(Air quality index > 100)
Response:
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During ash fall
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Stay Indoors until ash has settled
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If outside, seek shelter
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Use a mask, handkerchief or cloth to cover your nose and mouth
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Monitor local announcements for information on eruption/wildfire details
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Do not wear contact lenses as these will result in corneal abrasion
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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.
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Monitor health of animals
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Vehicles
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If possible, avoid driving
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If driving is crucial, then:
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Drive slowly
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Use headlights and ample windscreen fluid (Using wipers on dry ash may scratch the windscreen)
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Change oil and oil filters frequently, every 50-100 miles in heavy dust
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Clean wheel brake assemblies every 50-100 miles for very severe road conditions
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Change air filters frequently
Recovery:
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Clean-Up Precautions
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Always wear PPE (minimum of a dust mask or N95 and goggles)
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Lightly water down the ash deposits before they are removed by shoveling
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Be careful not to excessively wet the deposits on roofs, causing excess loading and danger of collapse
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Use extra precaution on ladders and roofs. The ash makes surfaces slippery
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Clean-Up Procedures
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Place the ash into heavy duty plastic bags
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Cut grass and hedges only after rain or light sprinkling and bag the clippings
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Ensure good ventilation while cleaning
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Vacuum surfaces before wiping as the fine grit ash will scratch most surfaces
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Use a wetting agent, damp rag
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Wash clothing in small batches after brushing away excess ash
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Use compressed air to clean computer, TV and radio equipment
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Replace air filters in vehicles and HVAC systems
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If pets go out, brush them before letting them indoors
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Seek advice from public officials regarding disposal of volcanic ash in your community
Mitigation:
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Conduct risk analysis of [College/School/Department name] outside operations
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Develop personnel safety threshold criteria for automatic protective actions implementation
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Develop incident safety threshold criteria for automatic cancellation or implementation of protective actions
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Review [College/School/Department name] poor air quality related incidents and their impact upon unit operations
Preparedness:
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Review work plan and poor air quality response criteria prior to outside work
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Know how to reach the nearest safe area for a hazardous air quality incident
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Obtain appropriate response equipment for ash related incidents
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Seasonally, review ash related information to better prepare for incidents