Snowstorm Preparedness in Alaska: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Living in Alaska comes with its unique challenges, particularly during snowstorms. It is crucial for residents to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and resilience during these harsh conditions. This article provides an in-depth guide on how Alaskans prepare for the possibility of being stranded by a snowstorm.

Emergency Kits

Many households in Alaska maintain emergency kits that include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, blankets, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a battery-operated radio. These kits are designed to help individuals and families stay safe and manage basic needs when power and communication are disrupted for an extended period.

Winter Supplies

Residents stock up on winter supplies including snow shovels, ice melt, and warm clothing. It is common for vehicles to be equipped with emergency supplies such as extra blankets, food, water, and a shovel. Proper insulation of homes is also a priority, ensuring that residents have adequate shelter and warmth during extended power outages.

Vehicle Preparedness

Alaskans ensure their vehicles are winter-ready by checking antifreeze levels, battery health, and tire tread. A survival kit in the car is a must, including items like flares, a first-aid kit, and a tow strap. Extra care must be taken when driving over passes, ensuring that vehicles have at least a partially full tank of gas and studded winter tires to provide better traction in snowy conditions.

Communication Plans

Families establish communication plans in case they are separated during a storm. This includes having a list of contacts and an agreed-upon meeting place. Staying informed about weather conditions is crucial, and many rely on local news radio, weather apps, and other communication methods to stay aware of impending storms.

Home Preparations

Ensuring that homes are well-insulated and equipped with backup heating sources such as wood stoves or generators can be crucial during extended power outages. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) can be particularly useful for protecting electronic devices, ensuring that the internet and power continue to flow during a storm.

Community Resources and Mutual Aid

Many communities in Alaska have local resources and shelters available for residents during severe weather. Knowing these resources can be helpful in emergencies. It is important to note that unlike in other states, Alaskans often stop to help disabled vehicles, and people are willing to give rides to those in need, whether to refuel or to get to town.

Training and Education

Some Alaskans participate in survival training courses to learn essential skills such as building shelters, starting fires, and navigating in winter conditions. These skills can be invaluable during a snowstorm, providing greater confidence and preparedness.

Additional Tips for Staying Prepared

Staying at Home

Basic home preparations include ensuring that gas tanks are full for cars, snow blowers, and generators. Bringing work or school supplies home is recommended. Additionally, plugging modems and routers into a UPS can help maintain internet connectivity and power during a power failure, ensuring essential services continue.

In a Car During Winter Driving

Alaskans typically have emergency gear in their cars all winter long, including warm clothing, sleeping bags, tow ropes, flares, or lights, and foam pads for changing tires. Ensuring a partially full gas tank and studded winter tires is crucial for safe winter driving.

Real-World Examples

A family's experience of getting stuck between avalanches for two days highlights the importance of community support. Despite being physically unharmed, they relied on their neighbors, who provided generators and gas to keep the vehicles running, demonstrating the collaborative nature of Alaskan communities during emergencies.

Conclusion

By taking these precautions, Alaskans can significantly increase their resilience and safety during snowstorms. The combination of personal preparedness, community resources, and mutual aid ensures that residents can weather the harsh conditions with greater confidence and security.