Preparedness Tuesday: Volcanoes

It's Preparedness Tuesday - each Tuesday I post one thing you can do to help prepare you and your family for everyday disasters - be it job loss, bad weather (between being stuck in the middle of hurricane season, and the coming colder winter we're predicted), or even that ugly recession they keep talking about (blech!)

This week I am talking about volcanoes. Most people will never have to worry about this, but just in case it should happen while traveling to visit someone, you may want to learn all you can. (Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared!)

If you do come in contact with volcano disasters, chances are it's not the molten lava you will need to be worried about, it's the ash. The ash can do some serious damage in a short period of time, even if it's only light. Remember, ash will travel the direction of the wind. When Mt. St. Helens erupted in Washington years ago, the ash travel several states over!

Most of all, you'll want to limit leaving your house as much as possible if you don't have to evacuate. Your home gives you a lot of protection from the bad air. Don't open your windows or doors unless absolutely necessary. Keep a laundry bin near the door for any clothing you wear outside, and make sure to remove your shoes as soon as you come in so as not to track the ash around. Keep pets inside! If you need to take your dog outside, make sure to wipe them down with a damp towel each time.

When going outside, wear a medical mask or keep a towel over your mouth. Wear long sleeves and pants, as well as gloves and hats. Wear goggles or sunglasses to keep the ash out of your eyes.

Keep your car parked inside a closed garage if you can. If you can't place your car inside a building, keep a tarp over it as securely as possible. If you need to drive places, make sure to have extra filters for your car - the ash will wreak havoc on the air filters. This also applies to any heating and air conditioner filters - have several at home as if the ash is very heavy, you will need to change them frequently.

Make sure you have your emergency supplies ready, especially in case of power loss. The ash can build up on branches, causing them to fall onto lines, and even homes. Keep a roll of plastic wrap as well as extra plastic shopping bags to keep ash out of supplies if you have to carry things in from outside.

If you have any asthmatics or family members who use oxygen, keep in mind that the ash will irritate the lungs badly. Have an extra supply of oxygen and inhalers, as well as any other medications necessary.

For more random preparedness thoughts from my blog, click here.