Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Local Emergency Planning

Mat-Su LEPC Plan focus: All Hazards

The Mat-Su LEPC is committed to the safety of our communities by ensuring proper resources and planning for emergencies.

Communities Served

The district served by the Mat-Su LEPC encompasses (but is not limited to) the incorporated communities of:

  • Houston
  • Palmer
  • Wasilla

It also serves the Borough's many rural unincorporated communities, including:

  • Alexander Creek
  • Big Lake
  • Butte
  • Chase
  • Chickaloon
  • Knik
  • Lazy Mountain
  • Meadow Lakes
  • Skwentna
  • Sunshine
  • Sutton
  • Talkeetna
  • Trapper Creek
  • Willow.

Hazards Analysis

Moderate Risk.

The district's widely scattered population and large area limit the number of people potentially affected by an incident, but increases response difficulty. The borough and cities each have some limited, full-time, emergency response resources. Several communities have volunteer fire and ambulance services. Disaster emergency responses are usually coordinated on an area-wide basis by the borough's Public Safety Director. Outside assistance may be needed to respond to a major disaster. Wildland/urban interface fires can be a threat in most areas of the Borough. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods and other severe weather events can affect the entire district. Commercial airlines serve the nearby Anchorage International Airport and the Palmer municipal airport supports private and chartered services.

The Alaska Railroad connects the district to Anchorage, Seward or Whittier for ocean freight delivery. Ammonia and chlorine are routinely transported to and through the borough by truck, and formaldehyde is shipped through by rail to Fairbanks. Also, given the mining industry's need for certain "extremely hazardous substances", other chemicals may occasionally transit the district by rail or truck bound for interior Alaska and Canada.

Tier II & Sara Title III

Tier II is an EPA requirement that requires that facilities with reportable quantities of chemicals and hazardous substances must submit annual reports  of their inventory. Alaska has additional requirements to meet Tier II.

Tier II Forms & Information

TitleLink
Alaska Tier II Forms
Instructions for Tier II Forms
Tier II Policy and Procedures
AS 29.35.500
Title III of these SARA provisions is also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). SARA Title III requires states to: Promote outreach for developing local emergency preparedness programs to respond to chemical releases. Receive reports from the regulated community.

Sara Title III and Community Right to Know Act

TitleLink
Sara Title III Summary
Community Right to Know Information

Resources

Be Prepared!  Know about your Local Resources!  Having a Personal or Family Disaster Plan is vital.

Preparedness & Survival Kits

TitleLink
Build a 7 Day Survival Kit

Volcano Information:

LEPC Volcano Info

TitleLink
Ash Alert! How to protect Your family, home and business if volcanic ash hits
How to Prepare for a Volcanic Eruption

Becoming aware of your resources...including, but not limited to:

State and Federal Resources

TitleLink
Homeland Security and Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness 7 Day Survival Kit
Build a 7 Day Survival Kit
Alaska State Troopers
American Red Cross of Alaska
Firewise.org
Matanuska Susitna Borough
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center

Business Disaster Preparedness and Continuity Information

TitleLink
Firewise.org
American Red Cross
Citizen's Corp
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Ready.Gov
Small Business Adminstration
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Other National Resources

TitleLink
People for Emergency Preparedness Planning for Animals (PEPPA)
The Disaster Center
The Right to Know Network
U.S. Dept of Transportation Office of Hazardous Materials Safety