Prepared for Success

Prepared for Success

Contributed by Debra McGhan

Mike and Teri Buck set out from Haines Alaska in their skiff headed south 340 miles for Thorn Bay to visit family in early July. The weather favored their adventure, and they arrived safely without incident. The return journey wasn’t as smooth.

“We were watching the weather and could see a storm coming,” said Mike. “We realized if we didn’t leave first thing in the morning, we might get caught there for a good while, so we made the decision to set out.” The first day went well but it wasn’t long before the storm caught up and the couple found themselves trapped. “The wind was howling, and it was pretty sketchy at times,” said Mike. “We ended up anchored in a cove for four days waiting out the weather.”

During their wait, Mike said the wind kept whipping the mooring and cover on their boat, so they used a giant tarp they had brought along to protect them and keep their supplies dry. “It was rough, but we made it through and back to our destination without incident. It just took longer than we had originally planned.”

An inconvenience for sure, but no tragedy to report. They had packed and prepared for all types of potential emergencies. Plenty of food and water, warm dry clothes, a tent and tarps for shelter, medical supplies, fire starter, communications, tools, and a deck of cards to keep boredom at bay.

Growing up in Alaska, I have witnessed firsthand numerous emergencies and disasters including the 1964 earthquake, a devastating house fire, a fatal emergency, and more. I saw the difference between those who prepared and those who had not. I totally embrace the value of preparedness. Having the supplies necessary on hand and the skills to deal with unexpected medical emergencies and more can make all the difference should that day arrive.

One year I was at the Alaska State Fair promoting the importance of being prepared for emergencies when a young woman with small children in tow, happened by my booth. I asked if she’d like to learn about her local resources and she adamantly declined. “No thanks,” she said. “My husband takes care of all that for me.”

As I watched her walk away, I thought about my own life. I once had a husband who took care of all those things too but then he was killed in an accident, and I found myself alone with two small children. The fact that we were prepared with insurance, had family close by who stepped in to help, and my own drive and determination got me through that crisis. And it taught me that you should never rely on anyone for your own personal preparedness. Because what will you do if they are not with you when disaster strikes?

This year, thanks to support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation, AARP Alaska, American Red Cross, Alaska Safe Riders, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and so many others, the 16th annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo is set for Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Menard Sports Center from 10 am. to 3 pm.

Groups like Alaska Safe Riders will be holding workshops, demonstrations, and lots of hands-on training activities to help you and your family be prepared for all types of emergencies and disasters. Learn skills like CPR, how to put out a fire, how to build a proper emergency shelter, how to safely travel across the Alaska wilderness in the winter, what you need in case of an earthquake, and much more. The event is free and open to all ages.

There is also a youth poster contest where children from ages 5 to 18 can draw what being prepared for emergencies and disasters means to them. All entries receive a free McDonalds ice cream gift certificate and a chance to win a three-day emergency backpack, a cash gift certificate, and an award presented by the Mat-Su Borough Mayor and Assembly.

The first two hundred adult guests will receive a starter pack of supplies thanks to AARP Alaska and other sponsors.
A team of instructors from Alaska Safe Riders will also be out in the community during September and October providing free in-school workshops thanks to support from the MSHF. Learn more or request a program for your school today at https://alaskasaferiders.org.

Don’t forget, September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. The 16th annual Mat-Su Emergency Expo, set for Saturday, September 28th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Menard Sports Center, is your opportunity to make sure you and your family are prepared for whatever life and Mother Nature may throw our way.