Washington has five volcanoes that are listed as high or very high threat potential: Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. These volcanoes are part of the Cascade Range, a 1,200-mile line of volcanoes from British Columbia to northern California.
Many volcanoes in Washington are active. Volcanoes do not erupt at regular intervals, so it is difficult to know exactly when or where the next eruption will happen. So how can you be prepared?
KEYS TO VOLCANO SAFETY
● Know the hazards to your community.
● Prepare your emergency communication plan and survival kits.
● Obtain volcano updates from USGS and linked resources.
● During emergency, if lahars are present or predicted, get to high ground off of valley floors; find shelter from heavy ashfall.
● Follow the instructions of officials.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN ERUPTION
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Many communities have emergency alert systems in place that will automatically notify you of hazardous events either by phone, radio, or text message. Learn about alert systems in your community.
VOLCANO NOTIFICATION SERVICE (VNS)
The U.S. Geological Survey provides the Volcano Notification Service that alerts subscribed users of significant volcanic activity or alert-level changes through email.
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM ASH ● Remain indoors. Close doors, windows, and ventilation systems until the ash settles. ● Protect your lungs. Wear a respirator, face mask, or a use a damp cloth across your mouth. People with existing respiratory difficulties require extra precautions. ● Use goggles, and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses. ● Avoid driving in heavy ash fall. If you must drive, reduce your speed significantly. ● Avoid operating engines of any kind. Ash can clog engines, damage parts, and stall vehicles. ● Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you must go outside. Remove outdoor clothing before entering a building. ● Keep roofs free of ash more than four inches. ● Ensure that ash does not contaminate your water. If it does, use bottled water. AFTER A VOLCANIC EVENT ● Stay out of closed areas. They are closed for your safety. ● Be prepared to stay indoors and avoid downwind areas. ● Be aware of additional lahars and landslides. Areas impacted by lahars are often flooded repeatedly by mud long after the initial event.
Volcanic Hazards in Washington Booklet
Click Below to Download
The Beautiful Mountain in the Sky Children's Booklet
Click Below to Download
Credit: dnr.wa.gov, mil.wa.gov
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