JUNEAU, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin has encouraged Alaskans potentially effected by the ash fall of Mount Redoubt's most recent eruption to follow safety procedures.
During the past two months, the State of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has worked with local governments to make sure communities were prepared for the impending eruption of Mount Redoubt.
"Fortunately, Redoubt has been giving us signs that it was bound to blow sometime this spring," Palin said. "These warning signs gave Alaskans in Southcentral time to protect their belongings, educate their families, and stock up on air filters and other essential protective gear."
The state of Alaska will continue to monitor the situation at Mount Redoubt and provide the latest information to local and federal government agencies.
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management will also work closely with the Alaska Volcano Observatory to keep media outlets informed so the very best information can reach families.
As a precautionary measure, the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing at Kulis Air National Guard Base in Anchorage is sending five C-130 Hercules and two HC-130 aircraft to Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks.
The 24/7 alert coverage, most notably used for search and rescue response, provided by the unit will not be affected by the move.
All other operations at Kulis Air National Guard Base will continue to operate as normally scheduled.
The Alaska Army National Guard has moved aircraft indoors at Bryant Army Guard Airfield on Fort Richardson and has no plans to send any aircraft elsewhere.