• Ash Fallout: Can travel hundreds of miles—it’s heavy, abrasive, and can collapse roofs
• Toxic Gases: Sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide can cause suffocation or acid rain
• Lahars (Volcanic Mudflows): Superheated water and debris rushing down slopes can destroy towns
• Lava Flows: Usually slow but unstoppable—destroy infrastructure and trap communities
• Explosive Blasts: Shockwaves and falling rock can injure anyone nearby
• Lightning + Fire: Eruptions often cause secondary disasters like wildfires or electrical surges

📍 High-Risk Areas

• Pacific Northwest (USA): Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood
• Alaska: Dozens of active volcanoes, especially along the Aleutian Chain
• Hawaii: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa (frequent eruptions + lava hazards)
• Western Canada: Mount Meager, Mount Garibaldi, and Mount Cayley
• Other Global Zones: Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, and volcanic islands

🧭 Signs of Imminent Eruption

• Sudden sulfur smell or visible gas
• Ground rumbling or shaking
• Unusual animal behavior
• Steam or ash coming from the summit
• Rapid snow or ice melt around the volcano
• Updates from the USGS Volcano Hazard Program or local geological observatories

🎒 Volcanic Eruption Survival Kit

• N95 or P100 masks (for ash protection)
• Goggles (ash can irritate and scratch eyes)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to seal windows/vents)
• Heavy-duty broom for ash removal
• Emergency food + water (3–7 days)
• Water purification tablets or filters
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Emergency radio
• Sturdy shoes and gloves (ash is abrasive)

🚗 Evacuate or Shelter in Place?

🏃‍♂️ Evacuate If:

• Authorities issue a mandatory evacuation
• You are in a lava path, lahar zone, or downwind from the crater
• You live near steep slopes, rivers, or snow-capped peaks that can produce deadly mudflows

🏠 Shelter In Place If:

• Ash is falling and roads are unsafe
• You are outside the lava/mudflow danger zone
• Your home is sealed and stocked with supplies
• You can protect electronics and air filters from ash

⏳ Displacement may last weeks to months depending on eruption strength, ash fallout, and infrastructure damage.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Volcanic Safety Tips for Families

• Practice sealing windows and vents during ashfall
• Keep dust masks and goggles for each family member
• Store plastic wrap or garbage bags to cover electronics and vents
• Avoid using fans, heaters, or vacuums—they stir up harmful ash
• Teach children not to play in ash—it can cause lung damage

✅ Trusted Volcano Safety Resources

• USGS Volcano Hazards Program
• Ready.gov – Volcanoes
• Canadian Geological Survey – Volcanoes
• Red Cross – Volcanic Eruption Safety