HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-12 DOH talking points regarding the eruption, health hazards -- press release
Kilauea Volcano Lava Flow
Public Health Messages and Social Media Posts
(Revised as of 5/12/2017)
Prepared by: Hawaii State Department of Health Communications Office
Prepared for: Hawaii County Emergency Operations Center
Talking points:
Eruptions cause hazardous emissions: Sulfur dioxide (SO) gas and other
2
emissions are extremely hazardous, especially for people who are close to the
vents and lava flows.
Masks do not provide effective protection: Masks and respirators available to
consumers will not protect from the extremely dangerous volcanic gases and
particulate matter released from the lava flow. Leaving the area of volcanic
activity is the best way to protect yourself and your family.
Monitor vog levels, air quality data and forecasts: People on Hawaii Island
outside the area of volcanic activity are advised to monitor levels of vog.
Information on vog conditions can be found at the Hawaii Interagency Vog
Information Dashboard at https://vog.ivhhn.org/.
Take precautions, especially if you are vulnerable to vog: When levels of vog
are high:
o Avoid outdoor activities that cause heavy breathing,
o Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration,
o Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke,
o Stay indoors and close windows and doors,
o If an air conditioner is used, set it to recirculate,
o Always keep medications on hand and readily available,
o Daily prescribed medications, should be taken on schedule and may
provide relief from the effects of sulfur dioxide, and
o Contact a doctor as soon as possible if any health problems develop.
Take steps to ensure safe use of water catchment systems: Volcanic emissions
may contaminate water catchment sources, making them unsuitable for drinking or
preparing food. DOH does not recommend using catchment water for consumption.
Guidance on maintaining catchment systems safely can be found at
http://health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/files/2018/05/Residential_RainCatch_Info.doc.pdf
Take time to maintain and improve mental health: Many people are feeling
emotional distress from the volcanic activity. Talk to your family members and
friends to maintain a strong support system. Help children by sharing age-
appropriate information and being honest. For help with feelings of stress and
anxiety, call The Crisis Line of Hawaii 24/7 at 808-832-3100 on Oahu and toll-
free at 1-800-753-6879 for neighbor islands.
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Social Media Posts:
Hazardous emissions from the #KilaueaVolcano of SO2 are extremely
dangerous, especially for those nearby the #lavaflow. Masks available to
consumers will not provide effective protection. Leaving the area is the best
protection. Stay informed at https://vog.ivhhn.org/.
Monitor current vog levels, air quality data & forecasts in light of the
#KilaueaEruption, at the Vog Dashboard at https://vog.ivhhn.org/. Even those
outside the volcanic area should monitor vog levels regularly, especially those
who may have respiratory conditions.
Make sure your water catchment is safe during the #KilaueaEruption. Systems
may collect acidic water & volcanic ash, interfering with normal treatment.
@HIgov_Health does not recommend drinking catchment water but provides
helpful guidance at
http://health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/files/2018/05/Residential_RainCatch_Info.doc.pdf
Many people are feeling emotional distress from the ongoing #KilaueaVolcano
eruptions. Taking care of your mental health can go a long way. The Crisis Line
of Hawaii provides 24/7 support. Call 1-800-753-6879 for neighbor islands. For
more info, visit http://health.hawaii.gov/amhd/consumer/access/
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