Volcanic ash consists of fragments of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass, created during volcanic eruptions. Once in the air, the ash is transported by wind up to thousands of kilometers away.
Outdoor activity should therefore be minimized, as exposure to ash can be harmful to your health, particularly the respiratory tract. Persons are therefore advised to stay indoors where possible.
This blog looks briefly at the impact on human health, infrastructure – namely pools & pool equipment, irrigation systems, landscape lights and buildings and seeks to provide tips on general safety and clean up.
Human Health
Volcanic Ash particles can be so fine that they are breathed deep into the lungs. With high exposure, individuals may experience chest discomfort and nasal irritation. Persons should limit their exposure to ash fall and use a mask to reduce inhalation of the volcanic ash.
Pools & Pool Equipment
Billows of Volcanic Ash in the air will result in ash settling on pool floors and suspending silt/mud in the water. It is not necessary for pools to be drained, water is a precious commodity. In addition, only cover pools with tarpaulins if they can be properly secured and removed without the contents on the tarps entering the pools. When the ash abates, your pool company will clean the water of the silt/mud and vacuum the ash from the floor. Pump seals, cartridge/sand filters, ball valves and cartridge filter O-rings should all be checked for damage.
Irrigation Systems
Volcanic ash will need to be cleaned from valve boxes. Pop-up sprinklers may sustain some damage due to the abrasiveness of the ash, causing water to leak around the shaft or for them not to pop-up or retract. Micro sprinklers may also be clogged or not perform correctly. Irrigation controllers, outdoor and submersible pumps and filters should be inspected for dust.
Landscape Lights
Volcanic ash accumulation will most likely block the beam in up-lights but can easily be cleaned with a lens cleaner. Ash fall on transformers can be swept with a hand brush.
Buildings
Gutters and trench drains need to be cleaned as the slope of the gutters and drains do not allow the ash to run off and the weight of the wet ash will put undue strain on the gutter bracket. To clean the roof, use a shovel to scrape ash off, especially if you’re working with a thick layer. Exercise caution when working on roofs as ash is slippery.
General Cleaning of Volcanic Ash
Lightly dampen the ash to prevent it from billowing and sweep it up before rain, if possible. Remember that ash particles have sharp broken edges, making them very abrasive material.
To end on a positive note, volcanic ash often contains minerals that are beneficial to plants, and if it is very fine, it can break down quickly and fertilize the soil.
We also shared a blog on Barbados Volcanic Ash Tips click to view.
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Barbados Volcanic Ash Update
Barbados continues to experience volcanic ash in Barbados after the eruption from the La Soufriere Volcano in the neighboring island of St. Vincent. While there is substantial ash over Barbados, we remain confident that we will return to normal when the dust settles. Our Property Management team also provides some useful tips on “How to Prevent your PRoperty from Volcanic Ash.”
Top 5 FAQs on Barbados Volcanic Ash
- When did La Soufriere Volcano in St. Vincent erupt?
On Friday, April 9th, 2021 was the first eruption however, it continues to have activity and we expect it likely there will be further eruptions in the coming days.
How close is St. Vincent to Barbados?
Approximately 21 -30 minutes by plane, basically in our backyard.
- Is Barbados covered in ash?
Yes, it currently appears as if there is snow in Barbados with higher densities of ashfall in the West and Northern sections of the island.
- Is the Barbados Airport Closed?
Yes, the Grantley Adams International Airport remains closed until noon, Wednesday April 14th, 2021
- Where can I view the Barbados Press Conference on the Barbados volcanic ash?
Why right here on Blue Sky Luxury’s page, we’ve embedded the video below.
Stay in touch, we love to hear from you!
Direct Barbados: 1.246.622.4466
Freephone UK: 0800 0885574
Toll Free US/CND: 1 866 404 9600
Email: experts@blueskyluxury.com
Go back to our website
Find a villa here
Barbados Volcanic Ash Tips
Barbados is currently experiencing a thick plume of volcanic ash resulting from eruptions from the La Soufriere Volcano in the neighboring island of St. Vincent. The ashfall is evident across the island of Barbados and particularly heavy on the West Coast and northern sections of the island and expected to continue for as long as the volcano continues to erupt. Our Property Management team shares some tips to help you protect your property from continued ash fall in Barbados.
Our Property Management team manages over 240+ Barbados rental properties. We have hands-on experience as you can imagine with the high volume of ash in Barbados over the weekend. The following are precautions that you can take if you are currently on the island.
Tips to Prevent your Property from Volcanic Ash
. Keep doors and windows closed to minimize the amount of ash entering your property.
. Persons who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma and eye allergies should be particularly careful to have their medication on hand at all times.
. Limit the use of air-conditioners and clothes dryers to reduce the likelihood of the ash impacting the functionality of systems.
. Persons who need to drive are advised to do so with caution due to reduced visibility at this time and are advised to use lights and the car wiper system if visibility becomes difficult. Also, refrain from using the vehicle’s ventilation system.
. Consider covering or bringing furniture indoors to protect from the ash.
. Protect yourself by using a mask or cloth face covering to provide relief from the ash.
. Ensure that pets are sheltered and have adequate food and water and that their food and water containers are thoroughly washed periodically.
. For those with private pools, if the current ash fall is light, similar to construction dust and the pool filtration system is designed to filer such. You are however advised to shut off the pumps if the ash fall gets significantly worse. Outdoor activity should therefore be minimized, as exposure to ash can be harmful to your health, particularly the respiratory tract. Persons are therefore advised to stay indoors where possible. PS: See our Preventative Maintenance for Pools Tips
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