HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-14 Eruption Update for 1200 Noon
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY Date: May 14, 2018
MEDIA UPDATE Time: Noon
Radio Frequency: Every 1 hour
Update: #3
Incident: East Rift Zone Eruption
This is a Civil Defense Message for Monday, May 14 at Noon.
The Hawaii State Department of Health reports that the current eruption activity is producing
dangerous Sulfur Dioxide (SO) gas and other emissions that are hazardous; especially for
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elderly, young children and babies and people with respiratory problems. People who are
downwind or close to the vents and lava flows are also at high risk. Be aware of the
unpredictable nature of dangerous levels of SOgas because it can be carried far from the
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fissures with wind speed and direction.
Due to the presence of SOhazards in lower Puna, the following are issued:
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Leaving the area of volcanic activity or sheltering in place is the best way to protect
yourself and your family. Only specialized masks available for purchase will protect
from the dangerous gases and particulate matter that are being released in the current
volcanic activity.
Take precautions. When levels of vog are elevated:
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 prior to gas inundation,
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.
Monitor vog levels and forecasts: People on Hawaii Island outside the area of volcanic
activity are also advised to monitor levels of vog at www.ivhn.org/vog.
County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation. You will be informed of
any conditions that affect your safety.
Thank you for listening. Have a safe day. This is your Hawai‘i County Civil Defense.
TOXIC GAS EXPOSURE POLICY
Color Code Health Effect Response
Highly sensitive Sensitive individuals
individuals may be should take actions to
BLUE
affected at lower avoid exposure
concentrations
Non-effected individuals
should always be on
Little or no risk to healthy
individuals alert for changing
conditions
Sensitive individuals with Avoid outdoor activities
respiratory problems may that cause heavy
experience health effects breathing or breathing
and should take through the mouth
ORANGE
precautions to include
Minimize all physical
leaving the area.
activities
The general public may
Take actions to limit
experience minor
exposure by leaving
respiratory issues and
area or going indoors
should be on the alert
while minimizing exposure
Severe conditions may Take actions necessary
exist such as chocking, to limit further exposure
RED
inability to breathe that (Leave Area and Remain
affects entire exposed Indoors)
population
Prepare for possible
Evacuation
Immediate Danger to
Health
Seek medical attention
if severely affected