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The Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest has more than a dozen potentially active volcanoes. Cascade volcanoes tend to erupt explosively, and on average two eruptions occur per century. The most recent were at Mount St. Helens, Washington (1980-86), and Lassen Peak, California (1914-17). To help protect the Pacific Northwest's rapidly expanding population, U.S. Geological Survey scientists at the Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington, monitor and assess the hazards posed by the region's volcanoes.
Source: U.S.Geological Survey If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, follow the advice of the American Red Cross and be prepared to follow instructions from your local emergency officials. Before a Volcano Erupts:
Learn about your community warning systems and emergency plans. Be prepared for the hazards that can accompany volcanoes:
- Mudflows and flash floods
- Landslides and rockfalls
- Earthquakes
- Ashfall and acid rain
- Tsunamis
Make evacuation plans. If you live in a known volcanic hazard area, plan a route out and have a backup route in mind.
Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a volcanic eruption (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact," because after a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person. Have disaster supplies on hand. Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on volcanoes. During an Eruption:
- Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities.
- Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano.
If caught indoors:
- Close all windows, doors, and dampers.
- Put all machinery inside a garage or barn.
- Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters.
If trapped outdoors:
- Seek shelter indoors.
- If caught in a rockfall, roll into a ball to protect your head.
- If caught near a stream, be aware of mudflows. Move up slope, especially if you hear the roar of a mudflow.
Protect yourself during ashfall:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use goggles to protect your eyes.
- Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help breathing.
- Keep car or truck engines off. Stay out of the area defined as a restricted zone by government officials. Effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many miles from a volcano. Mudflows and flash flooding, wildland fires, and even deadly hot ashflow can reach you even if you cannot see the volcano during an eruption. Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas. Trying to watch an erupting volcano up close is a deadly idea.
- Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
After an Eruption:
If possible, stay away from volcanic ashfall areas. When outside:
- Cover your mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
- Keep skin covered to avoid irritation from contact with ash.
- Clear roofs of ash. Ash is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse. Exercise great caution when working on a roof.
- Avoid driving in heavy ashfall. Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance — infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Source: American Red Cross and King County Office of Emergency Management
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