Mount Spurr is the closest active volcano to Anchorage. It has been rumbling lately, prompting local and state officials to urge residents in southcentral Alaska to prepare by stocking up on N95 masks, protective googles and other items.
By the time you read this, Mount Spurr, an active volcano 80 miles from Anchorage, might have erupted. Then again, its rumblings might just be a preview of what's to come.
In any case, now is the time to prepare for this possible emergency and take stock of your readiness to confront other emergencies, such as earthquakes and wildfires.
Scientists say the volcano is showing signs that an eruption is likely. In mid-March, they announced that the chances for Mount Spurr to go off "within the next few weeks or months" had increased. On March 26, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported, "Seismicity remains elevated with numerous small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day. Satellite data detected weak sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the volcano, consistent with recent measurements made from aircraft."
What should residents in southcentral Alaska to do prepare? The Municipality of Anchorage lists several steps you should take. The first is to sign up for text alerts from the Municipality of Anchorage by texting ANCHORAGE to 67283 or sign up online. You should also create a family plan of action to act swiftly and calmly in the event of ashfall. Don't forget pets. Add N95 masks and goggles (wrap-around ski, swim, or safety) to emergency kits to protect lungs and eyes. Visit the State of Alaska's ready.alaska.gov for preparation and safety updates and read the fact sheet on Mount Spurr.
You can also go to the Municipality of Anchorage's Office of Emergency Management's guidelines on preparing for volcanic ash. It's a good idea to have a stock of drinking water at home. The State also has information about protecting pets. It recommends providing clean drinking water, keeping pets inside as much as possible, keeping doors and windows closed. If animals come in contact with volcanic ash, brush off excess ash outside under shelter. Wipe off fur with a damp cloth, rinse or bathe, as needed, when inside.Check eyes for irritation; gently rinse with clean water or saline, if needed. Contact your veterinarian for further advice, if there are concerns. Place contaminated waste and ash in sealed plastic bags.
Finally, you can follow the activity of the volcano at https://avo.alaska.edu/volcano/spurr It has the most recent science, including new ash dispersion modeling.
