Emergency supplies list

Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Store these items in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags, or covered trash containers. These are the basics to have on hand for any emergency:

• Flashlights with spare batteries. Keep a flashlight beside your bed. Do not use matches or candles after an earthquake until you are certain no gas leaks exist.
• Battery-operated radio with spare batteries. Most telephones will be out of order or used for emergency purposes, so radios will be your best source of information. An automobile radio is a good substitute.
• First aid kit; first aid knowledge. Have a first aid book such as the Standard First Aid & Personal Safety by the American National Red Cross. Have members of your household take basic Red Cross first aid and CPR courses.
• Fire extinguisher. Keep a fire extinguisher handy for small fires. Some extinguishers are only good for certain types of fires--electrical, grease, or gas. Class ABC extinguishers are designed to be used safely on any type of fire.
• Food. It's a practical idea to keep a supply of non-perishable food on hand that can be rotated into your diet and be replenished on a regular basis. Have a sufficient supply of canned or dehydrated food, powdered milk, and canned juices for at least three days.
• Water. Water should be stored in airtight containers and replaced every six months. Store at least three gallons per person.
• Warm clothes and blankets. Have enough warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags to survive subzero winter temperatures.
• Special items. Keep on hand at least a week's supply of medications and special foods needed for infants or those on limited diets.
• Tools. Have a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water mains.

Emergency broadcasts after an earthquake

News dissemination after a disaster takes time and can prove frustrating when we want, and have come to expect, immediate and complete information. Search the radio and television dial to find stations that are able to give information. Remember that initial reports may be inaccurate. Don't believe everything you hear. Pay particular attention to information from a governmental source.

The first information about a large local earthquake may come from the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center or from the Alaska Earthquake Information Center. The initial estimates of location and magnitude are likely to be revised as more information is analyzed.

Initial reports of damage, based primarily on eyewitness accounts, may be misleading and cause speculation. Local news-gathering capabilities may be severely hindered by the disaster, because the news media's power may be off or their news staff may be unable to communicate with the station.