DVIDS – News – Protect yourself and your family from volcanic outbreaks

Alaska houses numerous active volcanoes, and although they do not often break out, the story shows that if they do this, they can send volcanic ash clouds across the state. The last significant outbreaks in the region occurred in 1953 and 1992, both of which produced explosive ash clouds, the hundreds of miles and were deposited up to 1/4 inch ashes in nearby communities. These outbursts temporarily disturbed the flight, had an impact on visibility and asked the residents to take precautions against falling ashes.

There is a seismic activity that the volcanic unrest from Mount Spurc and an increased volcanic gas emissions. The current alarm level for the Mount Spurr is advisory, with the color code yellow, which means that the seismicity is increased slightly after the last week compared to the last week.

“A sign that an outbreak is becoming increasingly imminent is that the seismic activity in this area is increased,” said the US Air Force Captain Parker Graber, the Weather Flight Commander, which was assigned to the 3rd Operations Support Season. “There is also an increase in gas emissions from the volcano itself, in which we have a significant snow pack, so that you can see the melting of the snow and the formation of an almost crater lake, which indicates the presence of magma that moves closer to the surface.”

While volcanic outbreaks can vary in severity, Ashfall is the most common danger. It can affect the daily lifespan by reducing air quality, damaging vehicles and machines and contaminating the water sources. In contrast to the soft ashes from a running fire, the volcanic ash is hard, abrasive and does not dissolve into water. It consists of tiny stone, mineral and glass particles, which according to Jber's emergency management office can pose health risks.

“Based on the latest outbreaks, Ashfall is the main danger of Alaska volcanoes in the Jber region,” said John Werner, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's emergency management office, “Vulkanasche consists of tiny rock particles and can damage vehicles and machines and cause health problems.”

The good news is that the preparation can minimize the effects of an ASHFall event. Taking the right precautions from, during and after an outbreak can help protect your health, home and family.

“Prevention measures before the outbreak can help minimize the effects,” said Werner.

During an explosive outbreak, a volcanic ash is formed when melted rock breaks into tiny fragments and is carried into the air by the eruption column. These fine particles can remain hung on the ground for hours or even days before falling and, according to Jber's emergency management office, hundreds or even thousands of miles from the outbreak place are often worn from the outbreak.

Ashfall can reduce air quality and cause respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma or chronically obstructive lung disease. It can irritate the eyes and skin, limit visibility, create dangerous road conditions and cloud water sources. Ashes can also clog vehicle engines and HLK systems, which leads to potential damage.

While most Ashfall events in Alaska were slightly, even a small amount of ash can be annoying and durable. As soon as the ash has settled, according to Jber's emergency management office, it can be resoned by wind or human activities, which means that air quality continues to influence air quality or even months.

The best way to protect yourself and your family from Ashfall is to plan ahead. If you have an emergency kit and a budget, you can be ready for disorders.

Emergency kit checklist:

Two weeks of non-perishable food stability articles that require little preparation.
Drinking water – store at least 1.5 gallons per person and day in clean plastic containers.
N95 masks or other dust masks – protect against inhalation fine ash particles.
Protective glasses – prevents the eye irritation from air.
First aid kit -contain additional prescription medication.
Plastic film and adhesive tape – to cover windows, ventilation slots and in particular sensitive electronics (most electronics are in order).
Battery-operated radio-for the preservation of emergency tactualizations when electricity is carried out.
Flashlights and additional batteries – ash can reduce visibility and power outages are possible.
Replacement air and oil filters for vehicles – ashes can quickly clog vehicle engines.
Cleaning agent-fine particle filter for vacuum cleaners, brooms and moist towels for swiping areas.

As soon as an outbreak occurs and ashes falls, it is important to take immediate precautions to limit exposure. Stay inside as far as possible to reduce exposure. Close all the windows, doors and ventilation openings to prevent ash from entering your house. Switch off the fan, climate and heating systems to maintain the air quality indoors. Cover the electronics and sensitive devices with plastic leaves to avoid damage. If you have to go outside, wear an N95 mask and safety glasses to protect your lungs and eyes. Keep the pets inside as far as possible. When pets go out, brush or vacuum them before leaving them in.

Avoid driving unless the ashes can reduce visibility and damage your engine. Drive slowly and carefully because ash -covered roads can be slippery, especially if you are wet. Use the windshield wipers carefully because dry ash can scratch glass. Check your air filter frequently.

As soon as the ash fall has been stopped, cleaning of days or even months may take, depending on the amount of ashes deposited and the weather conditions. Ash can be removed by wind and human activity, so further caution is required. The following tips for the consequences of a volcanic event are strongly recommended:

During cleaning, wear an N95 mask and safety glasses to avoid irritation.
Vacuum surfaces instead of wiping to avoid scratches.
Due the ashes slightly before reducing the air in the air.
Deviating ash vehicles with water instead of brushing to avoid damage.
Mow the lawn surfaces with moisture and bag cutouts so as not to be spread out.
Register here for emergency warnings from local authorities for real-time updates: https://www.muni.org/departments/oem/prepared/pages/volcanicash.aspx.
Monitor air quality reports to pursue improvements.
Inquire with your local water supply company about concerns about the safety of drinking water.
Check emergency plans with your household to ensure that everyone knows what to do.

Volcanic eruptions are unpredictable, but with the right preparations you can reduce the effects on your family. If you create an emergency kit, secure your house and stay up to date, you are ready to deal with Ashfall safely and effectively.

See the monitoring data and other information about Mount Spurr: https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/spurrr
Register for warnings from the Anchorage Office of Emergency Management by sending the anchorage to 67283.
See resources for natural disasters of Jber: https://www.jber.jb.mil/medical-and-emergency-services/natural-disasters/