DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska Podcast (Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management)

Get Ready Alaska - DFFP Training with Carrie Hale and Nathan Zalewski

During Alaska's summer months wildfires are a common occurrence. The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection are tasked with fighting these fires. In order to do so in a safe and effective way they must train large numbers of seasonal workers to work as a team. DFFP Carrie Hale and Nathan Zalewski join Get Ready Alaska to discuss Alaska's wildland fire training program, ways people can become firefighters, and the many disciplines needed by the wildland fire service.

Training Resources:

Workplace Alaska

https://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/#agency-navigation-menu

Division of Forestry and Fire Protection Training and Recruitment

https://forestry.alaska.gov/training/

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/login/index.php

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean.

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska – 1964 Good Friday Earthquake Survivor Dr. James Taylor

The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake had a profound effect on the people who survived the traumatic event. Dr. James Taylor, who was a boy in Palmer Alaska, joins Get Ready Alaska podcast to recount his experiences of the second largest earthquake ever recorded.  

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean. 

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska - Alaska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters with Jenni Ragland Mixdown.

Voluntary organizations are a big part of disaster response efforts in Alaska. We speak with Salvation Army Alaska Division's Jenni Ragland about Salvation Army activities, and her role as co-chair of the Alaska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters. Alaska disaster response presents enormous challenges and Alaskans always want to help other Alaskans. 

Get Ready Alaska can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music. 

While a wide range of hazards impact Alaska on a regular basis the most common disaster event is flooding. Break-up flooding, coastal flooding, snow melt flooding, glacial flooding, and flooding from heavy precipitation make every season in Alaska flood season. Claude Denver with DHS&EM Operation Section talks about ways communities can plan and prepare for a flood.

Links:

United State Geological Survey

https://www.usgs.gov/

State of Alaska – Division of Community and Regional Affairs

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/dcra/communityinformation.aspx

Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

www.Ready.alaska.gov

The Get Ready Alaska podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music/ Audible and Podbean.

Dr. Michael West, Director of the Alaska Earthquake Center and State Seismologist, joins the podcast to discuss earthquakes and the consequences of  living in earthquake country.

Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The Alaska Earthquake Center has a network of sensors and a team of brilliant scientists to detect and analyze earthquakes. This information helps communities understand their earthquake and tsunami threat.

Visit

https://earthquake.alaska.edu/

Http://tsunami.alaska.edu

https://www.facebook.com/AKearthquake

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean. 

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska – Alaska Geology, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis with Dr. Barrett Sailsbury, DGGS

Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Dr. Barrett Sailsbury joins Get Ready Alaska to talk about the State of Alaska’s Division of Geologic and Geophysical Survey (DGGS), studying earthquake, tsunamis, and emerging technologies used to monitor seismic activity.

Visit DGGS at: dggs.alaska.gov

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean. 

The Alaska Emergency Management Association (AKEMA) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the communication, credentials, and advocacy of Alaska’s emergency management community. In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, Casey Cook and Bethany Buckingham Follett discuss the benefits of AKEMA membership, who is eligible to join, and the process of becoming a member.

For more information about AKEMA, visit their Facebook page.

To join, contact Casey Cook via email at Casey.Cook@Matsu.gov.us.

Get Ready Alaska - Mat-Su Borough Animal Care Facility

The Mat-Su Borough Animal Care team joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss pet care during disasters and emergencies. We'll explore recent disaster events, the care of exotic pets, managing pet-related donations, and more.

Learn more about Mat-Su Animal Care at matsugov.us/department/animal-care.

Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska – 1964 Good Friday Earthquake with Sue McClure

The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake ravaged the City of Seward, bringing with it devastating ground shaking, tsunamis, and fire. In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, Seward Mayor Sue McClure recounts her personal experience of living in Seward before, during, and after the quake. She describes the harrowing moments when Seward's massive fuel tanks caught fire, creating an additional hazard for her and her family to navigate amidst the chaos. Join us as Mayor McClure shares her vivid memories and insights on this catastrophic event that forever changed Seward.

We need your help! DHS&EM is updating the State’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and we would like the public to provide information about the threats and hazards in your community. Erin Leaders, DHS&EM’s Hazard Mitigation Plan Manager, joins us to discuss elements of the State’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, why it is essential to Alaska, and how people can contribute.

To participate in the survey, go to:

https://www.ready.alaska.gov/Documents/Mitigation/AK%20State%20HMP%20Update%202023_Public%20Flyer.pdf

Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Podbean, and Amazon Music.

Get Ready Alaska - Division of Forestry and Fire Protection with Norm McDonald and Sarah Saarloos

It not unusual for Alaska to experience a wildfire seasons where millions of acers are consumed by fire. State of Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection's Deputy Director Norm McDonald and Fire Staff Officer Sarah Saarloos joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss how wildland fire fighting efforts are organized and staffed. 

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean. 

Alaska has a challenging communication environment. Sending emergency messages to Alaska’s population centers and rural areas requires a reliable and adaptable system. DHS&EM’s Telecommunications Planner Scott Nelson joins use to discuss how the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert system works, the limitations of the systems, and ways the systems are evolving to provide better alert and warnings to all Alaskans.

This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcast, and Podbean. 

Get Ready Alaska – FEMA Youth Preparedness Council with Lane Christenson

The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) program brings together youth leaders from all corners of the nation to learn about emergency preparedness and to help their communities. Lane Christenson joins Get Ready Alaska to talk about his time at the FEMA Youth Preparedness Camp, role on the FEMA Region 10 YPC, and the friendships he developed. As a young adult Lane still benefits from the lessons learned during his time in the YPC.

For more information about the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council click here.

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska – 1964 Earthquake Survivor Marie Lundstrom talks about her earthquake experiences. Marie who taught at West High School, was at home when earthquake struck on March 27, 1964. She describes the weeks that followed and how her students were able to continue the school year and establish a new normal.

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska - Returning Storm Exposed Human Remain with Tom Wolforth. Typhoon Merbok impacted Alaska's west coast in the fall of 2022. During the storm coastal erosion exposed human remains in St. Michaels. Department of Military and Veterans Affairs' Tom Wolforth, an experienced archeologist, was deployed to help St. Michaels to help the community respectfully handle the remains.

This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcast, and Podbean. 

Get Ready Alaska - Part 1: Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Andrew Sather & Jonathan Nichols

When disaster strikes, affected states can call on neighboring states for help through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This mutual aid agreement enables all 50 U.S. states and territories to request and provide disaster-related support.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, several DHS&EM staff members were deployed to North Carolina to assist. Part one of this two-part series explores the critical work done by DHS&EM’s Andrew Sather and Jonathan Nichols, who supported North Carolina’s Emergency Management Agency in organizing and coordinating the state's EMAC process.

Tune in to Get Ready Alaska on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible/Amazon, Google Podcasts, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska – Alaska Volcano Observatory with Kristi Wallace and David Schneider

Alaska is home to numerous active volcanoes, making volcanic monitoring and research essential for public safety. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) plays a crucial role in tracking volcanic activity, studying both past and present eruptions, and issuing alerts when volcanic events pose risks to communities and transportation systems. In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, AVO experts Kristi Wallace and David Schneider discuss the methods used to monitor and study volcanoes, the potential impacts of eruptions, and how the public can stay informed about volcanic activity. Additionally, they provide insight into the recent activity at Mount Spurr and explore the possible consequences of an eruption on Southcentral Alaska.

Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Alaska experience a large number of disasters in 2022. We began the year with snow, ice and wind, experienced landslides and wildfires during the summer, and rounded out the year with a massive storm on the West Coast of Alaska. Along the way we experienced other disasters including a sewage lagoon rupture ... gross! In this podcast we talk about the many disaster we have experienced and look at ways we can all prepare in 2023. 

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Get Ready Alaska - Dave Snider with the National Tsunami Warning Center 

Join us on Get Ready Alaska as we delve into the critical topic of tsunami alert and warning systems with Dave Snider, Tsunami Warning Coordinator at the National Tsunami Warning Center. Understanding how tsunamis are generated, detected, and the mechanisms behind distributing alerts and warnings is paramount for saving lives, especially in a region like Alaska, which experiences more earthquakes than the rest of the United States combined.

Stay informed about tsunamis and recent earthquake-generated advisories, warnings, watches, or threat messages by visiting www.tsunami.gov .

For a comprehensive range of threat and hazard messages delivered directly to your phone, download the FEMA app at https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products.

Prepare yourself and your community for emergencies by accessing emergency preparedness information at www.ready.alaska.gov .

Catch the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - 1964 Earthquake and Tsunami Survivor Steve Eleshanski Jr. During the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake a tsunami devastated the small fishing community of Chenega located on the western edge of Prince William Sound. Steve Eleshanski Jr. joins the Get Ready Alaska podcast to recount his experience of the event and the difficult times that followed.  The book “The day that cries forever,” provides the story of other Chenega earthquake survivors.  The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean.

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska – 1964 earthquake and tsunami survivor Oliver Holm talks about his experience in Kodiak Alaska. Oliver was in the Kodiak boat harbor in a small boat collecting bait fish in the when earthquake struck on March 27, 1964. Once ashore Oliver helped secure other boats until the tidal wave arrived. 

This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcast, and Podbean. 

Get Ready Alaska - Izzy Brown and the Youth Preparedness Council

The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) empowers young people to take an active role in emergency preparedness. Izzy Brown, a member of the YPC from Denali, Alaska, joins Get Ready Alaska to share her experiences with the council. In this conversation, she discusses the importance of giving back to her community, the friendships she's made, and her Crisis Zone podcast.

To learn more about the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council, visit Youth Preparedness Council | FEMA.gov.

Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska: Earning a Degree in Emergency Management with Dean Cam Carlson from the UAF School of Business and Security Management

Emergency management is a dynamic field that attracts professionals from diverse backgrounds including law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and charitable organizations. Those with specialized degrees in emergency management are increasingly leading innovations and advancements within the profession.

Dean Cam Carlson of the UAF School of Business and Security Management joins Get Ready Alaska to explore the UAF Emergency Management program. Discover the unique opportunities available to UAF Emergency Management students and find out how you can learn more about this exciting field.

For more information, visit the UAF School of Business and Security Management at UAF CBSM.

Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Richard Austerman, of Kodiak Alaska, had just returned to the island when the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and tsunami struck. He was quickly deputized by the Chief of Police and asked to perform a variety of law enforcement tasks for the next few day. 

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean. 

Get Ready Alaska - Elena Suleimani with the Alaska Earthquake Center

Earthquakes are the primary cause of tsunamis. As Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions in the world we also have a high tsunami risk in many communities. Dr. Elena Suleimani with the Alaska Earthquake Center joins Get Ready Alaska to talk about how tsunamis are generated, how tsunami energy moves through the ocean, and tsunami warning signs. We also discuss the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and what was learned in the aftermath of the second largest earthquake ever recorded.

Visit the Alaska Earthquake Center website at https://earthquake.alaska.edu/

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean.

The National Weather Service River Forecast Center and the State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security partners each spring to form River Watch. This program monitors river conditions along ice jam prone river, such as the Kuskokwim and Yukon, and provides seasonal break-up forecast, alerts and warnings, aerial observations, and emergency management assistance if flooding occurs. This spring, there is an above average potential for flooding due to cool spring temperatures, high snow load in the interior, and some areas of jumbled ice. Celina Van Breukelen, with the National Weather Service River Forecast Center, and Claude Denver, with DHS&EM’s Operation Section, joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss this year’s River Watch plans.

Additional River Watch Resources can be found at:

Current Breakup Outlook: https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/FGAK78PACR

Alaska Breakup Map: https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/breakupMap

Breakup Timing for the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers:

https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/riverView

DHS&EM Preparedness Information www.ready.alaska.gov

The Get Ready Alaska podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music/ Audible and Podbean.

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska – Earthquake early warning with Dr. Natalia Ruppert of the Alaska Earthquake Center

Dr. Natalia Ruppert of the Alaska Earthquake Center joins Get Ready Alaska to talk about earthquake early warning. Earthquake cannot be predicted, but once they occur electronic messages can give people a few critical seconds of warning. Earthquake early warning is a technology used by other seismically active counties and states and could be deployed in Alaska.

Oregon Earthquake Early Warning: https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/pages/orshakealert.aspx

California Earthquake Early Warning: https://earthquake.ca.gov/

Alaska Earthquake Center: http://earthquake.alaska.edu/

The Get Ready Alaska Podcast is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon Music and Podbean. 

Get Ready Alaska - Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility with Sandy Baker

After a disaster, water is one of the most essential resources in demand. Sandy Baker from the Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss AWWU's infrastructure, the disruptions caused by the 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake, boil water notices, and practical steps people can take to prepare for potential water emergencies.

For more information about AWWU go to www.awwu.biz or call 907-564-2762. 

After a disaster, water is one of the most essential resources in demand. Sandy Baker from the Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss AWWU's infrastructure, the disruptions caused by the 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake, boil water notices, and practical steps people can take to prepare for potential water emergencies.

Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska – 1964 earthquake and tsunami survivor Linda Dorner joins us to share her 1964 Good Friday earthquake and tsunami experience. Linda recounts the shaking, tidal wave, and how Kodiak has changed through the years.   This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music/Audible, Google Podcast, and Podbean. 

Get Ready Alaska - Part 2: Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Andrew Jen Wallace and Dave Reilly

When disaster strikes, affected states can call on neighboring states for help through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This mutual aid agreement enables all 50 U.S. states and territories to request and provide disaster-related support.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, several DHS&EM staff members were deployed to North Carolina to assist. Part two of this two-part series explores the critical work done by DHS&EM’s Jen Wallace, Dave Reilly and other DHS&EM staff, who helped run a massive distribution center in a hard-hit North Carolina county. 

Tune in to Get Ready Alaska on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible/Amazon, Google Podcasts, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - Preparing for Wildfire Season with DFFP Lily Coyle and Bryan Crisp

Tune in to Get Ready Alaska as we gear up for the wildfire season with Division of Forestry and Fire Protection’s experts Lily Coyle and Bryan Crisp. We delve into the essential aspects of Alaska's burn permit process, strategies for forest fire prevention, and practical steps homeowners can implement to safeguard their properties.

Stay informed and prepared by visiting www.Akfireinfo.com and www.forestry.alaska.gov.

Catch the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

DHS&EM National Preparedness Month Podcast - Emergency Preparedness DHS&EM host Jeremy Zidek talks with Michelle Torres about emergency preparedness and offers tips to help Alaskans get better prepared.  

DHS&EM National Preparedness Month Podcast - Critical Infrastructure

DHS&EM host Jeremy Zidek interviews Bob Carmichael about critical infrastructure in the State of Alaska, how we work with the private sector to develop resiliency, and what individuals and families can do to get better prepared. 

DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska - Hurricane Ian Emergency Management Assistance Compact

What can a state do when a disaster overwhelms the state's emergency management capability? Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) state's can request assistance from other states. During Hurricane Ian the State of Alaska DHS&EM sent Public Information Officer Jeremy Zidek to Fort Myers Beach Florida for three weeks to assist the town with information response. 

DHS&EM National Preparedness Month Podcast - Disaster Response

DHS&EM host Jeremy Zidek interviews Mark Roberts about disaster response in the State of Alaska, the treats and hazards we face in AK, and how DHS&EM helps communities when they have emergency events or declared disasters. 

DHS&EM Podcast - Individual Assistance with Mike Macans

DHS&EM host Jeremy Zidek talks with Mike Macans about the State of Alaska's Individual Assistance program. Alaska is one of a handful of states with and Individual Assistance program. Listen and learn about some of the benefits, and limitations, of IA.