ALASKA HONORS NATIONAL DAM SAFETY DAY, MAY 31

CAMP DENALI, Alaska --- In recognition of the first annual National Dam Safety Awareness Day, the Alaska Division of Emergency Services (DES) is asking all communities and citizens to be aware of dams in their area and their emergency action plans for dam failures.

Alaska currently has more than 160 dams, more than 80 of which are under state jurisdiction and more than 20 are under federal jurisdiction. The Division of Mining, Land and Water of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and DES are coordinating with state-regulated dam operators throughout Alaska to assist them in establishing emergency action plans for dams. Individuals and communities should be familiar with dams in their area and how to respond in case of emergencies.

In the event of a dam emergency, DES workers and DNR’s Dam Safety and Construction Unit would monitor the situation with the dam owner and the local emergency responders to protect public safety and mitigate the emergency.

Officials suggest that persons check with local emergency managers for information on dams in their area. Persons in homes or businesses who are at risk in the event of a dam failure should take the following steps to prepare for emergencies:

• Be familiar with the notification and evacuation procedures in the dam’s Emergency Action Plan.
• Establish the quickest way to reach a safe place on high ground, and make sure all family members know the way.
• Ensure all family members are aware of your family disaster plan for any emergency.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated May 31, 2000 as National Dam Safety Awareness Day as part of their Project Impact: Building Disaster Resistant Communities initiative. Project Impact was launched as a way to lessen the impact of future disasters.

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