NOTE:

This blog is maintained as an effort to coordinate and collocate responding agencies' information for easier public access during events on the Kenai Peninsula. The information here is written and provided by the contributing agencies. NOTE: The blog will be updated as the need arises and may be dormant at times.

Friday, November 30, 2018

11/30/18 KPB Conducts Damage Assessments


On 11/30/18 @ 10:02 the Tsunami warning was cancelled for the coastal communities of Kachemak Bay and Resurrection Bay. The Office of Emergency Management and borough departments have switched from response to conducting damage assessments on public infrastructure such as schools, fire stations, hospitals, roads and other borough buildings. At initial assessment, there is no imminent danger to life safety. Minor damages to roads are being reported but are passable, use caution and adhere to road signs. Visit Alaska511 for state road reports. The borough is in contact with the municipalities of Seward and Homer to provide support as requested. The attached map illustrates the possible tidal inundation zones for the Kachemak, Bay, Resurrection Bay and Cook Inlet.



11/30/18 Tsunami Warnings Cancelled for Kachemak Bay and Resurrection Bay

The tsunami warnings are cancelled for the coastal communities of Kachemak Bay and Ressurection Bay. For more information visit https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=27831806

11/30/18 Tsunami Warning for all Kachemak and Resurrection Bay Communities

The Borough Office of Emergency Management has released an emergency statement for residents living in the coastal communities of Kachemak Bay and Resurrection Bay area. Registered cell phones within the notified area will received the message to evacuate to higher ground now.

This is tsunami warning from the office of emergency management.
At 0829AM an earthquake at preliminary magnitude of 7.0 occurred 5 miles north of Anchorage, AK

Estimated tsunami start time for Seward and Resurrection Bay area residents is 09:30AM

Estimated tsunami start time for Homer and Kachemak Bay area residents is 011:45AM

Coastal area residents - move inland to higher ground now.
Tsunami warning means dangerous series of waves many hours after the initial arrival.
Listen to local radio station or VHF marine radio for updates.
Coastal area residents - move inland to higher ground now.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

10/17/18 Heavy Equipment Operators Make Strides in the Seward - Bear Creek Flooded Areas



10.17.18 Seward Flood Response morning update


10/17/18 Seward Bear Creek Response Map

Click HERE to view response actions in the communities of Seward, Bear Creek and Lowell Point. This map, developed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough GIS Department, includes dynamic layers and attributes that will be updated as the situation changes.



Kenai Peninsula Borough Emergency Management
Public Information
907-714-2495 (8:00AM - 5:00PM)
sewardflood2018@gmail.com
Facebook @sewardflood2018

10/17/18 KPBSD Seward Area Schools Update

After the two-hour delay start today, Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Seward area schools will open, and the school day will end on a normal schedule.

The weather predictions and local conditions for Thursday and Friday will be closely monitored. 
Tip: The KPB and Office of Emergency Management created this informational page:https://www.facebook.com/sewardflood2018/

Previous Alert:

ALERT: TWO HOUR DELAY START* for these Seward area KPBSD schools on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 due to weather conditions.
Moose Pass School
Seward Elementary
Seward High School
Seward Middle School

If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure, an announcement will be made by 8:00 AM.
*A two hour delay means that buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and staff arrives at school two hours later than normal.
Parents and guardians, if you decide, based on conditions near you to keep your child at home, kindly call your school to let them know. Absences will be excused.




Tuesday, October 16, 2018

10/16/18 Response Efforts Captured from the Air

Local responders pushed, diverted or hardened embankments, levees and tunnels throughout the Seward, Bear Creek area in an effort to protect life and property as rains continued to increase flood waters. Please stay away from operations, give the right-of-way to heavy machinery or response vehicles, and heed road closure and safety signs.  Photography taken today 10/16/18 by Alaska Aerial Technologies.








Kenai Peninsula Borough Information 

907-714-2495 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

sewardflood2018@gmail.com

Facebook @sewardflood2018

Seward Area Schools Delay Start on 10/17/18


►ALERT: TWO HOUR DELAY START* for these Seward area KPBSD schools on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018, due to weather conditions.

Moose Pass School
Seward Elementary
Seward High School
Seward Middle School

If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure, an announcement will be made by 8:00 AM.

*A two hour delay means that buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and staff arrives at school two hours later than normal.


Parents and guardians, if you decide, based on conditions near you to keep your child at home, kindly call your school to let them know. Absences will be excused.


10.16.18 Kenai Peninsula Borough evening update


10/16/18 City of Seward Flooding & Declaration of Emergency - Press Release #2

City of Seward, Alaska


Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 4:40 p.m.

UPDATE:

The City Manager has called a Special Meeting on Friday, October 19, 2018 immediately following the adjournment of the work session for the City Council to approve a resolution for the Declaration of Emergency.

Residents of Seward and the surrounding area should avoid flooded areas and use caution around heavy equipment and machinery. 

Impacted areas from heavy rain, winds, and flooding are:
  • Lowell Creek Bridge & Waterfall – Closed to pedestrian traffic; limit vehicle traffic as crews from the Public Works Department work with local contractors to clear debris and remove gravel using heavy equipment and machinery.
  • Dieckgraeff Road – Gravel portion of road closed to vehicle traffic; water over the road; borough crews are working with local contractors using heavy equipment and machinery.
  • Mile 3.5 Seward Highway & Bikepath – Highway is open; use caution and limit speed; water over road.
  • Mile 5 Seward Highway at Bear Creek Fire Station – Highway is open; use extreme caution and limit speed; deep water over road.
  • Seward Airport – North runway is closed; deep standing water over most of the runway.
Road Closures:
  • Portions of the DIECKGRAEFF ROAD are closed.
  • SEWARD AIRPORT is closed.
Traffic advisories issued for all Seward area roads.

Updates to follow.
Information will also be provided on the city’s website at: http://www.cityofseward.us/

Brenda Ballou, City Clerk

10.16.18 Seward Flood Photos


                                                          Kwechak creek, South of Bruno road

Salmon creek

Salmon creek

South end of Bruno road

South end of Bruno road


10/16/18 City of Seward Special Meeting Friday 10/19/18

SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE

Pursuant to Seward City Code 2.10.030 (2), this is to serve as the written notice calling a Special City Council Meeting on Friday, October 19, 2018 immediately following the adjournment of the work session for the purpose of:

Resolution 2018-083, Declaring A State Of Emergency Due To Flooding Damage In The City Of Seward And Requesting Assistance.

The meeting will commence in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 410 Adams Street, Seward. All interested persons are invited to attend the meetings.

10/16/18 Borough Office of Emergency Management Opens Call Center


The Borough Office of Emergency Management has activated the OEM call center to provide information regarding the ongoing flood response in the Seward / Bear Creek area. For non-emergency information, call 907-714-2495. The call center is open 8:00AM to 5:00PM until further notice.

Public information 907-714-2495

10.16.18 Seward Flood update


If there is water across the road, slow down…or maybe even turnaround. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. Only eighteen inches of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs.

Be prepared. It is always a good idea to have medication, important papers, and other key items ready to go in the event flooding occurs in your area.

Call (907) 714-2495 for non-emergency information

911 calls are for emergencies only!

For information: KPBoem.com

10/16/18: Seward Area School Closures

 

►ALERT: SEWARD SCHOOLS WILL RELEASE EARLY Tuesday, October 16, 2018 DUE TO AREA WEATHER

Due to predicted rain and area flooding, Seward schools are releasing early. Buses will run early today, on this schedule.

·         Seward High School: 12:00 release

·         Seward Middle School: 12:00 release

·         Seward Elementary: 12:30 release

All after-school programs are cancelled.

Use caution when traveling through this area.

The district will announce updates for school on Wednesday as further information becomes available later today.

Note: Moose Pass School will remain open on a normal schedule today. If parents are concerned, they can contact the school and pick up their children early.

For official information, in addition to www.KPBSD.org, and KPBSD social media, follow along with Kenai Peninsula Borough and coordinating agency alerts: http://kpboem.blogspot.com/

10/16/18 Kenai Peninsula Borough Declares State of Emergency


Mayor Charlie Pierce has declared a state of emergency for the Kenai Peninsula Borough due to flooding events affecting the Kenai Peninsula Borough. This declaration follows the City of Seward’s declaration of emergency also released today. Local resources are addressing impacts caused by storm water and debris that is damaging roads, bridges and public facilities. Communities included in the borough declaration are City of Seward, Bear Creek and Lowell Point, all within the Seward/Bear Creek Flood Service Area boundaries.

The declaration has been formally submitted to Governor Walker. With the governor’s approval, the State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management will provide assistance to the borough and to affected areas as directed.

The KPB Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is continuing its operations to provide resource requests to the City of Seward and to residents in the Seward Bear Creek Flood Service Area. The EOC continues to monitor rising water levels and to collect damage assessments throughout the borough.

KPB Public Information
907-714-2495

sewardflood2018@gmail.com

10/16/18 Notice of Special Assembly Meeting



10/16/18 Seward Bear Creek Flooding Response


Turn Around Don’t Drown! Heavy rainfall and breached streams are heavily impacting roads in the Seward, Bear Creek and Lowell Point communities. As of 10/16/18, the Solid Waste Transfer site and Dieckgraeff Road is closed as well as Bruno Road due to flooding and breached embankments. Use caution traveling to the Seward area, slow down when approaching water across roadways, watch for road closure and detour signs.

Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. Only eighteen inches of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs. It is impossible to tell the exact depth of water covering a roadway or the condition of the road below the water. This is especially true at night when your vision is more limited.  It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters. Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway, or path, follow this simple rule: Turn Around Don’t Drown.

More information will be provided as response measures change.
Public information 907-714-2495

Monday, May 28, 2018

Did you get Ready-Set-Go! this weekend?

Click HERE for more tips on creating defensible space, making a go kit and having an emergency plan during wildland fire season.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

What Does Cooperation Mean to You During Wildland Fire Season?

The #ReadySetGo! Program shares great tips on property protection, personal preparedness and cooperation during #wildland fire season. Are you Ready-Set-Go?...

Friday, May 25, 2018

Are You Ready for Wildland Fire Season?

The #ReadySetGo! Program has great preparedness information from #Firewise practices to personal action plans. Are you ready for #wildland fire season? Check out wildlandfireRSG.org for more information.

Got Yard Work on the List This Weekend?

Check out the #Ready-Set-Go homeowner tips for creating #Firewise defensible space around your home.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

01/23/18 @ 11:40 Final Post for the 01/23/18 Earthquake and Tsunami Response


Early this morning an earthquake shook all of us into the keen awareness of being prepared during an emergency. For our coastal communities, the tsunami warning system alerted residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately; and the warnings worked. Area residents living in low lying areas followed the well-known evacuation routes and mustered at predetermined locations in their communities. And just as responders directed folks to sheltering locations, residents returned home after the all clear was released from a warning to an advisory status. First responders that continued to work well into this morning are commended for their commitment to residents’ safety #teamwork!

There are several warning systems that were triggered for the tsunami warning: (1) the wireless emergency alert system that worked automatically with the tsunami warning sirens; (2) the warning sirens located in coastal communities that are within tsunami inundation zones (remember, there are no sirens for inland communities); (3) the borough’s emergency notification system that alerts landlines and registered cellphones (aka “Rapid Notify”). Part of the after action is to review all warning systems, evaluate gaps and install improvements after final analysis.

It is times like this that we are reminded of the strong sense of community and neighborhood engagement, ensuring each other’s safety. It is an affirmation that we Alaskans are resilient and often reminded to be prepared in the times of local emergencies.  In the coming weeks, the borough will continue to post preparedness tidbits to aide your local preparedness.


For now, take a moment to register on this borough-wide information blog. When this virtual joint information blog is activated during an area-wide response that involves multiple jurisdictions, you will receive emails from the responding agencies firsthand. Look for the “follow by email” window on the left hand side of your desktop. NOTE: Be sure to switch to “view web version” if you are registering from a cell phone. And lastly, remember to reply to the blog’s email, confirming that you are a real person.

This is the final post for the 01/23/2018 Earthquake and Tsunami Response Messaging.

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01/23/18 @ 03:30 Tsunami Alerts Have Been Downgraded to "Advisory" for Coastal Communities

At 03:15AM the National Weather Service has downgraded the tsunami warning to ADVISORY for the coastal communities of Seward and Lowell Point in the Resurrection Bay low lying areas as well as in Homer, Seldovia, Port Graham and Nanwalek in the Kachemak Bay low lying areas.

Tidal severity levels forecast height of 0.4 feet in Seward AK (Resurrection Bay).

Tidal severity levels forecast height of 1 foot in Homer AK (Kachemak Bay).

Please follow first responders' directions for re-entry in your specific community. Use caution and continue to listen to local radio and VHF marine radio channels for updates.

01/23/18 @ 02:15AM Evacuations Underway on East and West Side of Kenai Peninsula

The Cities of Seward (Southeast Kenai Peninsula) and Homer (Southwest Kenai Peninsula) are currently under evacuation orders. First responders are urging residents to follow evacuation routes to higher ground. Listen to local radio stations or VHF marine radio channels for current updates. Do not re-enter low lying areas until the all clear has been determined.

01/23/18 @ 02:05 Tsunami Warning for Homer and Kachemak Bay Area Residents

The Borough Office of Emergency Management has released a RapidNotify statement for residents living in the Homer and low lying areas of Kachemak Bay. Registered cell phones within the notified area will receive the following message:
This is tsunami warning from the office of emergency management.
At 12:32AM an earthquake at preliminary magnitude of 8.2 occurred 175 miles SE of Kodiak City AK
This is tsunami warning from the Office of Emergency Management.
Estimated tsunami start time for Homer and Kachemak Bay area residents is 2:50AM January 23, 2018.
Coastal area residents - move inland to higher ground now.
Tsunami warning means dangerous series of waves many hours after the initial arrival.
Listen to local radio station or VHF marine radio for updates.
Coastal area residents - move inland to higher ground now.

01/23/18 @ 01:45AM Tsunami Warning For Seward and Resurrection Bay Residents

The Borough Office of Emergency Management has released a RapidNotify statement for residents living in the Seward and Resurrection Bay area. Registered cell phones within the notified area will receive the following message:
This is tsunami warning from the office of emergency management.
At 12:32AM an earthquake at preliminary magnitude of 8.2 occurred 175 miles SE of Kodiak City AK
This is tsunami warning from the Office of Emergency Management.
Estimated tsunami start time for Seward and Resurrection Bay area residents is 1:55AM January 23, 2018.
Coastal area residents - move inland to higher ground now.
Tsunami warning means dangerous series of waves many hours after the initial arrival.
Listen to local radio station or VHF marine radio for updates.
Coastal area residents - move inland to higher ground now.