A Location Resource Guide Welcome to Kodiak Island!
ADVENTURE ACTIVITY LIST HELPFUL WEBSITES STAYING CONNECTED THRU FACEBOOK & ALERTS ALASKA GEO, AIR TRAVEL & WEATHER TRACKING PLACES ON BASE TO EAT, SHOP, STAY and PLAY AROUND-THE-ISLAND PROVIDERS for Shopping, Ground Transportation, Beauty & Wellness, Alternative Transition Accommodations , Housing & Real Estate MEDICAL PROVIDERS MAIL & SHIPPING OPTIONS HELPFUL USCG CONTACT INFO DEALING WITH WILDLIFE - Bears, the Pushki Plant & More HIKING, SAFETY & PREPARATION 1 of 15 A Location Resource Guide Welcome to Kodiak Island! This destination will be an amazing adventure with the beauty of Alaska right outside your doorstep. This resource guide was created to provide you with key points of contact to find the services and support to navigate this unique island environment. It also provides key safety information to learn about wildlife, weather and how to have fun whether you are choosing to go hiking downtown, or to the top of a mountain. Page 1 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Adventure Activity List Whether you enjoy the outdoors, or would rather participate in indoor activities, Kodiak has quite an array of fun things to do and participate in. So don’t be afraid to get out and go exploring! Being a smaller community, you have the option be involved and try new things. 1. Visit Jewel Beach/Finny Beach (behind the bowling alley) and enjoy being able to walk the shoreline right on base. 2. Pick up the monthly activity schedule at the MWR base gym facilities and pool. 3. Browse MWR's vast equipment/gear sign out list (base gym main desk). The list includes camping gear, kayak, bicycles and so much more at http://www.kodiakmwr.com/ 4. Hang out at the Teen Center (at the base gym). They have outdoor activities, projects and video games. 5. Go to the base movie theatre. In the summertime there are special children's matinee movies. 6. Visit the MWR Boat House (located next door to the movie theater) to rent boats, camping trailers and more. 7. Check out the fish cleaning station located at the boat ramp (beside of the Commissary). 8. Drive, bike or hike around Nyman's Peninsula (follow the road along the piers, ends at Boathouse). Great place to walk dogs and there are some easy foot trails through the spruce trees. 9. Look for yellow line on the Old Steam Plant (across from the Boat Ramp) to see the height of tsunami flooding during the 1964 earthquake. 10. Visit the Pizza Parlor. Assorted flavored coffee and lunch specials also available. 11. Brunch at the galley on Sundays. The staff prepares an amazing assortment of food. 12. Hike Old Womans Mountain. This is a climb suitable for children ages 7 and up. Trail entrance is located at Aviation Hill housing area. 13. Trout fishing at the small pond on Nyman's Peninsula. Gear available at the Boat House. 14. Frisbee golf. Course beside upper government hill housing area. 15. BMX bike track. Located next to the Frisbee golf course. 16. Horseshoes at Jewel Beach (shoes available at MWR desk). 17. Visit the Lemon Lot (next to the movie theater) to see if there is a car, boat or quad for you. 18. Free C-130 flights. Go to the website to request a space-available seat at: http://www.kodiakmwr.com/space_a/space_a_signup.php 19. Hit the playgrounds. Large playgrounds are located at upper government hill, soccer field, the fish bowl, aviation hill and Lake Louise. 20. Soccer, softball and baseball (fields located all over the base). Gym desk has all the gear you need. 21. Go play golf at Bear Valley Golf Club. A 9-hole golf course located 3 miles up Anton-Larson Road. 22. Sledding, snowboarding and skiing. During winter, slopes are open at the Ski Chalet 7 miles up Anton Larson. (No chair lift - you’ll have to hike the slopes to play.) 23. Go ATV riding. Trails are available on Coast Guard property across from the airport. Burma loop is approximately 10 miles long and travels the length of Old Woman’s Mountain from the airport to the fairgrounds. Trail type is intermediate skill level. 24. Hunting. Visit USCGPD desk to see hunting areas open on Coast Guard property. Visit Mack’s or Cy’s Sport Shops for hunting and fishing gear and info around the island. 2 of 15 Page 2 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide 25. Go hiking. Trails are available across Rezanof road from Lake Louise housing. Beside Boy Scout Lake. 26. Go fishing. Buskin River has many spots open for salmon (Red, Silver and Pink) and Dolley Varden. If you prefer halibut fishing, boats & fishing equipment are available for rent at the boat house. 27. Visit Saint Paul Harbor, watch the boats and walk down the pier to see the sea lions. 28. Go & see ST. Herman Seminary - the chapel is a replica of the original Russian Orthodox Chapel. 29. Get a cup of coffee and snack at the Fly-By Cafe and watch float planes take off from the lake. 30. Visit the Kodiak Wildlife Refuge Center. It has a whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, and other replica animals from Kodiak as well as a great gift shop. 31. Go down to the local Radio Station and ask about being part of one of their radio shows. 32. Sign up to play a part in the local community theater. 33. Visit the Touch Tank located at the Fishery Industrial Technology Center on Near Island. There are many sea creatures to see and touch that are native to the waters surrounding Kodiak Island. 34. Go on a bear viewing trip, there are many fantastic companies to choose from. You may get lucky and see one yourself in the Bells Flats area in the summer months. After 8:30 p.m. is the best viewing time. 35. Go see the Kodiak Launch Complex at the end of Pasagshak road. 36. See the wild horses near the Old's River, on the way to Pasagshak. 37. See the Buffalo herd near the NASA launch site. 38. Check out the waves at Surfer's Beach near the end of Pasagshak road. If you’re daring (and have a wet suit), catch a wave. 39. See Fossil Beach, past the launch site, and find the fossils (hint-some are in the rock walls). 40. Build a camp fire on the beach, roast marshmallows and hot dogs. 41. Go to a Coast Guard Auxiliary meeting and explore the possibilities to learn about boating, take classes or volunteer for community and base events. 42. Take horse-back riding lessons. The Fairgrounds has a professional riding center and trainers. (Ask which trainers are certified by the State of Alaska as home school classroom options.) 43. Drive to the end of Anton Larson Road, the view out there is amazing! 44. Rent a kayak and explore the shoreline. 45. Check out local talent at Northern Exposure Art Gallery. 46. Go to the Chart Room Restaurant at the Kodiak Inn, view pictures of the 1964 earthquake and enjoy live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. 47. Drive to the top of Pillar Mountain for a great view. 48. Drive to Roads End for lunch or dinner. 49. Hike at Ft. Abercrombie State Park, the view from Miller Point is amazing. 50. Have a picnic at Roslyn Beach. 51. Climb Barometer or look up and decide….not today. 52. Go whale watching out by the launch site, or at Ft. Abercrombie’s Miller Point. 53. Keep connected on Facebook “Friends of Kodiak” Group for orca sightings in the downtown harbor. (They chase the sea lions around to try to eat them for lunch.) 54. Visit the Alutiiq or Baranof Museum for a bit of history. 55. Drive to the end of Monashka Bay Road and take a walk on white sands beach, have a bonfire, or go at night to see The Northern Lights away from the downtown lights. You will enjoy the scenery. 3 of 15 Page 3 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide 56. Bike through town or all over the island, lots of people here enjoy biking to work. 57. Visit the brand new Kodiak Public Library for some interesting history about Kodiak. The library also has story time each week for children; pick up a list of days and times for their special events. 58. Take an Audubon hike. A schedule of times and difficulty can be seen on their website we provided. 59. Pick up a Tide Table/Schedule at Mack’s Sport Shop or other places around town and go explore the tide pools at Ft. Abercrombie State Park when the tide is low. 60. Go on a scavenger hunt with the list provided at the Wildlife Refuge Center. The Center also has an activity calendar year-round for young children. 61. Take a scenic air tour by plane or go halibut fishing on a charter boat. 62. Visit Kodiak College, see if there are any classes that interest you. 63. Go eat at the Old River Inn “Out the Road” toward Fossil Beach. 64. Go shopping in Downtown Kodiak through the unique little shops. 65. Check out all the neat little coffee shops around Kodiak. Some are drive through, some have cozy corners to visit with friends or curl up with a good book on rainy days. 66. Visit Cactus Flats Health Food Store, they always have cool things….and smoothies! 67. Go to the Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Fairgrounds in the summertime. But get there by 11am when they open because everything quickly sells out. 68. Go ice skating. (only in the winter months). The ice rink is located next to the football field in town. 69. See every species of crab at Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 70. Visit the Military History Museum at Ft. Abercrombie State Historical Park during the summertime. 71. Go on an ATV excursion fishing out to Saltery Cove (and get ready for a bumpy ride.) 72. Try some local smoked salmon; there are lots of places that sell it. (Alaska Smokehouse, Island Seafood, and more.) 73. Find the Old Russian Well. 74. Learn to quilt in town at one of the quilting stores or learn to make your own jewelry. 75. Volunteer at one of the schools. 76. Help clean up some of your new found favorite beaches (Island Trails Network can lead the way). 77. Schedule a tour of one of the boats homeported at Base Kodiak. 78. Watch the Coast Guard helicopters and C-130's take off 79. Get out your binoculars and look for bears on Old Womans Mountain 80. Bake something for the new Coast Guard members arriving and greet them with a smile. 81. In the winter make sure to ask your doctor about your Vitamin D levels. 82. SMILE you live in a place that is amazing, different, but amazing. 83. Learn to make homemade fireweed jelly. 84. Go salmonberry or blueberry picking in the summertime and autumn. 85. There are low bush cranberries that grow here on the island, try and find some. 86. Work life is here to help you if you need anything, located on the 5th floor of Commissary Bldg. 4 of 15 Page 4 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Helpful Websites Visit http://kodiakaudubon.blogspot.com to see the Audubon hiking schedule. Alaska Airlines Club 49 Program. All you need is an Alaska mailing address. The Club 49 program is not a frequent flier program, but rather an exclusive free Alaska-only membership that offers 2 free bag checks, weekly unannounced deals available only to Alaska Club 49 members, and a few other nice things. Visit: http://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/club49/join-club-49.aspx Full Circle Farms is an all organic food company that air delivers to Kodiak. Look at their website http://www.fullcircle.com it has many different packages available. The Military Spouse Career Advancement Program offers money/secured funding to further a spouse’s education for whatever careers they desire. https://Iaiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/default.aspx Since Kodiak does NOT have a craigslist, the Facebook groups are popular to join. Also, we just recently got a Kodiak-Centric website similar to craigslist. It's free and gaining in popularity. http://www.KodiaksList.com Visit http://www.kibsd.org/subsite/dist/page/health-services-6981 for immunization requirements of the Kodiak Island Borough School District. Discover Kodiak is a tremendous resource to find your way around the island, learn about fun ways to explore, and find other essential accommodations providers you can use as an alternative housing option while in transition. http://www.kodiak.org/ Explore your artistic side with the Kodiak Arts Council: www.kodiakartscouncil.org The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for local business information, events, learning how to start your own business and more. www.kodiakchamber.org Learn about all of the events, ranges, rifle competitions, and more offered by the Kodiak Island Sportsman’s Association online at http://www.kisaorg.com/ Facebook pages to look for/sign up: Team/Base Kodiak at: https://www.facebook.com/uscoastguardbasekodiak Air Station Kodiak at: https://www.facebook.com/CGASKodiak USCG Auxiliary Kodiak at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kodiak-Flotilla-USCG-Auxiliary/342351762536180 The Spouse’s Association at: https://www.facebook.com/SpousesAssociationKodiak 'Swip-Swap Kodiak' (closed group, will need to sign up - any member you are friends with can sign you up/approve you). Like a "Craigslist" for Kodiak 'Friends of Kodiak' (closed group, will need to sign up). This group is specifically for the people of the town of Kodiak to advertise events, business, sales, groups, organizations, etc. 'Big Swap' (closed group, will need to sign up). Like Swip-Swap but for items over $500 'Kodiak Child Care' (closed group, will need to sign up). A place to find child care and advertise your services as a care provider and to meet the needs of families in Kodiak. 'Kodiak Sell or Trade' is an open group for individuals to sell or trade items in new or good working condition. ‘Kodiak Music' (closed group, will need to sign up) A place for anything and everything music related in Kodiak! Whether you are a musician looking for people to jam with, are looking to buy or sell an instrument, or simply want to know about the gigs and concerts in town- this is the place to go! Community Alerts: Critical to know about area weather, landslides, road problems, etc., sign up for alerts from www.Nixle.com to be sent to your cell phone or email. You will need to go in and search and specifically sign up for alerts from Kodiak Police Department. 5 of 15 Page 5 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Alaska Geo, Air Travel & Weather Tracking Alaska in general, and Kodiak specifically, is an amazing place to live. Technology can keep us connected to our surroundings and in the know, whether for recreational opportunities or environmental awareness. Here are some recommended smartphone apps and websites to monitor earthquakes, volcanic activity, geomagnetic storms that bring on the aurora borealis, live weather webcams and more. Websites Want to know if the planes are getting in and out of the Kodiak airport today? http://kodiakairport.com/ The National Tsunami Warning Center (sign up for alerts - we are in the Pacific Tsunami Area so a big earthquake anywhere in the Pacific ring of fire can send us a tsunami)….. http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/ The USGS Earthquake Monitoring & Alerts (US Geological Survey). We get lots of earthquakes and have many active volcanoes in Alaska as well as being in the path of ash from the Kamchatka, Russia volcanic region. This can halt our air travel, etc. Sign up to receive alerts by email or social media from the USGS….. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/getournews/ Space Weather….. We are sitting at the top of the planetary hemisphere. So when the sun has a solar flare and tosses it in the direction of the earth (a coronal mass ejection), it hits the high latitudes here in Alaska first. That produces pretty lights in the sky called the aurora borealis, but can also interfere with radio communication, electric power grids, cause geomagnetic storms, and even heighten radiation exposure to those who are flying at high altitudes in planes. You can sign up for email alerts, see the amazing photos of the sun and more at http://www.spaceweather.com Check out the current forecast for the aurora borealis…… http://www.gi.alaska.edu/auroraforecast Smart Phone Apps The Weather Channel App KTUU (NBC) Weather App AeroWeather Lite (Accurate Kodiak airport current weather conditions/wind speed) Flightstats App (Track flight status, check specific airport conditions) The Alaska App (Live webcams around Kodiak) Earthquake App (Will alert you to earthquakes in any region you wish to monitor.) Star Walk (Take this app out into the night sky and let the satellite nav. system map the stars and planets in the night sky for you when you hold it up. Fun!) 6 of 15 Page 6 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Around-the-Island Providers The key to enjoying Kodiak is to learn about both the on-base and off-base providers where you can find just the right products and services to fit what you’re looking for. Here are some lists to get you started… Places On-Base to Eat, Shop & Play The Commissary M-T: Closed W: 1000-1800 R-F-S-S ll00-1800 The Base Exchange M-Sat 900-2000 Sun 1200-1700 Convenience Store (Downstairs) M-Sat 700-2100 Sun 1000-2100 The Pizza Parlor M-T: 0730-1430 W-R-F: 0730-2200 Saturday -1100-2200 Sunday -1200-1800 Base Post Office at Exchange Downstairs M-F: 0900-1730 Closed 13:30-14:00 for lunch The Galley Breakfast: M- F 0630 - 0745 Saturday & Sunday 0730 - 1000 Lunch: M-F 1130-1300 Sat & Sun Brunch 1000 - 1200 Dinner: Mon -Sun 1645 - 1745 Call MWR at 907-487-5108 for base activities schedule, pool, bowling, movie theater, Child Development Center, Auto Hobby Shop, Boat House, Golden Anchor and other recreation facility hours. Places Around-the-Island to Eat Old Powerhouse - Sushi Noodles - Thai/Korean Henry's - American Angelo's - Italian (in Food For Less) Java Flats Subway in town/Wal-Mart Taco Bell/KFC by Safeway McDonald's King's Diner Harborside Fly-by Harborside Coffee Starbucks in Safeway Deli in Safeway Village Bar Sparrows - Greek, Pizza Mill Bay Coffee - pastries, breakfast, lunch, coffee Maria's - Salvadorian food (food truck) Big AI's Pizza (in Cost Savers) Island Espresso Near Island Coffee The Rendezvous Old's River Inn Buskin River Pub-n-Grub Chart Room EI Chicano's - Mexican Shelikof Lodge Breakfast at Midnight Monk’s Rock (Coffee, treats, etc.) Grab a copy of the Kodiak Phone Book at the Main Branch of the Downtown Post Office to view more vendors, restaurants, etc. 7 of 15 Page 7 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Places Around-the-Island to Shop & Ground Transportation Groceries - Safeway, Wal-Mart, Cost Savers, Alaska Food for Less Health Food & Smoothies - Cactus Flats, Monk’s Rock Rain gear - Mack's, Cy's, Wal-Mart, Kodiak Marine Supply Fishing & Boating gear - Mack's, Cy's, Wal-Mart, Kodiak Marine Supply Biking/Kayaking/Outdoor Adventure - Orion's, 58 Degrees North Baby/Kid Stuff - Wal-Mart, Grand Slam, Ton of Fun, Alexandra’s Salon Quilting/Beading/Knitting - Flying Geese, Compass Rose, String Beads, The Rookery, Beaded Knots Fitness/Yoga - 100th Monkey Yoga, Zumba Fitness with Laura, Fit4Mom of Kodiak, Kodiak Athletic Club, A Balanced Approach Fitness Center Knick Knacks - Port of Kodiak, Norman's Furniture - Ardinger's, Total Interior Furnishings, Alaska Food for Less, USCG Exchange Hardware/Construction - Spenard Builder’s Supply, Sutliff's True Value Car Buying & ATV’s - Kodiak Motors, Yamaha/Kodiak Sales & Service Appliances - Spenard’s, Kodiak Motors, USCG Exchange Plants & Landscaping/Gardening Supplies - Strawberry Fields, Wal-Mart, Sutliff’s True Value Ground Transportation - Kodiak Island Taxi (907) 539-5485, Kodiak Area Transit System (907) 486-8308 Places Around-the-Island for Beauty & Wellness Alexandra's Bloom's Hairmasters Vizhunz Deb's Nails and Tans Lisa's Island Hair & Tan Kodiak Beauty Nails Wild Iris Salon The Beauty Bar Northwoods Massage Aura Massage Penny Lane & Kelli's Nails Summer Spray Kodiak Mobile Spray Tanning And more…. Alternative Accommodations & Housing Around-the-Island Short Term Accommodations for Transition or Guests: The Guest House (On Base) - (907) 487-5446 ext. 1 The Best Western Kodiak Inn - (907) 486-5712 - http://www.kodiakinn.com/ (Free airport shuttle & comp breakfast) Shelikof Lodge - (907) 486-4141 - http://www.shelikoflodgealaska.com/ Comfort Inn Kodiak - (907) 487-2700 - http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-kodiak-alaska-AK025 (Pet Friendly) Guardian Landing - (407) 703-3688 - www.GuardianLandingKodiak.com (USCG Discounts & accepts TLA rates) Russian Heritage Inn - (907) 486-5657 - http://www.russianheritageinn.com/ Russian River Roadhouse - (907) 487-9700 - http://www.russianriverroadhouse.com/ A Smiling Bear B&B - 907-481-6390 http://www.asmilingbear.com/ (Accepts TLA Rates) Eider House B&B - (907) 487-4315 - http://www.eiderhouse.com/index.html (Accepts TLA rates) Visit Discover Kodiak’s “Places to Stay” list for Bed & Breakfasts around the Island at: http://www.kodiak.org/where_to_stay Long Term Rental Housing Off-Base: Check the Daily Mirror Newspaper Rental Classifieds Contact Local Realtor Offices that also do property management for rentals Guardian Landing - (407) 703-3688 - www.GuardianLandingKodiak.com (USCG Discounts, 1-year lease options) Contact the Kodiak Housing Authority for list of Apartments/ Rentals (907) 486-8111 8 of 15 Page 8 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Medical Providers On-Base and Around-the-Island On-Base Rockmore-King Medical Clinic 907-487-5757 907-942-4214 after hours for active duty 911 after hours for dependents Around-the-Island Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center 1915 Rezanof Drive Kodiak Island, Alaska 99615 (907) 486-3281 Providence Physical & Occupational Therapy 1247 Mill Bay Road Kodiak Island, Alaska 99615 (907) 486-9515 Providence Kodiak Island Counseling Center 717 East Rezanof Drive Kodiak Island, Alaska 99615 (907) 481-2400 Urgent Care - Kodiak Island Ambulatory Care Clinic 202 Center Avenue Suite102 Kodiak, AK 99615 907-486-6188 Kodiak Island Medical Associates 1818 Rezanof Drive Kodiak, AK 99615 (907) 486-6065 (907) 486-3177 Mail and Shipping Options You will quickly learn it’s super expensive to ship stuff on and off the island. Here are some tips and facts about the shipping options and providers. Amazon.com Prime Membership is your friend. It’s well worth the $79 annual fee to have the convenience of purchasing all kinds of grocery, household, personal care, electronics, books, etc. on Amazon and having the shipping totally paid for. (That membership will pay for itself fast.) The cheapest way to ship anything on or off the island is via US Postal Service FLAT RATE boxes. The boxes are free and come in different sizes. Note: the post office at Safeway only takes cash and checks, no credit cards for payment. The main post office has full service supplies & payment options. Fed Ex has an office at the airport, but it’s usually locked and unmanned. If you have your own personal or business account with Fed Ex you can request pickups or drop packages into the downtown drop box next to Wells Fargo Bank. Daily pick up there is at 10:00am. UPS local office is at the Airport above the Island Air terminal coffee shop (1420 Airport Way). You can call 1800-Pickup or their location office hours are Monday 8:30-9:00am/7:00-9:00pm or Tuesday thru Friday 9:009:30am/7:00-9:00pm. Note: just because a company provides you with a UPS shipping label for returns, doesn’t mean that includes the pickup fee! Call and give UPS the tracking number to ask before calling for a pickup and getting a surprise bill. To ship Weapons (guns) off the island via UPS, the shipper must have a Federal Fire arms license. Mack’s Sporting Goods, Cy’s and some active duty military personnel on the island have them and can assist you including AST1 Rachid Arnick cell phone #: (541) 217-8674. If you can’t get a company/supplier to ship something up to AK from the lower 48, try a shipping company that specializes in this such as www.shiptoalaska.com 9 of 15 Page 9 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide SOME HELPFUL U.S. COAST GUARD BASE KODIAK/AIR STATION GENERAL INFORMATION BASE Kodiak................................ 907-487-5180 Air Station Kodiak ..................... 907-487-5889 Coast Guard Police Department & Emergency #..................................................... 907-487-5555 Coast Guard Investigative Service.......................................... 907-487-5422 Chaplain ...................................... 907-487-5730 Customer Service Desk .............. 907-487-5444 BASE Kodiak Officer of the Day (OOD) 24/7................................................ 907-539-7477 Port Services (24/7)..................... 907-487-5303 Bachelor Enlisted Quarters Chief ............................................................................................................ 907-487-5260 MAA ........................................................................................................... 907-487-5653 Base Kodiak's Relocation Specialist - Ms. Debbie Bower…………….. 907-487-5525 Ext 2275 Morale, Well Being & Recreation............................................................. 907-487-5108 MWR Child Development Center ………………………........................ 907-487-5481 RockMore King Clinic…………………………………………………… 907-487-5757 Work Life Office ………………………………………………………… 907-487-5525 Legal Office …………………………………………………………….. 907-487-5474 Electronic Support Detachment Kodiak ………………………………. 907-487-5313 Aids to Navigation Kodiak - Officer in Charge ........................................ 907-487-5181 Naval Engineering Unit Detachment Kodiak …………………………. 907-487-5723 D17 Kodiak Area Organizational Performance Consultants ………... 907-487-5180 Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak ……………………………………. 907-486-5918 Communication Station ………………………………………………… 907-487-5744 North Pacific Regional Fishers Training Center ……………………… 907-487-5699 D 17 Public Affairs ……………………………………………………… 907-487-5700 Naval Special Warfare Detachment Kodiak ………………………….. 907-487-5193 USCGC MUNRO ………........................................................................... 907-487-5166 USCGC SPAR….......................................................................................... 907-487-5344 USCGC ALEX HALEY ............................................................................. 907-487-5616 National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Fisheries Science Center … 907-481-1700 National Weather Service (NOAA) …………………………………….. 907-487-4338 DeCA Commissary ……………………………………………………… 907-487-5787 Coast Guard Exchange System (CGES) ………………………………. 907-487-5773 MISCELLANEOUS NUMBERS SATO Travel .............................................................................................. 1-800-753-7286 SATO After Hours Emergency .................................................................. 1-800-827-7777 Armory ....................................................................................................... 907-487-5180 X 2118 10 of 15 Page 10 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Alpine Hut ................................................................................................. Beach House Reservations/CPOA ............................................................ Barber Shop ................................................................................................ Beauty Shop ............................................................................................... CPOA Lounge ............................................................................................ Cutterman’s Club ........................................................................................ DeCA (Commissary)................................................................................... Motor Pool .................................................................................................. Kodiak Support Services ............................................................................. CG Uniform Dist. Ctr. (Cape May) ............................................................ Shipping & Receiving ................................................................................. AFGE Local Union ..................................................................................... FAA Tower.................................................................................................. AMERICAN RED CROSS Daytime work hours ................................................................................... After hours .................................................................................................. 907-487-5518 907-654-4087 907-487-5847 907-487-5847 907-487-5502 907-487-5366 907-487-5015 907-487-5769/5770 907-487-4991 1-800-874-6841 907-487-5169 907-487-5699 x 327, 277 907-487-4339/4382 1-(907) 552-5253 1-(877) 272-7337 Team Kodiak Advice The base Commander has ZERO tolerance for DUI. To encourage Coast Guard members and their loved ones from driving under the influence, money has been placed at the Military Police Dispatch to pay for your taxi home. You are expected to pay back the money when you can. Just call a taxi and get a ride back to the base, pick up the money even if you live in Lake Louise or Aviation Hill housing areas. The Chaplains office is located on the fifth floor of the commissary building. Helmets are required at all times while riding motorcycles or ATV's. Disconnect outside hoses after using them each time, unless it's summer. Space Availability flights (the free C-130 flights, better known as SPACE-A) are available to you. Information is in the binder on how & where to sign up. Use of cell phones while driving on base is strictly prohibited. Dumpsters are moved frequently; they are moved because the bears find them and try to get into them. Always look before you get out of your vehicle and then please lock the dumpsters to keep the bears out. No one is allowed on the lake ice on Coast Guard Property. No trapping animals on Coast Guard Property. 487-5444 is the fix-it desk. Ensure you ask for your work order number, priority and when to expect KSS to arrive. After hours emergencies (i.e. heat loss), call Base OOD. Notary Service is available from Annette Ecret the base secretary or Legal. Be sure to enroll/update with the Tri-Care Representative at the Base Clinic upon arrival to Kodiak. There is a post office on base inside the exchange on the first floor. Be aware, they do not accept large packages. The Commissary is limited in the quantity and type of produce they carry; however, the commissary will order anything you ask for. 11 of 15 Page 11 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Dealing with Wildlife…Bears & the Pushki Plant This Island is home to the Kodiak Grizzly Bear that can grow to be as big as a Volkswagen car! Here are some important tips and guidelines for dealing with them in a smart & safe way for both you and your neighbors…. Dumpster Rules Be Bear Aware when using the trash dumpsters. Ensure that dumpsters are CLOSED and LATCHED at all times to avoid attracting bears or other wildlife. Minimize trash around the dumpster areas. Please educate children on bear safety and latching the dumpsters after use. Do not store trash in garages, vehicles or outside of housing units. Bears will smell the trash and will forcibly gain access to garages or vehicles in search of an easy meal. Bear Viewing Guidelines If you’re going to do Bear viewing along roadways, be sure to pull COMPLETELY off the roadway. In the past there have been problems with motorists stopping in the middle of the road (Rezanof) to observe and take photos of bears. Obstructing the roadway is against the law and may cause a serious traffic accident. If you stop to observe or take photos of bears, obey the law, be courteous, and pull COMPLETELY off the roadway in a safe location. Bear Safety Tips for Encounters Never run from bears. If a bear approaches you - stand your ground. Do not run. In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they deserve your respect and attention. Avoid surprising bears at close distance. When hiking, the larger & noisier your group, the less risk of a bear threat. Look for signs of bears and make plenty of noise. Avoid crowding bears; respect their "personal space". Avoid attracting bears through improper handling of food or garbage. Never approach a bear. Give bears plenty of space to get past you. Bear spray is very popular and effective. When fishing, splashing fish attract bears. If a bear is close enough to notice splashing- "Stop Fishing". If a bear approaches you while you have a fish on the line, cut the line! As soon as you catch a fish, clean it and store it where bears can't get to it- in a bear resistant container, a vehicle or in a pack you carry with you. Coolers are not bear resistant! If you must use a stringer - DON'T! After filleting, cut fish carcasses into smaller pieces that can be easily carried away in the current. Toss all fish waste into deep, fast moving currents - not in dumpsters! Plan ahead, stay calm, be alert, and make noise in dense brush to announce your presence. The sooner you and the bear are aware of each other's presence, the more time you and the bear will have to react appropriately. If a bear notices you, face the bear, wave your arms and talk to it calmly. Try to appear larger by standing close to others in your group. Contact the Coast Guard Police at 907-487-5555 to report any bear sightings 12 of 15 Page 12 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide The Pushki Plant A Hiking Hazard that Can Burn You Characteristics: Grows to more than 8 feet tall, typically flowers in July. Large, green, hairy leaves and stalk. Other Names: Cow parsnip, Pushki, Indian celery, hogweed. Skin Reaction: Cow parsnip juices contain a phototoxic element that acts on contact with skin, triggered by exposure to ultraviolet and sun light. Reaction differs sharply among individuals - from next to nothing, to a mild rash, to a blistering burn, depending on the sensitivity of the individual. The light triggered reaction happens quickly. Defenses: Most obvious is to avoid contact by wearing long pants, sleeves, and gloves. Duration: Rashes and the itching can often last longer than a week. Discoloration can persist for several weeks and scarring for up to a year. It is important to keep these scars out of the sun for that year. Remedy: Limit sunlight exposure and wash exposed skin. Hydrocortisone, calamine, and burn creams can reduce symptoms. Other Poisonous, Non-Edible Animals & Plants on Kodiak Island In many places around the world when you go tide pooling or digging for shellfish, you find lots of goodies that are safe to eat. Here on Kodiak Island, it’s important to know that all “bivalve shellfish” such as clams, mussels, scallops, oysters and geoduck contain saxtoxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) beyond certain levels. PSP has potent neurotoxins that will paralyze your respiratory system and cause symptoms within 5-30 minutes and death within several hours. In addition, filter-feeding barnacles and clam-eating moon snails have also tested positive for these toxins. Symptoms: Tingling or burning sensation around the lips, gums and tongue followed by prickly feeling or numbness in the fingers and toes. These symptoms spread through the arms, legs and neck. Drowsiness, incoherent speech, impaired vision, headache, staggering and finally respiratory failure follow. Poisonous Blue Mussels Poisonous Cockle Clams Poisonous Baneberry 13 of 15 We recommend purchasing the book: “Surviving on the Foods and Water from Alaska’s Southern Shores” by Dolly Garza (available on Amazon.com - select “purchase when available” and the author will restock when notified you are waiting for a copy.) Page 13 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Weather, Hiking & Preparation Unless you are in sight of, and within easy walking distance to buildings, there is no such thing as “just going for a walk” on Kodiak Island. You are surrounded by the natural beauty of Alaska, and there are many types of adventures that can be enjoyed when going hiking, fishing and exploring. But it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can quickly change and conditions are unpredictable. Even when you can see town or base, the weather can move in quickly, and visibility will change enough to easily disorient you. A simple slip and fall on a trail can lead to an injury that makes it impossible to proceed without assistance. And hypothermia at any point can lead to a life-and-death situation day or night in just a matter of hours. Even seasoned hikers in Alaska take care to carry a day-pack of basic survival items when wandering around the island. So here is a list of suggested things to carry in your backpack, and a few “rules for the road” so you can have a wonderful time and are prepared in case of an emergency. Rules-for-the-Road Never go hiking, even for a few hours here in Alaska, without telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return. This is true whether you are hiking alone or with a friend. You can use a friend, co-worker, family, or feel free to contact your on-duty unit officer to act as your safety plan point of contact. Some units, such as the Air Station, have personal locator devises available for sign-out. Personal Locator Beacons come in different shapes, sizes and brands, but are critically important to have in an emergency. The ARC Technologies Microfix 406 GPS PLB is the type used specifically by the USCG. http://www.acrartex.com/products/catalog/personal-locator-beacons/ The SPOT Personal Locator has great subscription options in addition to emergency response, including “tracking” for fun where it will map your “footprints” by satellite and be viewable on your computer later. This is also handy for family, your safety plan coordinator, or anyone who has the password to your personal website to track your hike progress, keep an eye on teenagers, or be a tool to locate you if you don’t return on time and are out of communication. http://www.findmespot.com/en/ Make sure whatever device you purchase, has signal wherever you go (406mhz to satellite connection). Some do not and they use phone antennas to transmit information. Remember that cell service is not always available, even when you can see town. Bring your cell phone, but get ready for the battery to quickly die, or for it to crash and be unusable in the cold. That is why PLB’s that can connect by satellite can be the key to getting assistance. Many standard GPS devises also don’t work accurately on Kodiak Island, so don’t rely on them to get you where you need to go. Some phones have GPS antennas that can be used if there is not cell service, BUT remember that they can only be used to tell you where you are, NOT help people find you. Never wear cotton clothing. When cotton gets wet from sweat or rain/water, it saps the heat from the body and leads quickly to hypothermia. Wear fleece, wool or other synthetic clothing that keeps moisture away from the body. Synthetic down is better than real down in jackets because when real down gets wet, it won’t dry easily. Some manufacturer’s make light weight rain gear that packs very small and is very easy to carry. When it comes to rain gear, keep in mind that cheaper is NOT better. It’s also a good idea to test your gear before you go out on real hikes. Know how it works, and under what conditions it won’t. If you find that you are seriously lost. Use your PLB or other device and STAY PUT. Wandering around makes it harder for rescue teams to locate you and depletes you of energy you need to sustain yourself and keep warm. Recognition is the first key to survival. If you don't admit and recognize that you’re lost, you will never take the steps to survive. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance early on so there is time for rescue teams to get to you before hypothermia and weather make it impossible. Things change quickly in Alaska! Take the time to take a basic survival class when you get here. You will learn lots of handy ways to be smart and safe. 14 of 15 Page 14 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide Your Basic Survival Gear Backpack As we’ve mentioned, it’s not dramatic to say that you should always have some sort of “survival” pack with you when you wander around…whether it’s to go hiking for a couple of hours, or more than that. So here are a few items the U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technicians (Rescue Swimmers) suggest you consider carrying: Small waterproof plastic container or Ziploc bag to hold cotton balls drenched in Vaseline for fire starting A fire-striker with waterproof cap. Learn how to use the cotton ball and striker before you head out. Lighters are also good but can run out of fuel or break. Matches can get wet or require a striker box that can also get damaged and wet. Water purification tablets or drops or a filter mechanism. (Carry more than one option in case one fails.) Tablets don't fail, but it is nice to have the filtered water option so the sticks and debris is removed. A stainless steel water bottle (in case you have to boil the water). And be sure to write the number of water purification drops or tabs per container on it for easy reference Extra food such as granola bars, etc. Knife Folding saw Bear spray Disposable hand warmers Whistle & Mirror for signaling 550 Type 3 Parachute cord Flashlight (batteries die quickly in the cold) - hand crank flashlight backup Extra gloves (waterproof, liners, etc.), extra socks & wool hat Extra-large heavy duty trash bag to cut open and use as a shelter or rain gear as needed. Basic first aid kit and extra supply of any medication you are taking regularly Antibacterial wipes A compass and area map is handy, but only if you are a professional and know how to use it. Put reflective tape on your gear items to help you locate them easier in the dark. An excellent Survival Handbook that is compact an easy to carry that we recommend: The Handbook for Aviation Survival Sense - A practical guide to survival skills development, planning and preparedness. 2009 release. Edited by Robert C. "Skip" Stoffel & Brett C. Stoffel. http://www.eri-online.com/ERI_Publications.html#The_Survival Note: This is not a U.S. Coast Guard publication, and any of its affiliated or associated organizations do not endorse or recommend any specific product or business. This guide is for area informational purposes only. Additional copies of this guide can be requested from 407-703-3688 or by email at [email protected]. 15 of 15 Page 15 of 15 - Kodiak Location Resource Guide
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