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Are You Ready For A Tsunami?

Greta Mart

Public safety officials from around the region are gathered in Dutch Harbor discussing tsunami preparedness this week.

Dan Belanger of the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management says it's important for families and businesses to be prepared.

"Out here you’re on your own. You’re in Dutch Harbor. You’re in Alaska. You’re along way from -- I won’t say a long way from nowhere -- but you’re a long way from everything else. You have to be self sufficient, self-reliant. It may be awhile to get some help, so just being prepared," Belanger said.

He recommends having at least seven days worth of supplies in an emergency kit.

With a lot of staff turn over in the state, the yearly meeting is an important opportunity for towns around the region to share best practices.

"And we kind of use this as a team sharing thing -- to say we do this here. Would that work in your community? And if so, can we implement it? And if not, why?" he asked.

According the Belanger, the city of Unalaska is well equipped to respond to a range of hazardous events including tsunamis, fires, and fishing industry accidents.

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Zoë Sobel reported for KUCB from 2016 until 2019. She returned to KUCB after a year living in Nepal and Malaysia as a Luce Scholar. She then returned to KUCB as a ProPublica reporter August of 2020 through August of 2021.