Volcano Part IV Dealing With Ash Fallout in Homes and Communities

Trying to avoid volcano ash fallout is like trying to avoid air. It will make its way into the most sealed buildings and equipment. It can effect our lungs, our ability to travel due to the slickness from it on the roads, impairing our vision while driving, damaging vehicles. Power plants may need to be shut down to avoid damage to the facility and equipment. All movement then and later for months can stir up ash particles. Yes, it can be a nightmare and at least, a real nuisance even for those way down on the other side of the continent.

Neighbors and communities often have to band together to plan clean-up, as the city or town employees cannot possibly deal with it all. Personal household equipment, such as computers and other electronics that we have grown to depend on, will need scrupulous packaging to prevent damage. Even then, make sure your items are insured because they may not be working well after. Seal-tight boxes, such as Rubber-Maid bins with covers, and duct-tape to insure nothing jars the lid, are good options. Covering items with plastic is just not going to protect them this time.

Home owners will need to hire or figure out a way to remove ash from their roofs as soon as possible in order to prevent continuous cleaning by the city or town. It also helps your home and neighborhood be safer more quickly. And vehicles – well, lets just say that you should make sure your insurance is covering your vehicle well enough prior to a volcano, because that beautiful ’69 Mustang convertible you’ve been keeping under wraps as a collector’s item will require as good a storage location as possible and coverage of its major parts to keep it from being destroyed by ash.

Moisten or wet the ash before trying to shovel or remove, though too much water on the roof to remove ash is not wise, as the roof can collapse from the weight of both. Ash makes everything very slippery, so remember that when on roofs and ladders, not to mention roads and walkways. Vacuums are priceless at times like this in helping you clean. Take care when emptying out the vacuum bags.

Ash should be disposed in strong plastic bags or onto trucks. Don’t cut grass or trim hedges until rain has fallen or the greenery has been sprinkled with water.

There will or should be an assigned location for people to take ash disposal. Do not dump the ash in gardens, do not wash it into sewers or storm drains as this can clog pipes, damage waste water treatment systems and create long-term problems for the community. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary. This is why having a lot of supplies at home will be helpful – water, food and necessities to survive. And if you have a flight out, check with the airlines, as they may be cancelled due to damage or slickness of runways.