Since La Soufrière volcano erupted on April 9th, it forced many of us indoors for a brief time as we experienced darkened skies and clouds of ash which fell on Barbados.  We are thankful that lives were spared in St Vincent, but we need now to be conscious of the after-effects of dealing with the ashfall and be cautious as we begin to clean up our surroundings.  Here are some useful tips on cleaning up volcanic ash to remember:

1. Lightly dampen the ash (to prevent it billowing) and sweep it up
2. Remove ash immediately – before rain if possible
3. Wear long sleeved clothing to protect the skin asash particles have sharp broken edges, making it a very abrasive material
4. Use a mask when outdoors or when unable to protect from ash in an indoor environment. Wearing KN95/ N95 masks is recommended particularly when outdoors for prolonged periods or double masking with surgical masks

In a recent advisory issued by the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) it was advised to take a number of precautions including the following:

1. Stay indoors as much as possible and keep children from playing outdoors •
2. Asthmatics and those with chronic disease must be sure to have all medications at hand including preventer (steroid) inhalers and nasal sprays
3. Keep windows closed and seal some windows with tape where needed
4. Leave clothes and shoes covered in ash at the door or outside
5. Do not attempt sweeping, vacuuming or dusting dry ash as aerosolization increases the risk of inhalation
6. Avoid central air conditioning. Where split systems are in operation these may be used and cleaned as soon as possible with a damp cloth or professionally
7. While outdoors wear protective eyewear and goggles, particularly when cleaning up
8. Prevent exposure of hair and skin to ash by wearing head coverings, long-sleeved shirts and long pants
9. Wash all local fruits and vegetables to ensure removal of ash before consumption
10. Drivers should take precautions to prevent motor vehicular accidents due to poor visibility and skidding on wet ash
11. Reach out to healthcare professionals, religious leaders, counselors, friends and family for psychological support and do not suffer silently if you are feeling anxious or depressed
12. Do not neglect healthy eating, sleeping and wherever possible continue to exercise indoors with weights or low impact exercises
13. If feeling unwell, having persistent coughs, chest tightness or wheezing, contact your health professional if interventions with correct use of prescribed treatments have not worked