Know it before you need it…
What Mt. Rainier Has in Store
It’s Rumbling Again and You….
 Get in a panic
Or . . .
 Be VolcanoREADY
 Know your evacuation route
 Prepare to evacuate
 Connect with family
 Check on neighbors
 Listen to radio information
 Grab your go-kit
 Move to higher ground
Mount Rainier is the tallest volcano in the lower 48 states. It’s easy to take it for
granted. We know that it will show clear signs before any major
activity…probably. So what will happen when Mount Rainier comes to life?
Everyone in Pierce County – and beyond – may be directly impacted. Hear several
scenarios from the experts at the US Geological Survey, Pierce County and the City
of Puyallup. Learn what to expect and what to do.
May 16, 2017 – 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Puyallup Activity Center
210 W. Pioneer Avenue, Puyallup
Sponsored by Pierce County Department of Emergency Management
Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources
For additional information call (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332
Free. No RSVP required
Pierce County
Community Connections
1305 Tacoma Avenue
Tacoma, Washington 98402
Learn about Mount Rainier Eruption Scenarios and How to be VolcanoReady
Many scientists believe that Mount Rainier may spring to life in our lifetime. The 14,000-foot
mountain, with its extensive snow fields and 25 glaciers, is considered to be one of the nation’s
most dangerous volcanoes. Since its last eruption in 1894-95 thousands of people have moved into
its traditional impact area. An eruption now could be catastrophic.
“What Mount Rainier Has in Store” will provide a close look at the alternative scenarios that could
take place when it erupts and how residents throughout Pierce County can adequately prepare to
cope with that eventuality. Presenters will be from the United States Geological Survey and the
Pierce County Department of Emergency Management.
“Mount Rainier is the scenic gem that defines our county,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of
Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “If something happens or begins to happen,
seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations will not have the luxury of time to
move out of harm’s way. Knowing what scientists predict and preparing accordingly is essential.”
Mount Rainier will likely not erupt in the fashion of the Hawaiian volcanoes with extensive flows
of lava. But the impact of an eruption will probably be much worse – and more devastating. In the
past 50 years towns like Puyallup, Sumner and Orting have flourished and thousands of homes have
been built in the valleys surrounding and below the mountain – exactly where the impact of a mud
flows/lahars will be most felt.
An eruption of Mount Rainier could produce volcanic ash, lava flows, and avalanches of intensely
hot rock and volcanic gases, called “pyroclastic flows.” The primary hazard, Mud Flows/Lahars
created by melted snow and ice, debris has historically reached as far as Commencement Bay and
Puget Sound. At least one of Mount Rainier's recent large landslide-generated lahars may have
occurred when the volcano was quiet – as it is today – and, without the technical monitoring we
have today did not provide the warning signs typical of a restless and erupting volcano. In such a
rare case, the only warning could be a report that a lahar is already underway, leaving residents little
time to do more than evacuate.
The presentation will provide participants with information about what scientists have discovered
about Mount Rainier. Including the type of eruption that is most anticipated, impacting evacuation
plans and long term recovery strategies.
The presentation is free and open to the public. Anyone of any age can attend. No RSVP is
required. For more information about the presentation, call the Pierce County Aging and
Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.
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Media Contact:
Bob Riler, Community Connections
(253) 798-7384 or [email protected]