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Bioterrorism
Information:
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General Information
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Local
Health Agencies and Healthcare Providers
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 This file is available for print or distribution in PDF
(125K).
Also
available in Spanish. PDF files require a free reader. Download
a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency
Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
Volcanoes
Volcanic dangers include not only an eruption of a
mountain and associated lava flows, but also ash fall and debris flows. If
you are near a mountain range, be familiar with the following.
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Before a volcanic eruption:
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Plan ahead. Have emergency
supplies, food and water stored.
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Plan an evacuation route away
from rivers or streams that may carry mud or debris flow.
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Keep a battery-operated radio
available
at all times.
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If there is an eruption
predicted, monitor the radio or TV for evacuation information. Follow
the advice given by authorities.
After a
volcanic eruption:
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Do not approach the eruption
area.
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Be prepared to stay indoors
and avoid downwind areas if ash fall is predicted.
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Evacuate if advised to do so
by authorities.
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Be aware of stream and river
channels when evacuating.
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Move toward higher ground if
mudflows are approaching.
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Follow the evacuation signs
posted along roads and highways.
If
there is ash fall in your area:
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Protect your lungs. Infants, the elderly and those who have respiratory conditions such as
asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other chronic lung and heart diseases
should be particularly careful to avoid breathing ash. If ash is
present:
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Stay inside. Close doors,
windows and dampers. Place damp towels at door thresholds and other
draft sources.
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When outside, wear a
single-use (disposable) facemask. Remember that these masks may not fit
small children properly. (Note: Masks may make breathing more difficult
for people with respiratory conditions.)
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Those most at risk should
limit outdoor activities. Keep children and pets indoors.
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If you have asthma or another
respiratory condition – or have a child with asthma – pay attention to
symptoms such as wheezing and coughing, or more severe symptoms such as
chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath and severe fatigue. Stay
indoors and follow your asthma management plan. Contact your doctor if
you have trouble breathing.
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Replace disposable furnace
filters or clean permanent furnace filters frequently.
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If you wear contact lenses,
protect your eyes by wearing glasses or protective goggles or by
removing your contacts.
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If you find ash in your
drinking water, use an alternate source of drinking water such as
purchased bottled water.
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Put stoppers in the tops of
your drainpipes.
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Protect dust-sensitive
electronics.
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Keep roofs free of ash in
excess of 4 inches.
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Remove outdoor clothing
before entering a building.
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Wash vegetables from the
garden before eating.
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Minimize travel — ash may be
harmful to your vehicle.
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Frequently change oil and air
filters in your automobile.
Revised - March 2008
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