Dust Storms/Haboobs

Volcanoes

Season

Most common in June and July but can happen at other times too.

No season.

Areas at Most Risk

Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, Oklahoma, Nevada

Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington, and Wyoming

General f

Frequency

General frequency in U.S. and resulting damage is increasing. Expected to continue to increase in frequency. Arizona gets about 3 haboobs/year and smaller dust storms more frequently.

Although volcanic eruption is not likely to happen, there are still 500 "Active" volcanoes in the world, 500 "dormant" volcanoes and many "extinct" volcanoes. If the last eruption occurred within recorded history, it is considered to be active. If the last eruption occurred before history was recorded but within 10,000 years, it is considered dormant, and if it has not erupted in more than 10,000 years the volcano is considered to be extinct.

Dangers

Quick and complete loss of visibility, unsafe breathing conditions, unsafe flying and driving conditions, flying debris, lack of warning. Often accompanied by rain or mud storms. Lightning and fire risk.

Earthquakes, earth movement, flash floods, mud slides, rock falls, resulting fires, explosions, smoke damage, debris (ash, dust, or particles resulting from a volcanic eruption) damage resulting from lava which can travel great distances and burn, bury or damage anything in its path.

Intensity Rating

Haboobs are more intense than regular dust storms. Winds 20-70mph can be up to 60 miles wide, 10,000 ft. high, and last up to 3 hours with 0 visibility.

Because types of eruptions vary categorization of intensity is difficult. Some volcanoes may erupt explosively while others erupt with massive amounts of lava. Volcano Explosivity Index contains the following information:

0 = non-explosive; plume height <100 m; daily. Kilauea

1 = gentle; plume 100-1000 m; daily. Stromboli

2 = explosive; plume 1-5 km; weekly. Galeras, 1992

3 = severe; 3-15 km; yearly. Ruiz, 1985

4 = cataclysmic; plume 10-25 km; 10s of years. Galunggung 1982

5 = paroxysmal; plume > 25 km; 100s of years. St. Helens, 1981

6 = colossal; > 25 km; 100s of years. Krakatau, 1883

7 = super-colossal; .25 km; 1000s of years, Tambora, 1815

8 = mega-colossal; > 25 km; 10,000s of years. Yellowstone, Pleistocene era.

Damage

Power failures, utility damage, airport closings, turbulence, motor vehicle accidents (especially chain reaction accidents), roof and building damage, exposure to valley fever, asthma attacks. No specific rating scale.

Earthquakes, earth movement, flash floods, mud slides, rock falls, resulting fires, explosions, smoke damage, debris (ash, dust, or particles resulting from a volcanic eruption) damage resulting from lava which can travel great distances and burn bury or damage anything in its path. No specific rating scale.

Safety Measures/ Preparedness

Have a weather alert app (FEMA and NOAA provide free apps). or radio.

Secure = Close all doors, windows, vents, and any other airflow to the house.

Remove = if you have time remove things on your property that could become flying debris.

Respond = to storm warnings and warnings to remain indoors. Prepare for disasters that can accompany haboobs such as monsoons, flooding, fires, power outages, etc.

Keep goggles and a mask in an emergency kit, with flashlight and a working battery operated radio.

Secure = Close all doors and windows to avoid ashes from getting inside. Always stay indoors unless evacuation is necessary.

Respond =If evacuation is necessary follow routes provided by authorities to avoid perils. Keep a good inventory of personal items in the home, in order for adequate replacement in the case of destruction. Prepare for disasters that can accompany volcanic eruptions such as flooding, fires, and earthquakes.

Home Safety

"•Close all windows, curtains and blinds and shut all doors.

•Turn off the air conditioning or shut vents so that dust doesn't come indoors.

•If the storm is severe, take shelter in a room without windows. It's important to stay away from windows because the wind can pick up rocks, tree limbs or other items that may shatter windows and cause injury."

Make sure emergency kit is stocked and easy to access. Prepare home not only for volcano damage but also other perils that come with volcanos. Store as much food, water, light sources, and batteries. Use masks in case of falling ash.

Auto Safety

"•Safely pull off the road while you still have visibility. Do not stop in a travel or emergency lane.

•Turn off car headlights and interior lights so that other travelers don't assume you are on the road and try to follow you.

•Make sure all windows are rolled up and doors are tightly shut.

•Close air vents so dust doesn't come into the vehicle.

•Stay in your vehicle with seatbelts fastened and wait for the storm to pass."

Know evacuation route, keep gas in the car. Evacuate only as recommended by authorities to stay clear of lava, mud flows, and flying rocks and debris.

In the Open Safety

Get indoors ASAP. Avoid breathing the air directly if possible. Take cover from flying objects. Shield eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid low-laying places because lava flows and mudflows are more likely in low locations. Seek cover in case of ash and rock falls. Use masks or cover mouth to avoid breathing in ashes. Always find shelter and stay covered (or indoors if possible).

Equipment

Get a warning app if possible. Standard equipment in case of power outages such as flashlights, 1st aid kits, battery operated radio, etc. See also Flood Equipment and Fire Equipment since these often accompany a haboob. Have bottled water on hand. Have charged phone with FEMA and NOAA apps and 911 on speed dial.

Flashlights/batteries, battery operated radio, fire extinguisher, masks that fit each family member, fresh water, first aid kit.

Resources

University of AZ has created a dust storm warning app. NOAA has a general weather warning app. See also: http://www.pullasidestayalive.org/pdf/Dust-Storm_English.pdf; http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/duststrm.htm; http://www.nws.noaa.gov/airquality/dust_storm.shtml

Volcanoes: Map, Alerts, Earthquakes & Ash Clouds. App available for IPhone and IPad.

Coverages

"The Insurance Information Institute interpreted ISO's standard HO-3 policy as providing coverage for claims in some instances. "Sand and/or dust-caused losses are covered under standard property insurance policies but only when the direct force of wind damages an insured building, causing an opening in its roof or wall, and then the sand or dust enters through this opening."" ISO stated, ""…as questions of coverage rely on the specifics of the event, the exact contract language involved, and the type of loss or damage alleged to have occurred. Insurers may be in the best position to comment on this topic." Insurers and customers should clarify whether this will be considered a weather condition. Tourists in this area should consider flight insurance and make sure rental car insurance covers windshields for flying debris."

Most home, renters, and business insurance policies provide coverage for property loss caused by volcanic eruption when it is the result of a volcanic blast, airborne shockwaves, ash, dust, or lava flow. Direct, sudden damage to engines from volcanic ash or dust is also covered under most policies.