During a volcanic eruption, follow these key safety steps to protect yourself and your family: Before an eruption:
- Know your area's volcanic risk and have an evacuation and shelter plan.
- Prepare emergency supplies including food, water, medications, and masks.
- Practice communication and evacuation plans with your family and pets.
- Keep important documents safe and have digital copies.
- Sign up for volcanic activity alerts from local authorities or services like the Volcano Notification Service (VNS)
During an eruption:
- Listen carefully to official alerts and follow evacuation orders immediately.
- Evacuate early if instructed and avoid river valleys, low-lying areas, and downwind zones where ash and debris may travel
- If unable to evacuate, stay indoors with doors, windows, and ventilation sealed to keep ash out.
- Use N95 masks or a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to protect your respiratory system from ash.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing, goggles or eyeglasses (not contact lenses) to protect skin and eyes from ash irritation
- Avoid driving in heavy ash fall as it can clog engines and reduce visibility.
- If outside, seek shelter immediately in a building or car.
- Be cautious of mudflows near streams and rivers; move to higher ground if necessary
After ashfall:
- Clear heavy ash from roofs and gutters carefully to prevent collapse, wearing protective gear.
- Continue to listen to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions.
- Avoid phone lines unless it is an emergency to keep communication channels open
These measures reduce health risks from ash inhalation, eye irritation, and physical dangers like lava flows, mudflows, and flying debris during volcanic eruptions
