Posted by: Public Affairs

As of this morning, the National Weather Service reports that Bering Sea water levels and winds speeds affecting the West Coast have diminished significantly. In scattered areas along the West Coast, severe winter storm, blizzard and coastal flood warnings remain in effect, as a result of a smaller storm system that is passing through. We urge Alaskans in affected areas to monitor local news for severe weather updates and warnings.

We continue to be in close communication with our state, local, tribal and federal partners including Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, National Weather Service, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Defense. Over the past two days, the U.S. Coast Guard has been conducting flyovers along the Bering Sea coast to gain an aerial and photographic assessment of damaged areas.

The state has been receiving reports of coastal property loss and wind damage. As access to coastal areas increase, the state will work with Boroughs and local government to plan for damage assessments. As we mentioned yesterday, we placed liaison officers and a regional Incident Management Assistance Team in Alaska in advance of the storm to coordinate with the state if federal support is needed and we have preliminary damage assessment teams standing by should their assistance be required.

And whether you live in Alaska or another part of the country, you can access preparedness information four different ways:

1. Visit our full preparedness website: www.ready.gov
2. Visit our mobile website: m.fema.gov
3. Download our smartphone app for Android & iPhones
4. Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) for monthly preparedness messages (standard message and data rates apply)

Posted by: Public Affairs

We continue to closely monitor a dangerous winter storm system forecasted to affect the west coast of Alaska today and tomorrow. According to the National Weather Service, the storm may bring extremely strong winds to all of the Alaska west coast, accompanied by widespread major coastal flooding and severe beach erosion over the coastline.

To date, the National Weather Service has issued winter storm, blizzard, coastal and inland flood warnings along the Bering Sea and West Coast of Alaska and predicts that conditions will worsen and may become life-threatening for a portion of the western Alaska coast. (For your local weather forecast, visit weather.gov or http://mobile.weather.gov on your smartphone.)

Our Role
Through our regional office in Bothell, Washington, our area office in Anchorage, Alaska and the National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C. we remain in constant contact with our state, local, tribal and federal partners including Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, National Weather Service, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Defense.

In advance of the storm, we placed liaisons in the Alaska State Emergency Operations Center in Anchorage, Alaska to support and assist to coordinate federal support as needed. We have also deployed a regional Incident Management Assistance Team to Alaska to also support the state.

We also have additional teams standing by, including preliminary damage assessment teams, should their assistance be required. In addition, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard have air assets available to support the state, should they be needed.

Follow Direction of Local Officials
We encourage all those in the potentially affected areas to follow the direction of local officials and keep informed of local conditions. If local authorities order an evacuation, leave immediately; follow evacuation routes announced by officials, and stay away from coastal areas, river banks and streams. As forecasts call for the potential of coastal flooding, tidal surges and related flash flooding, remember that it can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop.

For more information and winter preparedness tips, please visit: Ready.gov/winter or http://m.fema.gov on your smartphone.

Stay Connected
Follow the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:

• On your computer: Website, Facebook, Twitter
• On your phone: Facebook and Twitter

Posted by: Paulette Aniskoff, Director, Individual and Community Preparedness

Who would have thought the cold and blustery weather, along with the white fluffy stuff, would show up this soon? Although we are approaching the end of hurricane season, we were recently forced to shift our focus to winter weather risks as we were harshly reminded that disasters happen year-round.

While some may enjoy the colder weather and the accompanying snow, others like myself, prefer the warmer temperatures. Regardless of your view on cold and snow, now is the time of year when temperatures drop. It is also the time of year when gusting winds and accumulating ice and snow can bring power outages.


Simsbury, Conn., November 5, 2011 -- Utility crews work to restore power in the aftermath of a deadly winter storm. Some areas of Connecticut were without electricity for more than a week. FEMA is assisting government and residents recover from the storm and is providing food and water, as well as generators for some public buildings and nursing homes.

Power outages can accompany virtually every natural disaster and are more common than you’d think. Power grids, generating plants, transformer stations, power poles and even buried cables are vulnerable to the elements of natural disasters. The rare October Nor’easter that struck recently left approximately 3.2 million customers on the East Coast without power. The effects can be devastating and outage durations can last a couple of hours or a couple of weeks depending on the severity of the event and service options available in the affected area. (How we’re supporting Northeast states after the severe winter storm.)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its Winter Outlook for this December through February, which will be influenced strongly by La Niña causing shifts in weather patterns across the country. But with no way to be 100 percent certain about the weather to come, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies 365 days a year.

One thing we can do, as community leaders and preparedness advocates, is to take the time to encourage organizations, communities, individuals and families to review their disaster plans and update their emergency kits. Below are a few considerations you can share with community members when discussing how to prepare for a power outage:

• Ensure you have a battery-powered or hand cranked radio to listen for emergency updates and news reports.
• Have flashlights or electric lanterns on hand to provide light; candles may add a spark of adventure during power failures, but they are dangerous fire hazards. Flashlights and electric lanterns require batteries so consider, during extended outages, keeping a supply of extra batteries.
• Remember, microwaves will not work! It’s important to keep a three- to 14-day supply of water and of nonperishable food such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, milk, and soup. Additionally, have a hand-operated can opener available. FEMA recommends one gallon of water per person per day.

Actions to take during a power outage:
 

• If using a portable generator during a power outage, it should always be operated outside, away from doors and windows to avoid dangerous carbon monoxide.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.
• During the winter, let the sun warm rooms during the day and close shades and curtains at night.
• Avoid plugging emergency generators into electric outlets or hooking them directly to your home's electrical system - they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and line workers in danger.
• When the power comes back on, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances, to help eliminate problems that could occur if there's a sharp increase in demand. If you think electric power has been restored to your area but your home is still without power, call your local power company.

Even if your community wasn’t affected by this recent winter-like storm, it’s still important to take the opportunity to inform your community about its risks and provide simple tips. Everyone can play a vital role in helping our communities prepare for severe winter weather.

Colder weather coming for many

Some people thoroughly enjoy colder weather and the white fluffy stuff that often comes with it, while others continually look for a way to escape the cold for warmer temperatures. Regardless of your stance on cold and snow, it’s the time of year when temperatures are dropping as winter approaches.

Areas around the Rocky Mountains and the Upper Midwest have already had their first snowfall, and forecasts from the National Weather Service predict the Northeast could experience several inches of snow this weekend.

Now is the time to make sure your home and family are prepared for colder temperatures – and Ready.gov has some specific tips on how you can get ready. Here are a few to get you started:

• Thoroughly check and update your family's emergency supply kit before winter approaches and add the following supplies in preparation for winter weather.
  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways,
  • Sand to improve traction on exterior walkways,
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment, and
  • Also include adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
• Have an emergency kit in your car, in the event you are stranded by a blizzard or traffic jam. Be sure to include items you would need to stay warm and comfortable for at least 72 hours.
• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
• Know what to do if the power goes out. Winter storms can also cause power outages, so make sure you take precautions to get prepared.
• Be familiar with severe winter weather terminology:
  • Winter Storm Watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two. Follow local news reports and be alert to changing weather conditions.
  • Winter Storm Warning means severe winter conditions have begun or will begin very soon. Stay indoors during the storm and avoid traveling.
  • Blizzard Warning means heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts and life-threatening wind chill. (Obviously, you’ll want to stay inside and avoid traveling during a blizzard.)
  • Frost/Freeze Warning means below freezing temperatures are expected.

And in case you missed it, check out this New York Times story where our Boston native and resident winter weather expert, Deputy Administrator Rich Serino, talks about ways you can get prepared for a power outage – a possibility after a severe winter storm.

Rina Fizzling Out
According the National Hurricane Center forecasts, the remnants of Hurricane Rina are still swirling in the Caribbean, and pose little to no threat to the U.S. or its territories. We continue to closely monitor the tropics, as hurricane season lasts until November 30. If you live in an area that may be affected by hurricanes or tropical storms, take steps to get prepared today at Ready.gov/hurricanes.