Volcano Safety Tips

Know Your Risk

Know if you are in an area at risk. There are many potentially active volcanoes in the US, including Alaska, California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and the islands of the Pacific. Reach out to your local emergency management office to learn about your community’s risk of volcanoes.

Plan to Stay Connected

• Sign up for local government emergency alerts. Plan to listen to local emergency information and follow instructions from local officials.
• The US Geological Survey (USGS) uses a nationwide volcano alert system to describe volcanic conditions. Local officials closely monitor USGS information, and issue guidance to keep community members safe.
• Create a support team to help you prepare and stay safe. Plan how you can help each other.
• Plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated. Carry contact cards. Set up a group text message. Designate an out-of-town contact who can help your household reconnect. It may be easier to reach people outside the affected area.

Plan to Stay Safe

• Understand how your community will respond to an eruption. Your local government has plans to help protect people. Local officials may advise you to leave the area or take shelter where you are. Learn about your community’s plan, and then make plans with your household.
• Have an evacuation plan. The only way to stay safe from a blast, flying debris, hot gases, fast-moving mud, rock, water (known as lahars) and lava flow is to evacuate if local officials advise. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. Plan for your pets and livestock. Follow recommended routes.
• Have a plan to protect your health from ash, smog, and glass. Officials may advise you to stay inside to protect yourself from ash, debris, volcanic smog (vog) which is a toxic air pollutant, and volcanic glass. These can harm your health, especially your lungs, eyes, and skin.
  • Plan to limit your time outdoors. Know how to close windows and doors. Use an indoor air cleaner.
  • Short-term use of N95 masks can help protect against volcanic ash but not gases.
  • Plan to avoid driving because ash can reduce visibility, make surfaces slippery, and clog car engines.
  • If your indoor area continues to have poor air quality, move to a safer place.
• Plan to avoid river valleys. Lahars can rush down valleys and streams, destroying anything is their path.

Gather Emergency Supplies

• Gather food, water, and medicine. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit:
  • Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
  • Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Have N95 respirators, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and goggles.
• Drinking water may be contaminated, have at least one gallon of water per person per day.
• Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and medical supplies or equipment.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up). Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.