Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters, and they often occur in Alaska in the spring. According to the National Weather Service, the spring breakup flood potential is above average this year, due to the current snowpack, temperature forecasts and reports of ice thickness from around the state.
“While the upcoming season brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can increase the risk of flooding,” said Shayne Jones, American Red Cross of Alaska Senior Disaster Program Manager. “It’s vitally important that residents along Alaska's major rivers prepare for this threat now.”
Because the potential for flooding is high in the coming weeks, it's important for residents to learn what they can do now to keep their loved ones safe, and how to react should a flood occur in their area.
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About the American Red Cross of Alaska: In Fiscal Year 2019, the American Red Cross of Alaska responded to 435 disasters by offering food, shelter, relief supplies, comfort, hope and recovery services to 1,096 Alaskans in 50 communities statewide. Our preparedness teams installed 2,171 free smoke alarms and educated 1,409 youth through The Pillowcase Project. Our Training Services department enrolled 19,665 students in first aid/CPR/AED, aquatics and caregiving classes. Our Service to the Armed Forces staff exchanged 1,299 emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. In Fiscal Year 2019, our statewide workforce of 729 volunteers logged 40,735 hours in service to our mission and their fellow Alaskans. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Alaska or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossak.