Mt. Spurr Eruption Preparation

What to Expect if an Eruption Occurs

Attendance

• Eruption BUT NO Significant Imminent Ashfall:
  • If school is NOT in session and no ashfall is imminent: School facilities and operations schedules will remain as normal.
  • If school IS in session and no ashfall is imminent: Normal operations will continue.
• Eruption AND Significant Imminent Ashfall:
  • If school is NOT in session and significant ashfall is imminent: Valdez City Schools will close school facilities immediately.
  • If school IS in session and significant ashfall is imminent: Expect early dismissal. School operations will be suspended to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Transportation

• Bus routes may be adjusted to avoid hazardous roads and accommodate all students who need transportation.
• Buses will undergo immediate air filter inspections (and replacement as necessary) to ensure passenger safety and prevent engine damage.

How Valdez City Schools is Mitigating Risk

Proactively Planning Ahead

• VCS is collaborating with transportation partners, local emergency management personnel, and state agencies to create an emergency action plan.
• VCS Leadership is attending weekly status meetings with local and state agencies to monitor volcanic activity and obtain up-to-date information and guidance.
• VCS Leadership will attend future table-top emergency exercises with local agencies and partners to role-play crisis response.
• VCS is crafting emergency management communication to distribute to employees, parents, and the community. Information will be distributed via email, text, social media, and the district website.

Protecting At-Risk Individuals

• VCS will provide one N95 mask per student/staff member for optional use during evacuation if ash fall warrants.
• VCS encourages parents to review emergency preparedness plans. Parents and guardians of all students are encouraged to:
  • Ensure that emergency supplies, such as water, food, medications, and masks, are stocked. 
  • Confirm in Powerschool that all contact information for parents, guardians, and emergency contacts are up-to-date. (Please note: in the event of an emergency early dismissal, only listed guardians and emergency contacts would be able to pick up a student from school.)
  • Review their child’s safety plan for students with diagnosed respiratory issues. Parents with students who self-carry inhalers should ensure it is unexpired, has available dosage, and the child knows how to administer it. If the diagnosis has not yet been reported to the school and a child’s medical needs have changed, please contact the front office to update our records. 

Ensuring Facility Safety

• Schools will keep windows closed and limit exterior door use to prevent ash from entering buildings.
• Ventilation systems will be adjusted to minimize indoor air exposure to ash and to maintain safe air quality for staff and students.
• Air filters will be inspected and changed as necessary for all VCS fleet vehicles.