Anchorage Engages in Earthquake Preparedness Drills During Great Alaska Shake Out 2026

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – On Thursday, the Municipality of Anchorage activated its Emergency Operations Center for several hours to participate in the 2026 Great Alaska Shake Out. This exercise allowed city officials to practice essential skills that would be crucial during a significant earthquake.

Public Information Officer Megan Peters characterized the Emergency Operations Center as the ‘nerve center’ during emergencies, where officials assess damage to infrastructure, determine necessary responses, and coordinate with various service providers. Anchorage firefighters also rehearsed life-saving techniques, such as constructing supports called ‘shores’ for partially collapsed buildings to facilitate rescues. Incident Commander Jeff Negrete emphasized the importance of these drills, noting their relevance to routine calls in addition to earthquake scenarios. He recommended that the public subscribe to Anchorage Rave Alerts to stay informed during emergencies.