Volcano Response Information

In response to the new level of volcanic activity at Mt. St. Helens, the Longview School District is getting regular information about the situation from the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management (DEM). Cowlitz DEM is in close communication with the U.S. Department of Geological Services.

We have reviewed our all-hazard emergency plans that include earthquakes, evacuation or sheltering-in-place. We also have procedures for building safety in the event of ash fall and procedures for use of our bus fleet in the event of ash fall.

What specific actions schools would take in a situation caused by the mountain would depend entirely on the specific situation and the information provided by the DEM. At the current time, we will continue to conduct school as usual unless a situation warrants a different response. The safety of your child is a top priority.

If any unusual situations arise, information for families of our students will be broadcast over local radio and television stations. Families are urged to monitor the radio and not overload the phone system by calling the school.

We hope you will take this opportunity to talk with your children and make emergency preparedness a priority in your homes. The following web sites will be helpful to you in that effort:

Southwest Washington Red Cross: http://swwashington.redcross.org/
Choose: Disaster Services, Disaster Preparedness

National Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/makeaplan.html

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/

Additionally, information about Mt. St. Helens is available at:

http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/News/framework.html

http://www.pnsn.org/HELENS/welcome.html

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/geology/hazards/volcano/sthelens.htm

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/

http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/CurrentActivity/current_updates.html

Return to the Home Page