Free dust masks available for Hawaii County residents

Posted on May 17, 2018 in 2018 Kilauea Eruption, Declared Disasters, Featured, Information and News Releases, News Stories

To protect residents in the area of ashfall from the Halemaumau eruption from breathing volcanic ash, free masks will be distributed as follows:

Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

  • Cooper Center, Volcano
  • Pahala Community Center, Pahala
  • Naalehu Community Center, Naalehu
  • Shipman Park Pavilion, Keaau

One mask per family member will help to assure that supplies are adequate to accommodate all our ‘Ohana.   Masks do NOT protect against gases and vapors.  They will only provide filtering for ash.

Mahalo 3M for the donation of masks, the Red Cross for distribution support and Community Emergency Response Teams.

Due to the continued ash activity at Halemaumau, the following policies are in effect:

  • The danger from this eruption is ash fallout.  The major response is to protect yourself from fallout.
  • If you are at home, stay indoors with the windows closed.  Turn on your radio and listen for updates from authorities.
  • If you are in your car, keep the windows closed.  Ash fallout may cause poor driving conditions, due to limited visibility and slippery driving conditions.  Drive with extreme caution, or pull over and park.

After the hazard is passed, check your home if safe to do so, and especially your catchment system, for any impact that may affect your water quality.