The County of Hawai`i has announced a distribution of N95 “ash masks” to residents in certain high risk area.
Ash masks will be distributed on Thursday in Pahala, Volcano, Na`alehu and Kea`au.
The free masks are for residents to protect themselves from breathing volcanic ash.
Masks will be distributed from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- 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 who are in need of a mask.
The N95 masks do not protect against gases and vapors.
3M donated the masks and the Red Cross is coordinating distribution support and Community Emergency Response Teams.
Photo: Kīlauea Caldera from HVO Observation Tower at 9:10 a.m. on May 17.