DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska Podcast

Get Ready Alaska – 1964 Earthquake and Outdoor Awareness with Debra McGhan

1964 Good Friday Earthquake survivor and outdoor safety educator Debra McGhan joins Get Ready Alaska to share her experience during the quake, her work as former director of the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, and her involvement with Alaska Safe Rides. Inspired by the 1964 earthquake and other events, Debra has dedicated years to volunteering and helping Alaskans stay safer outdoors and in their communities.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon/Audible, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - Hunter Preparedness with Lt. Ralf Lysdahl

Get ready for the wild with Lt. Ralf Lysdahl of the Alaska Wildlife Troopers. In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, Lt. Lysdahl shares crucial advice for preparing to enter Alaska's backcountry.

Every year, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts find themselves in distress in the Alaskan wilderness. Challenges like rough terrain, harsh weather, poor decision-making, and unexpected bad luck can quickly turn an adventure into a rescue situation.

Lt. Lysdahl provides numerous, actionable tips that people can implement before and during any wilderness adventure. He emphasizes the critical need for preparation, including checking the weather forecast and conditions, having the proper equipment for survival and signaling, and the absolute importance of leaving a detailed travel plan with someone reliable. This episode offers essential guidance for every Alaskan outdoor enthusiast looking to stay safe and prepared.

You can find Get Ready Alaska on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon/Audible, and Podbean.

NOTE: This episode was originally to be published in the fall of 2025. Due to disaster events DHS&EM staff was not able to publish this episode at that time. While it is no longer hunting season the information is still relevant. Enjoy!

Get Ready Alaska - Ketchikan Landslides with Kacie Paxton and Rick Hines

Landslides are a regular occurrence in Alaska, especially in the Southeast region. While many happen in remote areas with minimal impact, some have a significant effect on communities and individuals. In recent years, landslides have become the deadliest type of natural disaster event experienced in the state.

Ketchikan, Alaska, recently faced two landslides that directly impacted their community. On this episode of "Get Ready Alaska," Kacie Paxton and Rick Hines join us to discuss how these landslides affected their community and how residents responded.

Get Ready Alaska: UAA Emergency Management with John Huffman

As a vital hub within Southcentral Alaska, the University of Alaska Anchorage plays a critical role in regional emergency response. This episode of "Get Ready Alaska" features UAA Director of Emergency Management, John Huffman, who will delve into the university's proactive approach to disaster preparedness. We'll explore how UAA safeguards its diverse campus community, ensures effective communication during crises, and contributes to the broader community's resilience in the face of emergencies.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcast, Amazon/Audible, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska – Emergency Management in Guam with Stephen Cahill

The U.S. territory of Guam is often seen as a tropical paradise, with its warm climate, stunning landscapes, and welcoming community. However, the island is also vulnerable to powerful typhoons and potentially devastating tsunamis.

In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, we’re joined by Stephen Cahill, Tsunami Program Manager at the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense. Stephen discusses the unique challenges of emergency management on the island, Guam’s most significant natural hazards, and the vital steps residents take to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Tune in to Get Ready Alaska on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon/Audible, or Podbean to learn more about how APIP is building resilience and preparing Alaska for future disaster events.

For comprehensive emergency preparedness information, visit www.ready.alaska.gov.