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Everyone in an ash fall zone will be exposed to the effects of volcanic ash. Tiny volcanic ash can infiltrate all but the most tightly sealed buildings and machinery and is often small enough (less than 10 microns) to be inhaled deeply into the lungs. Ash fall over extensive areas can prevent travel for days because of poor visibility, slippery roads, and damage to vehicles. Power outages may occur before, during, and after an ash fall either due to equipment failure or because power facilities are temporarily shut down to prevent damage. Afterwards, wind and human activity can stir up ash for weeks to years.

In most situations, acting on a few general principles will reduce the effects of ash and make clean-up operations easier. These principles apply to households, businesses, and communities.

General principles

• Keep ash out of buildings, machinery, vehicles, downspouts, water supplies, and wastewater systems (for example, storm drains) as much as possible. The most effective method to prevent ash-induced damage to machinery is to shut down, close off or seal equipment until ash is removed from the immediate environment, but this may not be practical in all cases, especially for critical facilities.
• Minimize exposure to airborne ash by using dust or filter masks (or a wet cloth, for example a handkerchief) and minimizing travel.
• Coordinate clean-up activities with neighbors and community-wide operations (learn the clean-up guidelines and instructions of your local community and leaders). After an ash fall, promptly notify building owners to remove ash from roofs in a timely manner to prvent streets from being repetitively cleaned.
• Stay informed of volcanic activity in your area, especially during a period of unrest, and know what to expect, including the type of eruptions that can occur and how much warning is possible for ash fall in your area once an explosive eruption occurs. Learn about evacuation procedures, if any, in your area.
• Prepare for an emergency by having critical provisions and supplies needed to support your family, business, or community for at least several days; for example, food, water, medicine, and shelter, dust masks and other personal protection equipment, spare filters and parts for machinery and vehicles.
• Develop and test a contingency plan that can be used in a variety of emergencies, but not necessarily focused on volcanoes.
• Provide information frequently and directly to the public about volcanic ash, including instructions for participating in clean-up operations.

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Households || Items to stock || Preparedness actions || Durning ashfall || Why clean up? || Precautions || Outside || Inside || Vehicles ||

Household actions to take: Introduction

This section aims to promote the safety of those who experience volcanic ashfall. It details procedures to follow if warning of a volcanic ashfall is given, recommends what to do during ash fall, and what methods are most effective for cleaning up volcanic ash after the event. This information is primarily from a pamphlet, Guidelines on preparedness before, during, and after an ashfall, prepared by the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) and others.

Essential items to stock before an ash fall

A sustained ash fall may keep people housebound for hours or even days. Keep these items in your home in case of an ash fall:

• Dust masks and eye protection. (See Recommended Masks, from the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network).
• Enough drinking water for at least 72 hours (one gallon per person per day).
• Enough non-perishable food for at least 72 hours for family and pets.
• Plastic wrap (to keep ash out of electronics).
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• Lanterns or torches (flashlights) and extra batteries.
• If cold, extra wood for a fireplace or stove.
• If cold, extra blankets and warm clothing.
• Extra stocks of medication for both family and pets.
• First aid kit.
• Cleaning supplies (broom, vacuum cleaner & bags/filters, shovels etc.).
• Small amount of money (ATM machines may not be working).
• Consider that you could be stuck in your vehicle, so store emergency supplies in your vehicle too.

Actions to be taken in preparedness

• Close doors and windows.
• Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. Tape draughty windows.
• Protect sensitive electronics and do not uncover until the environment is totally ash-free.
• Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging, but allowing ash and water to empty from gutters onto the ground.
• If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank prior to ash falling.
• If you have chronic bronchitis, emphysema or asthma, stay inside and avoid unnecessary exposure to the ash.
• Ensure livestock have clean food and water.
• If you have children, know your school's emergency plan and have indoor games and activities ready.

What to do if volcanic ash is falling

• Don't panic - stay calm.
• Stay indoors.
• If outside, seek shelter (e.g. car or building).
• Use a mask, handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth.
• If warning is given before ash fall starts, go home from work.
• If at work when ash fall starts, stay indoors until the ash has settled.
• Do not tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls.
• Listen to your local radio for information on the eruption and cleanup plans.
• Do not wear contact lenses as these will result in corneal abrasion.
• If there is ash in your water, let it settle and then use the clear water. If there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine. Water contaminated by ash will usually make drinking water unpalatable before it presents a health risk.
• You may eat vegetables from the garden, but wash them first.

Why should we clean up the ash?

Volcanic ash is a great nuisance and gets everywhere in the house and office, including inside televisions, computers, cameras and other valuable equipment, where it can cause irreparable damage. Ash is different from ordinary house dust. Its sharp, crystalline structure causes it to scratch and abrade surfaces when it is removed by wiping or brushing. In wet weather the ash deposits are dampened down and the air can be clear, but in drier weather ash can easily be stirred up and remobilised by wind and traffic. As a result suspended dust levels become much higher and can be at levels potentially harmful to health. Rainfall and wind are effective in removing the ash and grass and other plants will eventually bind it to the soil, but with large ash falls this process is too slow and the ash must be cleaned up and taken away from populated areas. In addition, wind may also bring ash into areas which were previously clean so ash may be present in the environment for months or even years following an eruption.

What precautions should be taken before cleaning up ash?

Those undertaking clean-up operations should always wear effective dust masks (see recommended masks from the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network). In fine-ash environments, wear goggles or corrective eyeglasses instead of contact lenses to protect eyes from irritation. Lightly water down the ash deposits before they are removed by shovelling, being careful not to excessively wet the deposits on roofs, causing excess loading and danger of collapse. Dry brushing can produce very high exposure levels and should be avoided. Use extra precaution on ladders and roofs. The ash makes surfaces much more slippery, consequently many people have died from falls while cleaning ash from their roofs. Be aware of the extra load caused by standing on an already overloaded roof - tread carefully. It is preferable to clean roofs before more than a few centimetres of ash has accumulated. Where possible use a harness.

Cleaning up: outside

Keep ash out of buildings, machinery, vehicles, downspouts, water supplies, and wastewater systems (for example, storm drains) as much as possible. The most effective method to prevent ash-induced damage to machinery is to shut down, close off or seal equipment until ash is removed from the immediate environment, though this may not be practical in all cases. Coordinate clean-up activities with your neighbours and community-wide operations. After an ash fall, remove ash from roofs in a timely manner to prevent streets from being repetitively cleaned.

Do

• Put on a recommended mask before starting to clean. If you don't have one, use a wet cloth. Wearing protective eye wear (such as goggles) during clean-up is also advised in dry conditions.
• Moisten the ash with a sprinkler, before attempting to clean. This will help to stop the wind remobilizing it.
• Use shovels for removing the bulk of thick deposits of ash (over 1 cm or so), stiff brooms will be required to remove lesser amounts.
• Place the ash into heavy duty plastic bags, or onto trucks if available.
• Since most roofs cannot support more than four inches (10 cm) of wet ash, keep roofs free of thick accumulation.
• Volcanic ash is slippery. Use caution when climbing on ladders and roofs.
• Guttering systems clog very easily so, if fitted underneath your roof, sweep away from the gutters.
• Cut grass and hedges only after rain or light sprinkling and bag clippings.
• Seek advice from public officials regarding disposal of volcanic ash in your community. In most cases, ash should be separated from normal rubbish for collection for disposal at a designated location-mixing ash with normal rubbish can result in damage to collection vehicles and take up space in landfills.
• Dampen ash in yards and streets to reduce suspension of ash, however try to use water sparingly - do not soak the ash. Widespread use of water for clean-up may deplete public water supplies. Follow requests from public officials regarding water use during cleanup operations.
• Remove outdoor clothing before entering a building.

Don't

• Do not soak the ash as it will cake into a hard mass, making cleanup more difficult. On roofs the added weight of the water will increase the risk of roof collapse.
• Do not dump the ash in gardens or on the roadside.
• Do not wash the ash into the guttering, sewers or storm drains. (It can damage waste water treatment systems and clog pipes).
• Do not drive unless absolutely necessary, driving stirs up the ash. Furthermore, ash is harmful to vehicles.

Cleaning up: inside

In general, surfaces should be vacuumed to remove as much ash as possible from carpets, furniture, office equipment, appliances, and other items. Portable vacuum systems equipped with high-efficiency particulate filtering systems are recommended whenever possible. The severity of ash intrusion depends on the integrity of windows and entrances, the air intake features, and the care exercised to control the transport of ash into a building or home via shoes and clothing. Care should also be taken to avoid further contamination during the emptying, cleaning, and maintenance of vacuum equipment. In hot climates, where windows are permanently open, or absent, clean up of houses may be needed several times per day. Clean up inside should only be undertaken after the outside areas have been well cleared.

Do

• Clean your house when public-works crews are cleaning the areas outside your house as a co-ordinated approach.
• Put on your mask before starting to clean. If you don't have one, use a wet cloth.
• Ensure good ventilation by opening all doors and windows before you start to clean.
• Only use one entrance to the building while cleaning to ensure occupants do not bring in ash into clean areas.
• Use a dustless method of cleaning such as washing with water and an effective detergent/wetting agent. Damp rag techniques or vacuuming should be used whenever possible. After vacuuming, carpets and upholstery may be cleaned with a detergent shampoo. Avoid excess rubbing action because the sharp ash particles may cut textile fibres.
• Glass, porcelain enamel and acrylic surfaces may be scratched if wiped too vigorously. Use a detergent soaked cloth or sponge and dab rather than wipe.
• High-shine wood finishes will be dulled by the fine grit. Vacuum surfaces and then blot with a wet cloth. A tack cloth used by furniture refinishers should also work well.
• Ash-coated fabrics should either be rinsed under running water and then washed carefully, or they can be taken outside and beaten to remove the ash.
• Soiled clothing will require extra detergent. Wash small loads of clothing, using plenty of water so the clothes will have room to move freely in the water. Brush or shake clothes before washing.
• Moisten thick ash deposits on hard floors and place in bags (avoid sweeping dry ash).
• Use a damp mop or wet cloth to clean hard floors.
• Clean your computer, TV and radio equipment using a vacuum cleaner or compressed air (see guidelines on looking after electronics following an ash fall). Switch off the main power supply to the machine before carrying out this operation.
• For several months after an ash fall, filters may need replacing often. Air conditioner and furnace filters need careful attention. Clean refrigerator air intakes. Clean any surface that may blow air and recirculate the ash. Stove fans and vents should be cleaned thoroughly.
• Keep children indoors and discourage play in dusty settings.
• Keep pets indoors. If pets go out, brush them before letting them indoors.

Don't

• Do not use floor sweepers with side brushes to clear aisles and floors because they may re-entrain dust particles into the air.
• Do not clean by blowing with compressed air or dry sweeping as ash will be remobilised into the air.
• Do not use fans or electric clothes dryers which might remobilise ash.

Vehicles

• If possible, avoid driving as ash is harmful to vehicles, the roads may be slippery and driving suspends ash into the air which causes low visibility and may be harmful or irritating to others.
• If driving is crucial, drive slowly, use headlights and ample windscreen fluid. Using wipers on dry ash may scratch the windscreen. In heavier ashfall driving should only be undertaken in an emergency. Use water bottles and a cloth to clean the windscreen as required, this may be every few tens of metres.
• Change oil and oil filters frequently (every 50-100 miles in heavy dust; every 500-1000 miles in light dust).
• Do not drive without an air filter. If you can not change it, clean it by blowing air from the inside out. Do not change it until you notice a loss of power to the engine as a dirty filter is more effective than a clean one.
• Cleaning your car - clean ash from inside your engine, trunk/boot and spare tyre storage area as well as the seating area. Brushing ash off the car can cause scratching.
• Have a service garage clean wheel brake assemblies every 50-100 miles for very severe road conditions, or every 200-500 miles for heavy dust conditions. The brake assemblies should be cleaned with compressed air.
• Have a service garage clean alternators with compressed air after heavy accumulation, every 500 to 1000 miles, or after severe dust exposure.
• Clean the vehicle, including the engine, radiator, and other essential parts daily, if necessary, using water to flush the ash.
• Wash the engine compartment with a garden hose or steam cleaner. Be sure to seal off air intakes and electrical components before cleaning.

Clean windscreen wipers before using them on the windscreen to avoid scratching

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Businesses || Preparedness planning || Resources ||

Like other natural emergencies, volcanic ash falls are unplanned events that can affect businesses. Ash fall often leads to a temporary shutdown of business operations (hours to days or longer), and may cause physical damage to buildings, equipment, computers, machinery, vehicles, inventory, and supplies. Furthermore, many explosive eruptions over a period of weeks to months can result in repeated ash falls that require costly cleanup operations after each event. Making a general plan to deal emergencies and a specific plan for ash fall is one of the most important steps to take to mitigate the potential effects of ash and improve the response and recovery of a business to ash fall. Resources are available elsewhere for developing emergency and contingency plans (for example, see a planning guide from FEMA).

During non-eruptive periods, businesses and organizations should consider their vulnerability to volcanic ash falls. Once the vulnerability has been assessed, mitigation strategies can be developed. Three types of approaches can be used (Johnston and Becker, 2001):

• Policy and management measures that reduce the likelihood of damage or failure of equipment from volcanic ash.
• Engineering design measures that reduce vulnerability to ash.
• Preparedness and response planning to deal with ash fall and clean-up activities.

Preparedness planning

Experience with ash falls from around the world suggest the following emergency planning measures for ash fall:

• Conduct a vulnerability analysis of equipment and facilities to determine which would be the most affected by ash fall, and which are adequately and inadequately protected.
• Identify appropriate methods of protecting vulnerable equipment and facilities from ash (for example, see section keeping ash out of buildings and special maintenance of vehicles).
• Develop a priority list of facilities that must be kept operative versus those that can be shut-down during and after ash falls.
• Identify effective and efficient ash-removal methods for equipment and facilities.
• Develop communication plans and procedures for notifying employees of potential ash fall warnings, reducing or shutting down operations, and accelerating maintenance of buildings and machinery during cleanup operations.
• Stockpile spare parts for critical equipment, including oil and air filters and cleaning and disposal equipment.
• Do not start cleanup operations until the ash fall is over (except when buildings are threatened by overloading of roofs).
• Personal protection gear and logistical support will be needed for employees during ashy conditions, especially those involved in cleanup operations. For example, filter masks, respirators, eye protection, hats or helmets, food and water, auxiliary lighting, and even portable toilets to minimize walking traffic into buildings.
• Establish a control and communications center to coordinate cleanup activities and disseminate ash and eruption cloud notices and information to employees.
• Provide educational materials about ash to employees regarding physical properties of volcanic ash, potential health effects, and personal-protective equipment.
• Prioritize and sequence areas for cleanup (top to bottom) and coordinate with public organizations  and communities.
• Identify short-term and long-term equipment availability and needs; consider resources that might be available elsewhere.
• No single cleaning technique will be the best in all situations; a range of measures often provides the best results. Constant monitoring of ash effects and mitigation procedures is encouraged to achieve the most effective balance between operational requirements and damage limitation.

Resources

Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry, a step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery for companies of all sizes. This guide was produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and supported by many private companies and associations representing business and industry (see guide for list).

One-page (front and back) handout prepared by the Emergency Management Division, Washington State, U.S., and U.S. Geolgoical Survey

• Volcanic Ashfall: how to be prepared for an ashfall
• Caíde de Ceniza Volcanica: Cómo prepararse para una caída de cenizas

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Communities || Local preparedness plan ||

Unless a community already has experience with volcanic ash fall, local governments and public organizations are typically not prepared for a rain of gritty ash. After having dealt with the ash fall from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, communities in Washington and Oregon clearly recognized the need for local emergency plans and emergency public information plans for future ash falls from Mount St. Helens or other nearby volcanoes (FEMA, 1984). According to their experience, such a plan does not have to specifically deal with volcanoes, but can be written to deal with a wide variety of natural emergencies (see recommendations of plan).

Removing and disposing ash are probably the biggest challenges for cities and communities that may experience ash fall. Volcanic ash needs to be removed from urban areas even after a fall of only a few millimeters, and notification of an impending ash fall may allow for less than an hour of final preparation if such a notification comes at all. A number of factors will influence the removal methods employed, the ease with which ash can be removed, and the cost of any clean-up operation. These include ash thickness and grain-size and the availability of equipment. Removal of ash from roads was undertaken by a number of public works departments after the 1980 Mount St Helens eruption. Few, if any, of these organizations had developed plans for ash-removal prior to the cataclysmic eruption even after two months of significant activity at the volcano. Furthermore, little knowledge was available on how to undertake such a massive cleanup.

Dealing with ash fall effectively in communities requires careful planning and coordination among public agencies, businesses, landowners, and the public both in areas affected by ash fall and beyond. Many of the planning measures identified for businesses above can be adopted for community and public facilities, including hospitals, buildings, power stations and equipment, and water-supply and waste-water treatment facilities.

Recommendations for a local preparedness plan (modified from FEMA, 1984)

• Establish a network of authority under which individuals would act in an emergency.
• Detail necessary procedures.
• Pre-test the plan so that identified people know exactly what roles they must fulfill in case of an emergency.
• Prepare sample emergency ordinances as well as sample proclamations that are already signed.
• Make provisions for communicating about the emergency to the public (for example, through a local or regional emergency broadcast system).
• Prior to an emergency, provide citizens with information on the emergency communication system so that they can interpret the warning system and emergency information properly (local radio stations are the most effective means of informing the public).
• Have ready lists of names and locations of facilities that can provide shelter, food, and medical needs, and individuals who can be on hand for emergency work.
• Have on hand protective clothing, filter masks, and air filters.
• Plan for sheltering and feeding stranded motorists.
• Plan for the possibility of supply lines (railroads, airports, roads) being closed and the need to request and organize delivery of needed supplies to affected areas).
• Have substitute vehicles available for emergency use by police and other essential public personnel.
• Make provisions for including legal counsel at all emergency sessions. 

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References

Baxter, P.J., 1986, Preventive Health Measures in Volcanic Eruptions. American Journal of Public Health 76 (1986)Supplement: 84-90.

Baxter, P.J. and Maynard, R.L., 1998, Health criteria for reoccupation of ashfall areas in Montserrat. October 1998.

Blong, R.J., 1984, Volcanic hazards: a sourcebook on the effects of eruptions: Academic Press, Australia, 424 p.

Cascades Volcano Observatory and Washington State Emergency Management Division, 1999, Volcanic ashfall: how to be prepared for an ashfall: U.S. Geological Survey and Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division, 1 p.

The Emergency Department, St John's, 1998, Resident's guide to the state of the Soufrière Hills volcano following the scientific assessment of July 1998 and the dangers of volcanic ash with tips for cleaning up ash. Montserrat, West Indies. August 1998.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 1984, The mitigation of ashfall damage to public facilities: lessons learned from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington. Region X, Wm. H. Mayer, Regional Director. 1984.

FEMA/USGS, 1999, Volcanic ashfall: How to be prepared for an ashfall. November 1999.

Johnston, D., and Becker, J., 2001, Volcanic ash review - Part 1: impacts on lifelines services and collection/disposal issues: Auckland Regional Council Technical Publication No. 144, 50 p. (http://www.aelg.org.nz/publications.htm#aelg13)

Lauer, S.E., 1995, Pumice and ash, an account of the 1994 Rabaul volcanic eruptions: CPD Resources, Australia, 80 p.

Mt. St. Helens Technical Information Network, 1980, Ash particles and home clean-up problems; advice from the University of Idaho. Bulletin 7. Federal Coordinating Network, May 1980.

Zais, R., 1999, City of Yakima: Presentation on the eruption of Mount St. Helens to Regional Council Civil Defense in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

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URL: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/todo.html Page Contact Information: GS-G-HI_Ash@usgs.gov Page Last Modified: Tuesday, 3 February 2009