Storm Brings Flooding in Newtok

Observation by Stanley Tom:

This observation of storm surge and related flooding in Newtok was shared by Stanley Tom. The images were taken on November 26th. Shared with and posted by Jacqualine Schaeffer

Comments from LEO Editors:

This observation was shared with ANTHC Emergency Preparedness Program and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.

The State Emergency Operations Center is monitoring a storm-related power outage in Diomede and a coastal flood warning is in effect through Wednesday afternoon for the Chukchi Sea coast, southern Seward Peninsula coast, the Yukon Delta, northern Arctic coast, eastern Norton Sound and Nulato Hills. Current weather watches / warnings / advisories are available from the National Weather Service. Here are a few more resources on emergency preparedness, planning, and response. Mike Brubaker

Emergency Preparedness:

Within the State of Alaska, the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) is the entity responsible for providing support to communities to plan for, respond to, and recover from disasters. DHS&EM has developed many tools to assist communities in their effort to prepare for disasters.

Planning:

Alaska Emergency Response Guide for Small Communities is a planning tool for local government leaders as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster or emergency in their community. The guide will help "bridge the gap" until a local Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is developed as required by Alaska Statute Section 26.23.060 (e).

Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP) is an exciting approach to emergency management for small communities. SCERP is a customized flip book with essential, community-specific information for responding to a disaster. For additional information or questions please call DHS&EM SCERP Planning Team toll-free at 1-800-478-2337 or 1-907-428-7000.

As a reminder, planning really is a cyclical process. It would be great to capture the concerns expressed in this post and share this information with Golovin’s planning team that developed the SCERP to address in the next revision of the SCERP.

Response:

The State Emergency Operation Center is housed within DHS&EM and provides statewide coordination during a response and is available 24/7. We advocate for calling early and calling often. If you have a concern related to disaster it is always recommended to call the SEOC and share the information. Online training opportunities, through FEMA, to learn more about the Incident Command System. DHS&EM also manages a statewide training calendar to watch for more upcoming training.