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Alaska Risk MAP Program

Community Risk MAP Studies

Kodiak Island Borough Risk MAP Study

In August 2011, FEMA and the State inititated the first phase of a multi-hazard risk assessment for earthquake, tsunami and flood hazards in the Kodiak Island Borough.

Kodiak Island is highly vulnerable to both earthquake and tsunami hazards. During the magnitude 9.2 Alaska Earthquake in 1964, the island experienced massive tsunami waves and destruction. Kodiak Island Borough has also encountered notable flood events in recent years. In October of 2009, Kodiak Island experienced severe storms that caused heavy rainfall and widespread flooding across the borough resulting in a presidential disaster declaration in December of 2009.

A draft Risk Report, Earthquake Risk Assessment for the City of Kodiak and Adjacent Areas, was prepared as a result of this Risk MAP study, however it has not been finalized and is not yet publicly available.

The draft report summarizes the impacts from three scenario earthquakes at the City of Kodiak, and on the built environment along the road system (City of Kodiak to Narrow Cape and Cape Chiniak), including U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak in Woman’s Bay.

The report provides non-regulatory information to help local or Tribal officials, floodplain managers, planners, emergency managers, and others better understand their risk to natural hazards, take steps to mitigate those risks, and communicate those risks to their citizens and local businesses.

When finalized, the report is intended to be used for the following purposes:

  • Update local hazard mitigation plans and community comprehensive plans – Planners can use natural hazard risk information in the development and/or update of hazard mitigation plans, comprehensive plans, future land use maps, and zoning regulations. For example, zoning codes may be changed to better provide for appropriate land uses in high hazard areas.
  • Update emergency operations and response plans – Emergency managers can identify low risk areas for potential evacuation and sheltering. Risk assessment results information may show vulnerable areas, facilities and infrastructure for which planning for continuity of operations plans (COOP), continuity of government (COG) plans, and emergency operations plans (EOP) would be essential.
  • Communicate risk – Local officials can use the information in this report to communicate with property owners, business owners, and other citizens about risks and areas of mitigation.
  • Inform the modification of development standards – Planners and public works officials can use information in this report to support the adjustment of development standards for certain locations.

The risk products provided under FEMA’s Risk MAP program are available and intended for community use, but are not tied to the regulatory development and insurance requirements nor are required to be used. They may be used as regulatory products by communities if state and local enabling authorities authorize their use. Possible users of this report include local elected officials, community planners, emergency managers, public works officials, and other special Interests.

Contact for More Information

Sally Russell Cox
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1650,
Anchorage, AK 99501-3569
Phone (907) 269-4588
Fax (907)269-4539
Email: sally.cox@alaska.gov