Tanana Chiefs Conference is always willing to assist Tribes when significant flooding strikes one of our Interior communities! However, it’s still important that communities be prepared before flooding occurs. The villages that have the best outcomes after a disaster have prepared well for the disaster response and recovery, so we encourage everyone to be ready. TCC offers these tips to help you get ready for possible flooding:
Make an Emergency Kit
Having an Emergency Kit is an essential step in preparing your household for flooding! Here are some of the things we recommend including in your kit:
- First aid kit
- Water
- Food (non-perishables)
- Batteries
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- Extra clothes
- Emergency poncho
- Whistle
Know the Flood Risk
Stay updated on changing weather conditions, forecasts and other emergency events. This will ensure that you are prepared and ready when you need to take action! It’s important to monitor weather reports and know the status of breakup on the rivers.
Have an Emergency Plan
- Do you know where your community’s emergency shelter is? Is it the Tribal Hall, the school, or somewhere else?
- Do you know who will be in charge during a flood event?
- How will you know if it is time to move to a local shelter? Will there be a radio announcement or other warning?
If you don’t know these answers, get involved and ask your Tribal Council about the local emergency plan!
Flood Preparation Tips
A month before breakup:
- Find the high points around your property and other parts of the village where you can move items above flood level if needed.
- Make a list of any equipment (generators, snow machines, and chainsaws) that will need to be moved to higher ground during a flood.
- Locate any fuel storage that will need to be secured during a flood.
- Start putting together an emergency kit of items needed if you must leave your home.
- Ask your Tribal or City Administrator about the community flood preparations. This may include a local area to evacuate to, designated people to observe the river level and alert the community.
Two weeks before breakup:
- Finish putting together your emergency kit. Remember food, water and medications!
- Remind others to plan for potential flooding, and help if needed.
- Track down available emergency response equipment in the village (boats, flotation devices, and maintenance and rescue tools).
- Get essential facilities (clinic, water treatment plant, electric utility, records storage with the City and/or Tribe, etc.) ready for possible flooding.
- Help identify “at risk” residents of the community. These are the people that need to be evacuated before flooding for medical reasons.
Identify Elders or other people that may need assistance during a flood and help to make sure they are prepared. Remember their medications.
When a flood warning has been issued:
- Flood proof the essential facilities and other public buildings.
- Secure fuel tanks, small fuel containers and barrels to keep them from floating away.
- Move all vehicles and equipment to higher ground.
- Move all dry goods and canned food items above the high water level in your home.
- Mattresses and other items that could be damaged by water should be moved above the high water level in your home.
- If a shelter has been identified, move your needed items to this location.
This groundwork can go a long way in avoiding damage and decreasing stress during breakup flooding. OEH is ready to support TCC villages with their environmental health concerns before and after flooding.
Questions?
Contact TCC’s Office of Environmental Health.
Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 4909
Email: oeh@tananachiefs.org
Website: www.tananachiefs.org/flood-preparedness