Volcanic Activity and Ashfall
At St Joseph's School, the board ensures that the school is a physically and emotionally safe place where risks to health and safety (both physical and mental) are eliminated or minimised (Health and Safety at Work Act 2015; Education and Training Act 2020). This includes having procedures for planning and responding to volcanic activity and ashfall. This information is part of our emergency management plan and kept with our printed emergency plans and procedures.
Planning for volcanic activity and ashfall
We recognise that although volcanic activity is rare, it has the potential to cause widespread damage, injuries, and/or death.
As part of our emergency management planning, we:
- check if our school is in a high risk area for volcanic activity and ashfall
- have evacuation and shelter in place procedures to keep people safe
- ensure we know our local civil defence warning systems
- have appropriate emergency supplies.
Also see Evacuation and Lockdown and Shelter in Place.
Response to volcanic activity and ashfall
Our procedures for responding to volcanic activity and ashfall include the following.
- If an emergency is declared by civil defence, we monitor updates and evacuate and close the school if necessary. We contact parents/caregivers as appropriate.
- If the school is in the path of a potential lava flow, we follow our evacuation procedures.
- If there is enough time and it is safe, designated staff cover outside school equipment or move it into a covered space (e.g. vehicles, machinery, rainwater tanks).
- During an ashfall event, we follow our shelter in place procedure and stay indoors until civil defence has declared it safe. We:
- close windows and doors
- turn off any equipment that draws in or blows air
- designate staff to monitor the amount of ash on the roof and order an evacuation of any buildings that show signs of sagging
- use protective measures as needed (e.g. dust masks and goggles, if available)
- offer support to those with respiratory difficulties (e.g. asthma or bronchitis), disabilities, or other needs.
Ongoing operations and return to school
Following our immediate response to volcanic activity and ashfall, we have processes in place to support our school community and check property is safe before resuming school operations. See After an Emergency.
We contact the local council or civil defence group for advice on cleaning up and disposing of ash and monitoring water quality, as needed.
Resources
: Term 4 2025, Term 2 2022
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