Purpose

This page provides general volcanic eruption and ashfall preparedness awareness for households, including evacuation decision framing and life-safety risk recognition.

Scope and Limits

This information supports planning and immediate safety decisions only.

It does not provide rescue guidance, medical treatment, cleanup methods, structural engineering advice, or utility procedures.

Authority Override

Official instructions from local authorities and geological or emergency agencies override this page at all times.

If authorities issue evacuation orders, ashfall shelter orders, exclusion zones, or re-entry restrictions, follow them immediately.

FAST FACTS THAT AFFECT LIFE SAFETY

• Volcanic ash is often the most widespread hazard and can affect areas far from the volcano.

• Ash can reduce visibility, make surfaces slippery, clog ventilation systems, contaminate water, irritate eyes and lungs, and add enough weight to damage roofs.

• Driving in ash is hazardous and can stall vehicles by clogging engines while also increasing airborne ash exposure.

• Volcanic events can disrupt power, water, transportation, and services for extended periods.

WHY VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS ARE SO DANGEROUS

Ashfall

Ash is abrasive, irritating to lungs and eyes, and can damage vehicles, electronics, and building systems.

Toxic gases and poor air quality

Volcanic emissions can create dangerous air conditions, especially in low-lying areas.

Lahars and flood-like flows

Mudflows can follow valleys and river channels with little time to react, destroying roads and structures.

Explosive hazards near the volcano

Close-in areas can face fast-moving hazards and falling rock.

Secondary hazards

Power outages, contaminated water, damaged roads, and fires can follow.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK

• People within official hazard zones identified by authorities

• Communities downwind of ashfall forecasts

• People in valleys and river corridors downstream of volcano slopes (lahar pathways)

• Infants, seniors, and people with heart or lung conditions (ash exposure risk)

• Anyone who must travel during ashfall or has limited access routes (islands, single highways)

NON-NEGOTIABLE TRIGGERS

Evacuate immediately if:

• Authorities issue evacuation orders.

• You are told you are in a lahar pathway, exclusion zone, or other life-safety hazard area.

Shelter in place may be directed when:

• Ash is falling and officials advise staying indoors to reduce exposure.

Re-entry rule:

• Do not return after evacuation until authorities confirm it is safe.

WHAT NOT TO DO

This section is the priority.

Do not drive in heavy ashfall

• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary; driving stirs up ash, reduces visibility, and can stall vehicles.

Do not use contact lenses during ashfall

• Ash can become trapped and damage eyes; use glasses or goggles instead.

Do not let ash into your home

• Do not leave doors/windows open, and do not run systems that pull outdoor air into the home unless authorities advise.

Do not assume “indoors” is always safe for unlimited time

• If ashfall is continuous for many hours, roof loading and blocked air intakes can become dangerous; follow authority instructions about relocation or evacuation.

Do not dry-sweep or create dust clouds

• Avoid actions that re-suspend ash into the air; follow local cleanup instructions when issued.

Do not allow children to play in ash

• Treat ash as a respiratory and eye irritant; limit exposure.

Do not ignore valley and river warnings

• Lahars and flows often follow channels; comply immediately with evacuation and exclusion orders.

SHELTERING DURING ASHFALL — HIGH-LEVEL, LOW-LIABILITY GUIDANCE

• Stay indoors if possible.

• Keep doors and windows closed to reduce ash entry.

• Turn off fans and air systems that draw outside air into the home if advised.

• Bring pets inside to reduce their exposure and contamination tracking.

This page does not provide sealing/vent-taping instructions or HVAC procedures beyond what authorities publish for your area.

VOLCANO READINESS — HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS

Planning checklist only, not an operating guide.

• Respiratory protection appropriate for ash exposure (fit and suitability vary by age)

• Eye protection (goggles) and skin coverage to reduce irritation

• Food and drinking water for at least 72 hours (more if you are remote)

• Battery radio and backup power options for communications

• Waterproof storage for identification, medication lists, and insurance information

• Sturdy footwear and gloves (debris and abrasive ash conditions)

GOVERNMENT VOLCANO AND ASHFALL RESOURCES

Canada

Public Safety Canada — Volcanic activity preparedness

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/volcanic/how-prepare.html

Natural Resources Canada (CHIS) — Volcanic hazards and ash impacts

https://chis.nrcan.gc.ca/volcano-volcan/hazard-risque-en.php

https://chis.nrcan.gc.ca/volcano-volcan/haz-vol-en.php

PreparedBC — Volcano guidance (British Columbia)

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/volcano

ClimateReadyBC — Volcanoes and ashfall context

https://climatereadybc.gov.bc.ca/pages/volcanoes

Alert Ready — National emergency alerts

https://www.alertready.ca/

United States

Ready.gov — Volcanoes

https://www.ready.gov/volcanoes

USGS — Protecting against volcanic ash

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/protecting_against_ash.html

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/for_public.html

CDC — Volcano safety guidance

https://www.cdc.gov/volcanoes/safety/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/volcanoes/safety/protecting-yourself-during-a-volcanic-eruption-safety.html

https://www.cdc.gov/volcanoes/safety/protect-yourself-during-a-volcanic-eruption-safety.html

Last Reviewed

February 2026

Sources checked: Public Safety Canada, Natural Resources Canada (CHIS), PreparedBC, ClimateReadyBC, Ready.gov, USGS, CDC.