Volcanic Hazard Management - Mount Rainier, USA

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Where humans live in close proximity to volcanoes there is a risk of a natural hazard occurring. A natural hazard is where an extreme natural event (such as an volcanic eruption) may have an impact upon a vulnerable population. It is therefore necessary to manage the risk.

Mount Rainier is an active volcano that is currently dormant. Its next eruption might produce volcanic ash, lava flows, or pyroclastic flows. The latter can rapidly melt snow and ice, and the resulting meltwater could produce lahars that travel down valleys beyond the base of the volcano to areas now densely populated. Lahars caused by large landslides can also occur during non-eruptive times, without the seismicity and other warnings that normally precede eruptions.

Lahars look and behave like flowing concrete, and their impact forces destroy most man-made structures. At Mount Rainier, they have traveled 70-80 km/h at depths of 30 metres or more in confined valleys, slowing and thinning in the wide, now-populated valleys.

Although Mount Rainier has erupted less often and less explosively in recent millennia than its neighbour, Mount St. Helens, the proximity of large populations makes Mount Rainier a far greater hazard to life and property.

The USGS monitors the state of the volcano and assesses hazards from volcanic activity. The lahar pathways mapped by the USGS guide the hazard-area regulations of the comprehensive land-use plan for local counties.

Because of the higher level of risk from lahars in the Carbon and Puyallup River valleys, the USGS and Pierce County Department of Emergency Management have installed a lahar-detection and warning system. The system consists of arrays flow monitors that detect the ground vibrations of a lahar. Emergency managers then can initiate response measures such as evacuations. This system for automatic detection and notification of a lahar reduces, but does not eliminate, risk in the lahar pathways.

Time is short, and successful evacuation will depend on detection of the approaching lahar, effective notification of people at risk, public understanding of the hazard, and prompt response by citizens.

Communities are encouraged to Learn, Inquire and Plan. "Learn" to determine whether they live, work, or go to school in a lahar hazard zone. "Inquire"  by asking public officials to advise the community about how to respond during any emergency. "Plan" by developing an emergency plan with your family so that you are prepared for natural hazards and emergencies.

Mount Rainier — Living Safely With a Volcano in Your Backyard Factsheet

What to do Before a Volcanic Eruption

• Add a pair of goggles and disposable breathing mask for each member of the family to your disaster supply kit.
• Stay away from active volcano sites.
• If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.

What to Do During a Volcanic Eruption

• Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow.
• Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
• Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
• Remember to help your neighbours who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
• Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information.
• If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
• Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
• Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
• Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.
• Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and other vents.
• Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.
• Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles.
• Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you have to drive, keep speed down to 35 mph or slower.

Adapted from Source

Review

Geographical Visualisation

Using Google Earth [version 5] turn off all the 'Layers' except Street View and Terrain. Turn off all the 'Places' except 'Hazard Zone Map', 'House Number 1', 'House Number 2' and 'House Number 3'. Alternatively you could use Google Maps.

Challenge ...

Devise an escape route from one of the three houses so that the escapee is presented with a minimum amount of risk. Record your route in Street View using the 'Record a Tour' function.