Facts: A volcano has erupted in Washington State. Volcanic dangers include hot ash, rock, lava, mudflows and landslides. Explosive eruptions can severely disrupt roads, electricity, water, utilities and cause health hazards hundreds of miles downwind due to drifting clouds of fine ash.
What to do:
- You may be asked to shelter-in-place or evacuate the area. Be prepared for either.
- If asked to shelter-in-place, prepare to stay indoors. Bring your family and pets inside. Close doors, windows and fireplace dampers. Place damp towels at door thresholds and other openings where outside drafts can enter.
- Turn off fans, air conditioning, heating or other systems that draw in air from the outside.
- Prepare to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and outdoor air.
- Protect your lungs by wearing a disposable facemask. If you have a respiratory condition, follow your asthma management plan.
- Protect your eyes – remove contact lenses and wear glasses or protective goggles.
- If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow any routes provided in the evacuation notice. Some routes may have signs posted along roads and highways.
- Stay tuned to the radio for updates on emergency information.
- If you know of someone who is unable to understand, see, or hear this message, please tell them about it.
Helpful links:
http://www.seattle.gov/emergency-management/what-if/hazards/volcano-hazards-including-lahars
http://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division/hazards/volcano
http://www.ready.gov/volcanoes
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