Voices of the Peninsula: Tsunami warning test scheduled for Wednesday

  • By Dan Nelson
  • Sunday, March 27, 2016 3:56pm
  • Opinion

In March of 1964 a 9.2 earthquake struck that resulted in devastating damage to Southcentral Alaska, and forever changed the landscape of many of our coastal communities, including Homer and Seldovia. 52 years later, we are reminded that we still face a risk of emergency and disaster each day — especially as we think back to our recent 7.1 earthquake in January.

Annually, the State of Alaska in cooperation with the Kenai Peninsula Borough and communities on the Peninsula conduct a tsunami warning test each March near the anniversary of the 1964 Earthquake. This year, the test will be conducted on Wednesday, March 30, at about 10:15 a.m. The Borough will be testing the siren warning system located in coastal areas — tests of the Emergency Alert System will also occur in all areas of the Kenai Peninsula

Residents and visitors in Homer, Seward, and Kachemak Bay will hear the actual tsunami warning sound, followed by a message indicating that the message was a test. Throughout Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula, expect our local radio and television stations to broadcast the message as well. Text and audio on these stations should indicate that the message is only for testing purposes. The Central Peninsula does not have any coastal areas with warning sirens.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

This annual test is specially authorized to use the actual dissemination that a real tsunami warning would utilize, and provides an opportunity for emergency managers, community leaders, broadcast partners and others to verify that the systems will function properly in the event of an actual earthquake or tsunami.

Modern technology has changed the way we provide warnings to residents, and has extended to utilize phone calls, texting, and “push” notifications to mobile phones. Some applications on mobile phones may pick up the March 30th test warning and notify their users as well.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough utilizes a system to rapidly disseminate information to telephone numbers throughout our area using voice and text messages. Mobile phone users are not automatically opted-in to the system. To receive these notifications on your mobile device, visit www.kpb.us/emergency and click on the ‘Register your cell phone’ link. This service is used only for emergency notifications, and registered telephone numbers are kept confidential. It is not necessary to register your landline telephones.

In addition to warning systems, now is a good time to review emergency preparations for yourself and family members. During the 1964 quake, we saw damage to roads and bridges connecting the Kenai to Anchorage and beyond — including the Port of Anchorage that receives the majority of freight and supplies for the state. Generally, all families should strive to be self-sufficient for at least seven days after a disaster. This could include having enough food, water, medication, and other essential supplies on hand. Families should also consider having backup generators, heating, and cooking sources in case of disruption or damage to utility systems.

The Office of Emergency Management provides information for individuals, families, and businesses on how to prepare for emergencies, and what plans are in place to respond to a major event. Please contact our office at 262-2098 for questions about the upcoming tests or disaster preparedness. Documents on preparedness and emergency plans are available on our website at www.kpb.us/emergency

Dan Nelson is the program coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management.

More in Opinion

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Life is harder when you outlive your support group

Long-time friends are more important than ever to help us cope, to remind us we are not alone and that others feel the same way.

A silver salmon is weighed at Three Bears in Kenai, Alaska. Evelyn McCoy, customer service PIC at Three Bears, looks on. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Will coho salmon be the next to disappear in the Kenai River?

Did we not learn anything from the disappearance of the kings from the Kenai River?

Jonathan Flora is a lifelong commercial fisherman and dockworker from Homer, Alaska.
Point of View: Not fishing for favors — Alaskans need basic health care access

We ask our elected officials to oppose this bill that puts our health and livelihoods in danger.

Alex Koplin. (courtesy photo)
Opinion: Public schools do much more than just teach the three Rs

Isn’t it worth spending the money to provide a quality education for each student that enters our schools?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Letter to the Editor: Law enforcement officers helped ensure smooth, secure energy conference

Their visible commitment to public safety allowed attendees to focus fully on collaboration, learning, and the important conversations shaping our path forward.

Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo
The present-day KTOO public broadcasting building, built in 1959 for the U.S. Army’s Alaska Communications System Signal Corps, is located on filled tidelands near Juneau’s subport. Today vehicles on Egan Drive pass by the concrete structure with satellite dishes on the roof that receive signals from NPR, PBS and other sources.
My Turn: Stand for the community radio, not culture war optics

Alaskans are different and we pride ourselves on that. If my vehicle… Continue reading

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) delivers his annual speech to the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: Sullivan, Trump and the rule of lawlessness

In September 2023, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan established his own Alaska Federal… Continue reading

UAA Provost Denise Runge photographed outside the Administration and Humanities Building at the University of Alaskas Anchorage. (courtesy photo)
Opinion: UAA’s College of Health — Empowering Alaska’s future, one nurse at a time

At the University of Alaska Anchorage, we understand the health of our… Continue reading

U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, address a joint session of the Alaska Legislature on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: A noncongressman for Alaska?

It’s right to ask whether Nick Begich is a noncongressman for Alaska.… Continue reading

Boats return to the Homer Harbor at the end of the fishing period for the 30th annual Winter King Salmon Tournament on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Opinion: Funding sustainable fisheries

Spring is always a busy season for Alaska’s fishermen and fishing communities.… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference on Monday, May 19, 2025, to discuss his decision to veto an education bill. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: On fiscal policy, Dunleavy is a governor in name only

His fiscal credibility is so close to zero that lawmakers have no reason to take him seriously.

You're browsing in private mode.
Please sign in or subscribe to continue reading articles in this mode.

Peninsula Clarion relies on subscription revenue to provide local content for our readers.

Subscribe

Already a subscriber? Please sign in