Be prepared in case of volcano eruption

  • Published
  • By Public affairs staff report
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The Alaska Volcano Observatory is a valuable resource for volcano information.
Several active volcanoes are relatively close to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
JBER is not close enough to the volcano to be directly impacted by lava or an explosive eruption, but volcanic ash from a potential eruption could seriously impact the JBER community.

A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a reservoir of molten rock below the surface of the earth. Unlike most mountains, which are pushed up from below, volcanoes are built up by an accumulation of their own eruptive products.

When pressure from gases within the molten rock becomes too great, an eruption occurs. Eruptions can be quiet or explosive. There may be lava flows, flattened landscapes, poisonous gases, and flying rock and ash.

Because of their intense heat, lava flows are great fire hazards. Lava flows destroy everything in their path, but most move slowly enough that people can move out of the way.

Fresh volcanic ash, made of pulverized rock, can be abrasive, acidic, gritty, gassy, and odorous. While not immediately dangerous to most adults, the acidic gas and ash can cause lung damage to small infants, to older adults, and to those suffering from severe respiratory illnesses.

Volcanic ash also can damage machinery, including engines and electrical equipment. Ash accumulations mixed with water become heavy and can collapse roofs. Volcanic ash can affect people hundreds of miles away from the cone of a volcano.

Sideways directed volcanic explosions, known as "lateral blasts," can shoot large pieces of rock at very high speeds for several miles. These explosions can kill by impact, burial, or heat. They have been known to knock down entire forests.

Volcanic eruptions can be accompanied by other natural hazards, including earthquakes, mud flows and flash floods, rock falls and landslides, acid rain, fire, and (under special conditions) tsunamis.

Before a Volcanic Eruption
Add a pair of goggles and disposable breathing mask for each member of the family to your disaster supply kit.
Stay away from active volcano sites.
If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to act at a moment's notice.

During a Volcanic Eruption
If a volcano erupts where you live, follow any evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with
disabilities.

Protection from falling ash
Volcanic ash consists of tiny jagged pieces of rock and glass. Ash is hard, abrasive, mildly corrosive, conducts electricity when wet, and does not dissolve in water.
Ash is spread over broad areas by wind and can create health hazards.
Falling ash can turn daylight into complete darkness. In extreme cases, accompanied by rain and lightning, the gritty ash can lead to power outages, prevent communications, and disorient people.
Listen to a radio or television for the latest emergency information.
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
Stay indoors until the ash has settled.
Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and other vents during ash fall.
Have experts clear heavy ash from roofs and rain gutters.
Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles.
Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you have to drive, keep speed down to 35 mph or slower.
Mount Redoubt is one of the volcanoes close to JBER.
The active volcano sits on the western side of Cook Inlet, roughly 106 miles southwest of Anchorage. It is one of several active cones within ash-fall distance of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
When Redoubt erupted in 1989-90, the volcano produced ash plumes which affected international air traffic and dusted Anchorage and other communities.

What to do if an ash cloud is approaching
Close doors and windows.
Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources.
Tape drafty windows.
Protect sensitive electronics and do not uncover until the environment is totally ash-free.
If you have chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, stay inside and avoid unnecessary exposure to the ash.
If you have children, know your school's emergency plan and have indoor games and activities ready.

What to do if volcanic ash is falling
Don't panic - stay calm. Stay indoors. If outside, seek shelter (e.g. car or building). Use a mask, handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth. If warning is given before ashfall starts, go home as directed.

Stay informed
Pay attention to news reports from local radio and television stations to keep up with changing conditions at the volcano.
For JBER specific updates, visit www.facebook.com/JBERAK.
Road and reporting information will also be available by calling 552-INFO (4636). This recorded message will be updated as frequently as necessary in the event of an emergency.
Links for more information about volcanoes and volcanic ash safety are available on the Alaska Volcano Observatory website at www.avo.alask.edu.
Additional preparedness information is available at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash.
Potential protective measures may include some to all of the following depending on severity of the ash fallout.
Minimize exposure to airborne ash by using dust or filter masks (or a wet cloth, for example a handkerchief) and minimizing travel.