Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/06/2000 03:36 PM Senate STA
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SCR 16-AVALANCHE AWARENESS MONTH
MR. JERRY BURNETT, Legislative staff for Senator Lyda Green, stated
each year Alaskans lose their lives as a result of avalanches. One
of the worst years was 1999, when 14 people were killed by
avalanches in Alaska. Often, nothing can be done to prevent
avalanches from occurring, much can be done to prevent the loss of
life from avalanches.
SCR 16 would proclaim November as "Avalanche Awareness Month."
This proclamation would raise public awareness of the hazards
associated with avalanches, and the opportunities to participate in
avalanche safety training at the beginning of the winter recreation
season. It is hoped that the public participation in avalanche
safety programs would be increased and that this increased
participation would result in saved lives during the winter.
The need for SCR 16 was brought to Senator Green's attention by the
Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Response Team (BAART).
MS. AEDENE ARTHUR, representing herself, stated her son Aaron, was
one of the 14 people who lost their lives in 1999. In memory of
these people BAART was founded, in hopes that other deaths would
not occur from avalanches. November was chosen for "Avalanche
Awareness Month" so a campaign for avalanche safety measures would
be given at the beginning of the winter season.
SCR 16 would educate Alaskans on avalanche awareness, safety
measures, proper equipment, and how to use it. November is an
optimum time to emphasize awareness and safety equipment, as this
is when Alaskans thoughts turn to winter activities and many
purchase outdoor equipment. Emphasizing these topics in November
would allow time for people to think about purchasing safety
equipment such as: probes, shovels, and avalanche beacons as
Christmas gifts.
November is a prime time for presentations of awareness and safety
classes in schools and community classes. Many response teams will
be practicing at this time, by raising awareness for the importance
of these groups perhaps more people will be inclined to be trained
to help in emergency situations. Ms. Arthur stated support for SCR
16.
MS. CHRIS NOAKES, President of BAART, stated support for SCR 16.
The State no longer has an avalanche warning system in place,
federal law does mandate Alaska have an avalanche warning system.
SENATOR GREEN stated this year's budget money was returned to an
avalanche awareness program. That money should increase next year,
and continue to grow from there on.
MR. CLEVE COYNE, representing himself, stated support for SCR 16.
Losing someone to an avalanche affects everyone in the family and
in Alaska. Information should be made more available on avalanches
and awareness.
MS. PATSY COYNE, representing herself, stated support for SCR 16.
SENATOR ELTON stated SCR 16 is an important step toward informing
people on the dangers of avalanches. Financial resources should be
given to groups like BAART so they have an enhanced ability to
inform Alaskans.
SENATOR GREEN moved SCR 16 out of committee with individual
recommendations. Without objection, the motion carried.
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