FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2022
Contact: Reba Lean, Public Relations Manager
Phone: 907-443-9674
Nome, Alaska – Norton Sound Health Corporation is preparing for a large storm this weekend, which is forecasted to bring strong winds, rains and flooding to regional communities.
In the event of a high storm surge that could impact flights to the region, NSHC has resources for its patient travelers who may experience delays or cancellations.
- If a patient is traveling with Medicaid, they should make sure to notify the State Travel Office or the ANMC Travel Management Office if their flight is canceled or delayed.
- If a patient needs their hotel stay extended, they should call NSHC Patient Travel at (907) 443-4522 or after hours at 443-4542.
- If a patient experiences an unexpectedly long delay in Nome and is stuck at the airport, call the NSHC Patient Driver at 434-2718 for a ride to the hospital, where you can get a meal ticket at Security for the Fireweed Café.
- For other issues that arise during travel, please contact the Nome Patient Advocate at 443-4567 or the Anchorage-based Patient Advocate at 434-2844.
NSHC recommends patients around the region prepare for the worst and gather needed supplies for an emergency kit in advance. Prepare for the potential situation of up to seven days without power.
- Gather medications early. Do not wait until Saturday to pick up your prescription from the Pharmacy. Call in for a prescription refill, and the Pharmacy will work to get it to you in time.
- Fill clean jugs, sinks and bathtubs with drinking water.
- Make sure you have enough food, including pet food, and personal hygiene items on hand to last seven days.
- Unscented household bleach is great to have on-hand in case you need to treat your drinking water for a while (but it must be unscented bleach).
- Have important contacts and their phone numbers written down and sealed in a Ziplock bag. This should also go in your family’s emergency kit.
- Know how your local leadership will be relaying information to everyone during the potential flooding. Listen and follow instructions from your local leadership.
In the event of a needed evacuation, everyone should be aware of their community’s emergency plan, so they know where to go and which routes to avoid. People should bring their emergency kits including all their important supplies with them during evacuations.
In Nome, the City of Nome’s emergency shelter will be located at the Nome Recreation Center. The City says residents should expect detours and street closures in low-lying or coastal right-of-ways, such as Belmont Point, West F Street, and East Front Street.
It is recommended to secure items around homes and yards and at any camps, especially those along the coast. Debris driven by the storm surge and wind is expected.
