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For the People<br />
Governor Sean Parnell<br />
Commander in Chief<br />
This spring, weather conditions proved<br />
to be tumultuous around the United States.<br />
Tornados struck several communities in the<br />
Lower 48, and here at home, we contended<br />
with ice jam flooding along some of our<br />
most powerful rivers during breakup.<br />
The community of Crooked Creek was<br />
hit particularly hard when the Kuskokwim<br />
River pushed large ice chunks onto land,<br />
flooding the town and destroying homes,<br />
vehicles and town resources. After seeing<br />
the devastation firsthand, I declared a state<br />
disaster in the area so that state resources<br />
could be allocated to help the village quickly<br />
recover and rebuild. In addition, the federal<br />
government approved a federal disaster<br />
Emergency Preparedness a Priority<br />
declaration, which allocated federal funding<br />
to the area.<br />
Rebuilding after a natural disaster can<br />
be difficult; however, the worst of times can<br />
often bring out the best in people. My wife,<br />
Sandy, and I had the opportunity to visit<br />
Joplin, Mo., in June after a horrific tornado<br />
ripped through that community. Although<br />
we witnessed tremendous destruction, we<br />
were encouraged by the community’s steadfast<br />
faith, can-do spirit, and the volunteer<br />
efforts of neighbors and those from other<br />
states to step up and help in the effort.<br />
Here at home, it is important for<br />
individuals and families to have a plan and<br />
resources available to act in the event of<br />
an emergency. For information on how to<br />
do this, go to www.ready.alaska.gov.<br />
As a state, our priorities are to ensure<br />
we have emergency power generators<br />
located around the state, water purification<br />
capabilities in place, funding available to<br />
train emergency responders and a catastrophic<br />
disaster plan in hand.<br />
By working together, we can be well<br />
prepared and build a more secure and<br />
bright future for Alaska. Enjoy our beautiful<br />
Alaskan summer and hopefully catch a<br />
few fish! ■<br />
Recovery Options for Crooked Creek. After an inspection of the damaged areas in Crooked Creek, Governor Sean Parnell, third from left, discusses recovery options in<br />
May with Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Director John Madden, right, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Commissioner Major General Thomas H. Katkus,<br />
left, and State Representative Alan Dick. Parnell later declared the ice-jam flooding in Crooked Creek a state disaster, which also received federal disaster recognition and support.<br />
Photo: Jeremy Zidek, DHS&EM Public Affairs<br />
2 Securing the State, Defending the Nation WARRIORS • <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2011</strong>
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