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Alaska · Risk Readiness

What's actually likely where you live.

Before the emergency — maps, tools, and the honest picture of what Alaska throws at different parts of the state.

See AK hazards

AK hazard profile

Primary hazards. Ranked.

Alaska is the most seismically active state in the country — it experiences about 11% of all earthquakes on Earth. The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake (M9.2) is the most powerful ever recorded in North America; it killed 131 people, destroyed Anchorage neighborhoods, and generated tsunamis reaching California. The 2018 M7.1 Anchorage earthquake caused widespread damage and infrastructure failure without a tsunami. Major earthquakes in Alaska are not rare events — they are a recurring fact of life. Alaska's Aleutian subduction zone generates some of the most powerful Pacific tsunamis. Coastal Alaska communities — Kodiak, Homer, Seward, Valdez, Sitka — have 15-30 minutes to reach high ground after a local earthquake. The 1964 earthquake's tsunami destroyed Crescent City, California and Hilo, Hawaii. Communities in Southeast Alaska fjords face amplified local tsunamis from underwater landslides triggered by earthquakes. Alaska has approximately 130 of the world's historically active volcanoes, concentrated in the Aleutian chain. The 1912 Novarupta eruption in the Katmai region was the largest 20th-century eruption on Earth. Cleveland, Shishaldin, Pavlof, and Redoubt volcanoes erupt regularly. The 1989-90 Redoubt eruption caused $160M in damage and disrupted aviation across the North Pacific. Volcanic ash from Aleutian eruptions regularly forces flight diversions.

Official tools

Look up your address. Know your risk.

Insurance gaps

What your homeowner's policy doesn't cover.

Standard homeowner's policies in Alaska exclude flood damage. Flood insurance through the NFIP has a 30-day waiting period — it cannot be purchased when a storm is forecast. Check your declarations page annually to confirm your coverage limits and deductibles.

Not in your standard policy

Flood damage — requires NFIP or private flood policy

Earthquake damage — requires separate endorsement

Sewer & drain backup — requires endorsement ($50–$100/yr)

Landslide / mudflow — generally excluded

Next steps

Where do you want to go next?

During an emergency

Find alerts, contacts, and shelters.

NC emergency contacts, alert signups, and real-time information.

Local Emergency

Get prepared

Run through the AK checklist.

Step-by-step actions based on the hazards that apply to Alaska.

AK Checklists