Mt. Spurr Updates
by Green & Gold News |
With recent developments regarding a potential Mt. Spurr eruption in Alaska, it is important faculty, staff and students are prepared. While an eruption remains uncertain, the State of Alaska and agency partners believe an event could occur within weeks to months.
Now is the time to take proactive steps to prepare at work, school and home. Below are key measures to safeguard yourself and mitigate the potential impacts of volcanic ashfall in Southcentral Alaska.
Campus closure notifications
The 色情网站 Incident Management Team (IMT) will determine if a closure of the Anchorage campus is needed during and following an eruption of Mt. Spurr. Anchorage staff, faculty and students will receive a message via the Rave Guardian app, SMS messaging, email and social media.
The IMT will communicate with community campus directors to determine the appropriateness of closing their campus for operations.
Preparedness
Workplace preparedness
- Protect equipment: Store sensitive electronics in protective covers or sealed plastic bags to prevent ash damage.
During ashfall at work and school
- Minimize exposure: Stay indoors whenever possible. If you must go outside, wear an appropriate mask
- Eye protection: Switch to eyeglasses to reduce eye irritation from ash exposure as an alternative to contact lenses.
- Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and gloves to protect skin. Avoid bare skin contact with ash as much as possible.
- Shelter in place: If ashfall is already occurring and visibility is low, remain indoors until conditions improve.
- Vehicle shelter: If caught outside and unable to enter a building, seek refuge in a vehicle with windows and vents closed.
Home preparedness
- Emergency kit: Consider stocking at least two weeks' worth of nonperishable food, 1.5 gallons of water per person per day, a first-aid kit and any necessary prescription medications.
- Water supply: If your home relies on a well or electric pump, store additional water in clean containers before ashfall.
- Outdoor protection: Cover outdoor woodpiles, HVAC units and sensitive equipment with tarps or plastic sheeting.
- Cleaning preparation: Equip yourself with a fine particle filter for shop vacuums to prevent ash from spreading indoors.
- Air auality protection: Ensure all household members have N95 respirators to minimize inhalation risks.
During ashfall at home
- Stay indoors: Keep all windows, doors and vents closed to prevent ash from entering.
- Protect indoor air: Close fireplace dampers and turn off heating andcooling systems that bring in outside air.
- Reduce fire hazards: Remove ash from wood before burning to reduce excessive smoke and potential damage.
- Monitor updates: Follow guidance from the and emergency management authorities for real-time alerts.
After ashfall at home
- Protect yourself: Wear an N95 mask and goggles when cleaning up ash to prevent inhalation and eye irritation.
- Cleaning procedures: Use a vacuum with a fine particle filter instead of sweeping. If sweeping is necessary, lightly dampen the ash to reduce airborne dust.
- Lawn and outdoor maintenance: Mow lawns only when damp. Bag clippings to limit ash redistribution.
- Emergency kit maintenance: Replenish any used supplies to maintain readiness for future emergencies.
Additional resources
Beyond updates from 色情网站 EHS and the Anchorage campus IMT, staff, faculty and students can access additional resources on preparing for and responding to a volcanic eruption. The links below provide up-to-date information on Mt. Spurr鈥檚 activity to keep the 色情网站 community informed.