan. You can use this easy fillable form to create your contact list.

Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.

Protect your property. Move valuables to high levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Secure your fuel tanks and other items that may float away.

Visit these links to find more information about preparing your home:

How to Prepare for a Flood
Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls 
Anchor Fuel Tanks 
Build with Flood Damage Resistant Materials 
Dry Floodproof Your Building 
Install Sewer Backflow Valves 
Protect Wells From Contamination by Flooding 
Raise Electrical System Components 
Raise or Floodproof HVAC Equipment