Mount Pavlof erupts, sending volcanic ash more than 20,000 feet.

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kyle Johnson
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Sunday afternoon, around 4 p.m., Mount Pavlof began erupting, 600 miles southwest of Anchorage in the Aleutian Islands, projecting ash more than 20,000 feet in the air.

Several local airlines cancelled flights in the area, displacing more than 3,000 travelers.

According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory's website, lava was seen throughout the night up to 37 miles away from the volcano. AVO also records Mount Pavlof as one of Alaska's most consistently active volcanoes, with its most recent eruption in 2014.

According to local authorities, the ash cloud from the eruption traveled 400 miles to the northeast before tapering off. Anchorage is not currently under an Air Quality Advisory, but smaller communities near the eruption such as Nelson Lagoon are until Wednesday morning.

"Have a plan, especially in a household with kids, they need to understand what to do," said Senior Airman Cierra Andrews, an emergency management journeyman with the 773rd Civil Engineer Squadron's Emergency Management flight. "We have more than 130 volcanos in our area and several of them are in active status, so you should definitely have a plan and practice it."

Have a disaster-supply kit ready and research online what to put in it, Andrews said.

Some common items to have in a disaster supply kit are a pair of goggles and a disposable breathing mask for each member of the family.

For more information on kits, visit www.ready.gov/america/getakit/.

Several active volcanoes are relatively close to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
JBER is not close enough to any volcano to be directly impacted by lava or an explosive eruption, but volcanic ash from a potential eruption could seriously impact the JBER community.

If a volcano erupts where you live, follow any evacuation order issued by authorities.

Volcanic ash consists of tiny jagged pieces of rock and glass. It is hard, abrasive, mildly corrosive, 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 prevents communications and lead to power outages and disorientation.


During a Volcanic Eruption or ashfall
● 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.
● 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 ashfall unless absolutely required. If you have to drive, keep your speed down to 35 mph or slower.

According to a the Emergency Management Newsletter, volcanic ash is difficult to spot on the road while driving, but is extremely slippery.

"Ash is very similar to black ice in how it affects road conditions," Andrews said.

What to do if an ash cloud is approaching
"You'll typically have about two hours to get ready before ashfall," Andrews said. "Cover your doors, windows, and vents with plastic as well as any electronic devices."

Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources.

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.

Stay informed
Pay attention to news reports from local radio and television stations to keep up with changing conditions at local active volcanoes. 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.alaska.edu or the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.fema.gov. Additional preparedness information is available at http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash.