A volcanic eruption is when gas and/or lava are released from a volcano—sometimes explosively.

Volcanoes provide a number of environmental benefits, for example: fertile soils, hydrothermal energy, and
precious minerals. But they also pose several hazards: volcanic ash, gases, lahars (mud flows), landslides, lava
flows, and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas). Volcanic eruptions can be deadly and often
cause population displacement and food shortages.
The most dangerous type of eruption is called a ‘GLOWING AVALANCHE’ ---- which is when freshly
erupted magma flows down the sides of a volcano. They can quickly travel and reach temperatures of up to 1,200
degrees Fahrenheit.
How to prepare
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. If you
haven’t already done so, put together an emergency supply kitexternal icon. Supplies should include the
following:

Photo of emergency supplies.

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
If you are told to evacuate

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.

Preparing to evacuate
 Tune in the radio or television for volcano updates.
 Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
 Review your emergency plan and 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.
 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.
 Put livestock in an enclosed area. Plan ahead to take pets with you,
but be aware that many emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
 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.
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.

If you are told to take shelter where you are:

 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.
 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.
 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.
 It is ideal to 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.
What to do after a volcanic eruption
- Listen to your local radio stations for civil defence advice and follow instructions.
- Stay indoors and away from volcanic ashfall areas as much as possible.
- When it is safe to go outside, keep your gutters and roof clear of ash as heavy ash deposits can collapse your roof.
- If there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine.
- Avoid driving in heavy ashfall as it stirs up ash that can clog engines and cause serious abrasion damage to your
vehicle.
- Keep animals indoors where possible, wash away ash on their paws or skin to keep them from ingesting the ash,
and provide clean drinking water.
- Use a mask or a damp cloth and eye protection when cleaning up. Moisten the ash with a sprinkler before
cleaning.
- Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property,
contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases and debris to
escape to the surface.

During a volcanic eruption, lava and other debris can flow at speeds of up to 100
mph, destroying everything in their path. Volcanic ash can travel hundreds of miles and cause
severe health problems.

There are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United

States. Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington and
Oregon have the largest number of active volcanoes,
but other states and territories also have active
volcanoes.

A volcanic eruption can:

 Contaminate water supplies.

 Damage machinery.
 Reduce visibility through smog and harmful gases
that may threaten low-lying areas.
 Make it hard to breathe and irritate the skin,
eyes, nose and throat.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A VOLCANO WARNING:

 Listen for emergency information and alerts.

 Follow evacuation or shelter orders. If advised to evacuate, do so early.
 Reduce your ash exposure by doing the following:
o Limit your time outdoors and use a dust mask or cloth mask as a last resort if you must
be outside.
o Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano.
o Take temporary shelter from volcanic ash in the location where you are.
o Cover ventilation openings and seal doors and windows.
o Avoid driving in heavy ash. If you must drive, keep the windows up and do not use the
air conditioning system.
o Do not get on your roof to remove ash.
o Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.
PREPARE NOW

• Know your area’s risk from volcanic eruption.

• Ask local emergency management for evacuation and shelter plans, and for potential
means of protection from ash.

• Learn about community warning systems by signing up for a free service called the
Volcano Notification Service (VNS) that sends notifications about volcanic activity.

• Get necessary supplies in advance, including nonperishable foods, cleaning supplies and
water for several days, in case you have to evacuate immediately or if services are cut off.
Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget pets’ needs for
medication and food.

• Consult your doctor if you have existing respiratory difficulties.

• Practice a communication and evacuation plan with everyone in your family. Have a plan
for pets and livestock.

• Have a shelter-in-place plan if your biggest risk is from ash.

• Keep important documents in a safe place. Create password-protected digital copies.

• Find out what your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover when a volcano erupts.
 Survive DURING

 Listen to alerts. The Volcano Notification Service provides up-to-date information about
eruptions.
 Follow evacuation orders from local authorities. Evacuate early.
 Avoid areas downwind, and river valleys downstream, of the volcano. Rubble and ash will be
carried by wind and gravity.
 Take temporary shelter from volcanic ash in the location where you are, if you have enough
supplies. Cover ventilation openings and seal doors and windows.
 If outside, protect yourself from falling ash that can irritate skin and injure breathing
passages, eyes and open wounds. Use a well-fitting, certified face mask, such as an N95.
 Avoid driving in heavy ash fall.
Be Safe AFTER

 Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return after an eruption. Stay indoors
until authorities say it is safe to go outside.

 Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems
often are busy after a disaster. Only make emergency calls.
 Avoid driving in heavy ash. Driving will stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines and stall
vehicles.
 Avoid contact with ash if you have any breathing problems. People with asthma and/or other
lung conditions should take precaution in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen
symptoms.
 Do not get on your roof to remove ash unless you have guidance or training. If you have to
remove ash, then be very careful as ash makes surfaces slippery. Be careful not to
contribute additional weight to an overloaded roof.
 Wear protective clothing and a mask when cleaning up. Children should not help with cleanup
efforts.