Preparing for a Volcanic Eruption

Key points

  • You can do many things to protect yourself and your family from the dangers a volcanic eruption can cause.
  • Follow the advice of local officials for information on preparing for a volcanic eruption, and if necessary, on how to evacuate (leave the area) or take shelter where you are.

Make a plan and get supplies

Cloud of ash rising from an active volcano
Follow the advice of local officials for information on preparing for a volcanic eruption.

Make a plan.

Be prepared either to shelter or to evacuate.

  • Develop an evacuation plan and a sheltering plan for yourself, your family, and others in your household.
  • Review the plans and make sure that everyone understands them.

Get supplies.

If you haven't already done so, put together an emergency supply kit. Supplies should include the following:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Manual (nonelectric) can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Respiratory (breathing) protection
  • Eye protection (goggles)
  • Battery-powered radio

Know how to protect yourself from ash.

Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly the respiratory (breathing) tract.

If you don't have a NIOSH Approved N95 respirator, you can protect yourself by using a nuisance dust mask as a last resort, but you should stay outdoors for only short periods while dust is falling. Nuisance dust masks can provide comfort and relief from exposure to relatively non-hazardous contaminants such as pollen, but they do not offer as much protection as a NIOSH Approved N95 respirator. Cleanup or emergency workers may need a different type of breathing protection.

Prepare for an emergency evacuation

Follow authorities' instructions if they tell you to leave the area. Though it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing so could be very dangerous. Volcanoes spew hot, dangerous gases, ash, lava, and rock that are powerfully destructive.

Prepare to evacuate.

Stay informed.

  • Tune in the radio or television for volcano updates.
  • Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
  • Review your emergency plan.

Gather supplies.

  • Gather your emergency supplies. Be sure to pack at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
  • Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, a flashlight, batteries, etc.

Prepare your car.

  • Fill your vehicle's gas tank.
  • If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation, or follow authorities' instructions on where to obtain transportation.
  • Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.

Protect pets and livestock.

  • Put livestock in an enclosed area.
  • Plan ahead to take pets with you, but be aware that many emergency shelters cannot accept animals. Learn more about evacuating with your pet.

Prepare your home.

  • Fill your clean water containers.
  • Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
  • Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature. If the power goes out, food will stay cooler longer.

Know what steps to take as you evacuate.

  • Take only essential items with you, including at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
  • If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
  • Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
  • Make sure your automobile's emergency kit is ready.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes—others may be blocked—and expect heavy traffic and delays.

Prepare to shelter where you are

Get your home ready.

  • Close and lock all windows and outside doors.
  • Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems and fans.
  • Close the fireplace damper.
  • Organize your emergency supplies and make sure household members know where the supplies are.
  • Make sure the radio is working.

Find a safe place to shelter.

  • Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level.
  • Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.

Stay connected and informed.

  • Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local authorities may evacuate specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
  • Have a hard-wired (non-portable) telephone in the room you select.
  • Call your emergency contact—a friend or family member who does not live near the volcano—and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Remember that telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.

Resources

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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health