Dear Editor: The Sentinel article “New Study Maps Alaska’s Thousands of Landslides” and the recent Elfin Cove slide Sept. 23, 2025, raise questions about Sitka’s emergency preparedness. Landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are natural disasters that threaten our community. Additionally, disasters include dam breaks, structural bridge damage, and loss of telecommunications. We are vulnerable.
What are the city’s emergency plans when a catastrophic event hits Sitka? There is a public blowhorn that can warn us, but not only can people not hear it, they also can’t clearly discern what is being broadcast to take appropriate action. Did you know the police department has a warning system? Everyone should know what it can communicate and how, especially if communication systems are down.
My experience of the Alameda Fire in Oregon, drives home Sitka’s need for information in advance of an event. There, the Red Cross was the fire’s evacuation site’s saving grace (Sitka has no Red Cross).
Sitka has a Local Emergency Planning Committee with February 2025 as the last posted meeting minutes. Sitka’s website has information on emergency go kits, etc., but insufficient community direction.
The tsunami parking areas protect from sea surge, but if the event of a dam break, earthquake or damage to O’Connell Bridge, where and how do folks get food, warmth, transportation and shelter?
Remember it isn’t “if” it is “when.” Our first responders cannot do it all. We need the Assembly and candidates to answer “how are you going to keep us safe and informed in a catastrophic emergency?”
Our community needs to know and practice evacuation responses just like city officials, the fire and police departments. Don’t leave us out of this, it can and will save lives.
Carol Voisin, Sitka,
Alameda Fire Survivor
