What to do if volcanic ash from Mount Augustine should fall

January 13, 2006

The Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services Department suggests becoming prepared and learning what to do if significant ash falls in the Mat-Su. The following tips were culled from informed Web sites.

€ Stay indoors if possible.

€ Close doors, windows, dampers.

€ Cover or seal places where ash can infiltrate your home. Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. Tape drafty windows.

€ Wear dust masks and eye goggles if you go outside. Brush off clothes or pets before going back into the house.

€Do not drive if possible. Ash is abrasive and damages cars. Change air filters and oil filters frequently: every 50 to 100 miles in heavy dust (less than 50 feet visibility) and every 500 to 1,000 miles in light dust.

€ Cover with plastic and do not use computers, stereos, and other sensitive equipment.

€ Do not run exhaust fans or clothes dryers.

€ Vacuum furniture and carpets. Try not to wipe ash, it scratches.

€ Keep roofs clean of ash. More than four inches of wet ash can collapse a roof. Wet ash is very slippery. Be careful on ladders and roofs.

€ Minimize exertion to reduce inhaling of ash.

€ Do not attempt to pick up your child at school unless directed to do so.

€ Use the telephone for emergencies only.

€ Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

€ If a person is experiencing difficulty breathing, consult a physician.

€ Avoid burning woodstoves or fireplaces.

€ Listen to the radio. (KMBQ and KTNA will broadcast local emergency information)

The following are helpful Web sites for addition information on preparing for a volcanic eruption:

Alaska Volcano Observatory ash site at www.avo.alaska.edu/index

.php

United States Geological Survey at www.volcanoes .usgs.gov

Red Cross at www .redcross.org

State of Alaska at www.ak-prepared.com/plans/

Army Corps of Engineers at www.poa.usace .army.mil/co/dis/disast.htm

Information provided by the Southern Region EMS Council.