LYC: Our volcano eruption readiness plan here at work.
Posted by
Dr.Vermin (aka Dr.Vermin)
Jan 30 '09, 10:43
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Hello All,
In case there is an eruption of Mt. Redoubt over the next few weeks, please be prepared to act quickly within your facilities to prevent extensive damage.
Take these precautions now to be prepared:
1. Place a trash bag near each computer terminal. If the eruption occurs, shut down the computers and cover them with the plastic bags to prevent ash from getting into the terminal boards. You will be instructed by your manager when it is safe to turn the computers back on.
2. Be prepared to turn off the power to all fitness equipment.
3. Work with your operations or general manager on identifying where the HVAC thermostats or breakers are in your club. In case of an eruption, shut down the ventilation systems so ash is not sucked into the buildings.
4. If the eruption occur during normal business hours and the ash cloud falls on our local area, we will most likely evacuate the facilities and close the clubs until further notice. Communication will come from your supervisor as to when facilities should be closed and reopened.
5. Print out a current employee roster of the employees that report to you so you will be able to contact them via phone to pass on communications about club closures and reopening.
If the eruption occurs after club hours:
1. The key holders of the club will be contacted and asked to go to the club to shut down all ventilation units, cover all computer terminals, and to make any other necessary arrangements to minimize damage.
When safe to do so, we will organize cleanup efforts at each location to prevent ash from entering the facilities.
Hopefully we will not experience a major fallout, but please be ready to respond as directed by your supervisor.
Thank you,
Gary xxxxxx
Vice President of Operations
Additional General Information
In most situations, acting on a few general principles will reduce the effects of ash and make clean-up operations easier. These principles apply to households, businesses, and communities.
General principles
*Keep ash out of buildings, machinery, vehicles, downspouts, water supplies, and wastewater systems (for example, storm drains) as much as possible. The most effective method to prevent ash-induced damage to machinery is to shut down, close off or seal equipment until ash is removed from the immediate environment, but this may not be practical in all cases, especially for critical facilities.
*Minimize exposure to airborne ash by using dust or filter masks (or a wet cloth, for example a handkerchief) and minimizing travel.
*Coordinate clean-up activities with neighbors and community-wide operations (learn the clean-up guidelines and instructions of your local community and leaders). After an ash fall, promptly notify building owners to remove ash from roofs in a timely manner to prevent streets from being repetitively cleaned.
*Stay informed of volcanic activity in your area, especially during a period of unrest, and know what to expect, including the type of eruptions that can occur and how much warning is possible for ash fall in your area once an explosive eruption occurs. Learn about evacuation procedures, if any, in your area.
*Prepare for an emergency by having critical provisions and supplies needed to support your family, business, or community for at least several days; for example, food, water, medicine, and shelter, dust masks and other personal protection equipment, spare filters and parts for machinery and vehicles.
*Develop and test a contingency plan that can be used in a variety of emergencies, but not necessarily focused on volcanoes.
*Provide information frequently and directly to the public about volcanic ash, including instructions for participating in clean-up operations.
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