National Preparedness Month: Volcano edition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher R. Morales
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Suddenly, an explosion shudders the ground and spews black arrows of soot, covering the surrounding area in a layer of ash, suffocating life all around.

Alaska is home to approximately 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields; more than 50 have been active since 1760. Twenty-seven of those volcanoes have had 230 confirmed eruptions according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, which studies and monitors Alaska's volcanic activity.

"In Alaska, ash is [the] primary hazard because we have so many volcanoes," said Kristi Wallace, U.S. Geological Survey geologist. "Things like lava flow and mud flow aren't an issue because nobody is near."

An emergency kit is necessary for weathering any natural disaster. It should contain rations, a radio, and copies of important documents, among other items recommended by ready.gov.

The best way to avoid a volcanic eruption is to be nowhere near it. Follow the Alaska Volcano Observatory and up-to-date news outlets on volcano progression if there is a call to evacuate.

"In the event there is a major volcanic eruption, it is going to spit out this very fine volcanic dust that airplanes really hate," said Capt. Ted Lebadz, 773d Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight commander. "That will cause a lot of problems for the base; when we did receive a coating of volcanic dust [from the 2009 Mount Redoubt eruption], it was a big mess."

Typically, ash is carried from the volcanoes in the Cook Inlet on strong winds. Ash is an issue due to abrasions, though is also electrically conductive and chemically corrosive, especially when wet.

"Volcanic dust is really hard on electronics, so pack some duct tape, plastic bags, tarps and things," Lebadz said. "Electronics, like computers, [televisions], things like that, you want to shut them down, cover them up and get them sealed.

"You also won't want to be driving much because not only will there be reduced visibility, but the ash will clog up the airflow in your car," Lebadz said.

Ash fall can affect the weather by increasing the air's density. Often, when ash falls, so does rain. Sometimes strong winds can carry ash great distances so it is paramount to be prepared, in any location.

Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with and being prepared is one step in the right direction.

Some helpful links are: www.fema.gov, www.pdc.org, www.avo.alaska.edu, and www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

For more information, visit the JBER Emergency Management office or call 551-7526.