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Be Prepared: Mt. Spurr Activity Increasing

Be Prepared!  Mt. Spurr is currently under an advisory showing seismic activity has increased, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory.  You and your family should prepare now for a possible eruption that could disrupt air travel for several days and may result in volcanic ash falling in the region through wind dispersal. 
 
Preparing for Volcanic Ash
Learn about ash hazards, make an emergency plan and have an emergency kit on hand. 
 
Emergency Kit Checklist:
  • Two weeks of non-perishable food – Shelf-stable items that require little preparation.
  • Drinking water – Store at least 1.5 gallons per person per day in clean plastic containers.
  • N95 masks or surgical masks – Protects against inhaling fine ash particles.
  • Goggles – Prevents eye irritation from airborne ash.
  • First aid kit – Include extra prescription medications.
  • Plastic sheeting and tape – To cover windows, vents, and especially sensitive electronics (most electronics will be fine indoors).
  • Battery-powered radio – Essential for receiving emergency updates if power is out.
  • Flashlights and extra batteries – Ashfall can reduce visibility, and power outages are possible.
  • Spare air and oil filters for vehicles – Ash can quickly clog vehicle engines.
  • Cleaning supplies – Fine-particle filters for vacuums, brooms, and damp cloths for wiping surfaces.

 

Alaska’s News Source: How to prepare for a possible volcanic eruption in Anchorage.
State of Alaska Emergency Management: Ash Alert: How to Protect Your Family, Home and Business and Updated Mount Spurr Volcano FAQs, Ash Alert and Fact Sheet.
Watch this video: How to Protect Yourself From Breathing Volcanic Ash, and How to Fit a Face Mask.
Consider signing up for alerts: Anchorage Office of Emergency Management, text ANCHORAGE to 67283. USGS Volcano Notification Service (VNS) where you can choose to receive alerts for specific volcanoes.
 
During a Volcanic Ash Event

  • Limit your ash exposure by staying indoors as much as possible.
  • Close all windows, doors, and vents to keep ash from entering your home.
  • Turn off fans and heating systems that pull in outdoor air (when possible) to maintain indoor air quality.
  • Cover electronics and sensitive equipment with plastic sheets to prevent damage.
  • If you must go outside, wear PPE (personal protective equipment), such as goggles and a well fitted N95 or surgical mask to protect your lungs and eyes.
 
Recovering from a Volcanic Ash Event
  • Once the ash stops falling, clean up should be undertaken with PPE mentioned above.
  • Vacuum surfaces or wash off with water instead of wiping them to avoid damage.
  • Continue to monitor emergency alerts for new developments.

Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation manages Kanakanak Hospital, a critical access facility, which is Joint Commission accredited, receives Health and Human Services funding, and is covered through the Federal Tort Claim Act with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including liability for medical malpractice claims, for its officers, board members, employees, and certain health profession contractors and health profession volunteers. Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation is recognized by the US Government and State of Alaska as a tribal organization under PL 93-638.