Volcanic eruptions average about one per year in Alaska. There are at least five active volcanoes within 200 miles of Anchorage. Most recently, Mt. Redoubt erupted in 2009, dusting some of the Mat-Su valley in volcanic ash. Much of Alaska’s population which resides in and around Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are at some risk of volcanic eruption.

Ash is dangerous because it is actually microscopic glass. Ash is hazardous to the lungs, vehicles and electronics. Infants, the ill, elderly, and people with pre-existing lung conditions are extremely susceptible to volcanic ash’s damaging effects.

A one inch layer of dry ash weighs ten pounds per square foot. A heavy ashfall can collapse building roofs. Ash is extremely slippery making walking or driving in heavy ash dangerous. It is worse when it is wet. Clean up after an event must be done with care.

Prepare before the event by having your Home Shelter Kit ready, including NIOSH approved dust masks for every member of the house, plus spares.

Monitory your NOAA radio and check in with the Alaska Volcano Observatory for more information.    Some ashfalls have lasted for days. Expect the worst.

• Stay indoors. Keep children inside.
• Schools will be notified of emergency procedures to take. Do not attempt to pick your children up at school unless directed to do so.
• Keep pets inside. Prepare a potty area with plastic and newspaper. Brush or vacuum animals returning into the house.
• Shut barn doors for outside animals. Restrict their outside movement as much as possible to minimize ash disturbance. Get clean water to outside animals as soon as possible.
• Heavy ash fall my reduce sunlight, and may cause brownouts of electrical power. Be prepared with flashlights and batteries.
• Use the phone as little as possible.
• Use a respirator or dust mask and goggles when going outside.
• Cover and seal electronics with plastic bags.
• Do not drive. Have spare air and oil filters ready, if you must drive.