yellowstone -what if!

[rockriver]

here's the situation...
you live in a neighboring state to Yellowstone. an area that will get loaded with ash.
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what should you be doing today to prepare for Yellowstone blowing up?
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this is real life situation for an associate.
we've swapped emails and suggestions have been made.
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you know it is probably not going to to a thing, but on the 1% chance that it will, what should you be doing today, just in case.
what if?


rr

[jimmycthemd]

A couple of assumptions here:

1) Being in a neighboring state, you're NOT going to have sufficient time to outrun the ash fall.
2) Being in a neighboring state (especially if you are east of Yellowstone), the ash fall you get will be measured in feet, not inches.
3) Hopefully, you're far enough away to not be in the direct path of the pyrochlastic flow (if not, it's pretty much over).

Here's the 'list' I'd look at in order of importance:

1) You definitely need air to breath. The ash can have small particles that are as sharp as crushed glass and will rip your lungs apart. Also, the ash turns to almost cement when it combines with the moisture in your lungs. With that in mind, here are the first priorities IMHO:

A) A shelter to protect yourself and family/friends from the elements with an extremely robust air filtration system. (Cyclonic pre-filter and CBRN quality particulate filter).
B) Personal Protection Equipment to keep the ash off you and out of your lungs when you eventually venture out.
C) Filtration (Cyclonic prefilter and good post filter) for any transportation you want to use to get you out of Dodge once the ash fall has subsided.

These would obviously be in addidtion to the food/water, etc., you have set aside for standard preps. You'd have to be able to filter the ash out of water also. There very well could be chemicals leached into the ground water from the ash so a way to purify that would also be necessary.

Transportation would be problematic at best, even after the ash fall subsided. You'd have to find a way to clean the windshield/windows of the vehicle without the wipers as they'd scratch the glass. The ash, being feet thick, could also be like either powder (you sink), cement (you ride on top) or quicksand if it's wet (you sink). Not sure how you'd get around that problem. Also, assuming the ash is abrasive, your tires wouldn't last long. Not sure how to get around that, either.

Not complete solutions, but just what I came up with off the top of my head.

[WiseOwl]

A ladder and a shovel to get it off of your roof so it wont collapse.

Good goggles and masks

Plastic to cover the windows and chimney


A big bundle prayer because you will need it!

[Templar]

If you stay, treat it like fallout, i.e. spread tarps over the gardens, N95 (at least) masks, seal up and wait for the ash to blow over and settle...The ash will really screw up waterways, rivers, ponds, etc, so prepare for flooding when it rains. The stuff clots up really thick when wet, so have a small shovel available to keep paths and doors clear.

Regards,
Templar

[Rmplstlskn]

Here is video from 3/30 that has bison running down the road away from Yellowstone... Animals are always a good warning sign, but don't know if bison "normally" do such a thing over there....

[mtgrandma]

I am 250 miles north of Yellowstone. They will be able to give advanced information before it blows, just like Mt. St. Helens. Not a lot of notice, but some. We have a bug out plan to go to Canada because the ash, etc. will not be going north. Because this will be a long term bug out, one must plan accordingly especially because Canada is already cold in the winter and the volcanic winter be even worse. Luckily, we live in the frigid climate so are pretty prepared anyway so figure out where you need to go if you are close.

[WiseOwl]

Here is video from 3/30 that has bison running down the road away from Yellowstone... Animals are always a good warning sign, but don't know if bison "normally" do such a thing over there....

I have seen numerous folks debunking this saying that there is 2 ft of snow on the ground right now and this happens every fall and spring with the bison.

But...ya know....the internet and alll

[Rmplstlskn]

But...ya know....the internet and alll

And that those who post it don't live there and have no clue if it is normal...

[creman]

I've also seen the person who took the video say they were actually running into the park, not away. Not sure if any of this is anything honestly...

[Benn Gleck]

And that those who post it don't live there and have no clue if it is normal...

Seen this on a news site. " The man who originally posted the video of the bison running didn't think twice about any danger in the first place. In his video's description, he wrote: "every Spring I am blessed to witness them running ... running for the sheer joy of being able to!"

[WiseOwl]

my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-79816830/