On a recent consulting assignment, I learned that volcanic ash in the atmosphere can cause real problems for airplane engines, and the airlines must balance safety and efficiency in response to these events. The goal from a safety perspective is to avoid aircraft encounters with volcanic ash. From the perspective of efficiency, the  goal is to minimize re-routing of aircraft.

Because of this, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) coordinates the activities and operations of nine Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) in strategic areas around the world. These centers produce advisory information about volcanic ash and its presence in the atmosphere used by airlines in flight planning and air traffic control to warn in-flight aircraft.

Because normal aviation radar is ineffective in locating volcanic ash clouds, the VAACs detect eruptions and forecast how the ash is going to disperse in the atmosphere. Standard advisories include eruption location, the specific volcano producing the event, wind speed and direction and, most importantly, flight levels affected by the ash so that aircraft en route or scheduled to depart can be advised to fly well above or around the affected area.

These Airways Volcano Watch facilities operate much in the same way that airport fire services are maintained — in constant readiness but with the hope that they will rarely have to be used.

Checkout the 2008 eruption of gas from Kilauea in Kauai, Hawaii:

How many more people will die in the future because of our complacency — in this country and elsewhere?

How many times do we have to witness such disasters only to find that once again lack of communications is the greatest hindrance to rapid and accurate assessment of the impact? How many people could have been saved if communications were available to quickly obtain accurate situational awareness and better coordinate the resources for search and rescue?

We’ve heard over and over again from the media, “The lack of communications in Haiti is preventing … ”

Many have spent years working diligently to ensure that communities and organizations can communicate when disaster strikes. However, conflicting priorities and budget constraints have postponed spending in this area — yielding late-night pleas for communications gear in the immediate aftermath of each new disaster.

Another painful reminder that such communications cannot be an afterthought if we want to minimize loss of life among the victims!

Despite the many admonitions and recommendations we’ve received, only a small percentage of people, organizations, and communities are truly prepared to deal effectively with the next crisis or emergency whether man-made or natural. Perhaps a change in perspective would increase our local, regional, and national preparedness postures.

During this holiday season and as we enter the new year of 2010, let us consider becoming more prepared as individuals, families, organizations, and communities as a gift that we can offer to others. By being more prepared ourselves, we can be available to help each other when the next challenging event occurs — as it surely will.

Happy Holidays to all!

Do you ever wonder why most experts suggest stockpiling 2 weeks of critical supplies when, until recently, the recommendation has been 3 days?