WHEREAS, each Alaskan Spring brings the potential for dangerous flooding caused by ice jams in rivers, coastal storm surges, heavy precipitation, and rapid thawing of winter snow and ice that endangers lives, property, and local economies along our waterways; and

WHEREAS, nearly nine out of ten Alaska Native villages experience flooding and/or erosion; and

WHEREAS, flood events make up 75 percent of all presidential declarations of emergency and major disasters nationwide; and

WHEREAS, the potential for loss of life, damage to property, and detrimental effects on the economy can be greatly reduced if appropriate flood preparedness and mitigation efforts are implemented before and after flood events; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Silver Jackets[BASB1.1], a team made up of Federal, State, and local agencies, serves as a facilitator in developing comprehensive, and sustainable solutions to flood hazards, including mitigation planning, flood mapping, risk reduction strategies, and response and recovery planning in Alaska; and

WHEREAS, Flood Preparedness Week aims to educate Alaskans on the potential risk to life and property from flooding and to promote awareness, planning and preparedness for flood events.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 12 – 18, 2026 as:

Flood Preparedness Week

in Alaska and urge all Alaskans to educate themselves about the potential for flood danger at their homes and in their communities and to share that knowledge with their neighbors.

Dated: April 12, 2026