LISTEN FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AND ALERTS

A volcanic eruption may release acid, gases, rocks, and ash into the air. Lava and debris can flow at up to 100 mph, destroying everything in their path.

PREPARE NOW

• Know your area’s risk from volcanic eruption.

• Ask local emergency management for evacuation and shelter plans and for potential protections from ash.

• Learn about community warning systems. The Volcano Notification Service (VNS) is a free service that sends notifications about volcanic activity. Sign up for alerts here >

• Get needed supplies 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 the needs of pets.

• Consult your doctor if you have existing respiratory difficulties.

• Practice a communication and evacuation plan with everyone in your family.

• 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.

SURVIVE DURING

• Listen to alerts. The VNS 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 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.

• Avoid driving in heavy ash fall. If you must drive, use headlights and drive slowly.

BE SAFE AFTER

• Listen to authorities to find out whether it is safe to return.

• Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often 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.

• If you have any breathing problems, avoid contact with ash. Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.

• Do not get on your roof to remove ash unless you have guidance or training. If you have to remove ash, be very careful as ash makes surfaces slippery. Be careful not to add additional weight onto an overloaded roof.

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES: CORAC runs a HAM radio net and Signal groups. If communication goes out for any length of time, meet outside your local Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings if it is safe to do so. Tell friends at Church now in case you can’t then. CORAC teams will be out looking for people to gather in and work with.