Emergency Preparedness and Response: Volcanoes

Before and During an Eruption

On this page, you’ll find information about how to prepare for a volcanic eruption and what actions to take before an eruption. You’ll learn:

  1. How to gather supplies.
  2. How to prepare your home.
  3. How to evacuate your home safely.

Note: This is neither a comprehensive nor a step-by-step list. All topics are important to consider when preparing for an eruption.

Gathering Supplies

Be sure to make a plan and ensure that everyone in your home understands them. Your plan should include a checklist for emergency supplies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists what to include in an emergency supply kit. [url; CDC]

You should have the following items:

  • A flashlight and extra batteries;
  • A first aid kit and manual;
  • Emergency food and water;
  • A manual (nonelectric) can opener;
  • Essential medicines;
  • Sturdy shoes;
  • Respiratory (breathing) protection;
  • Eye protection (goggles);
  • A battery-powered radio.

Note that this is not comprehensive list. Visit the resources below for more information on the supplies you should include in your disaster kit.

Gather your emergency supplies. Be sure to pack at least a one-week supply of prescription medications. Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle as well with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, a flashlight, batteries, et cetera. You should also fill your gas tank. If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation or follow authorities’ instructions on where to obtain transportation.

The resources provided below will give you information on how to prepare to take shelter in your home.

Preparing for a Volcanic Eruption 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of emergency supplies that can be gathered in the household and steps to prepare your home for a volcanic eruption:

  • Develop an evacuation plan and a sheltering plan for yourself, your family, and others in your household.
  • Tune in the radio or television for volcano updates.
  • Listen for  warning signals and disaster sirens.
  • Review your emergency plan.

Preparing Your Home

Depending on how much time you have, you may need to take shelter in your home. You will need the supplies you gathered for survival in the event that you cannot evacuate for multiple days or weeks. Take safety precautions to ensure that your home is not exposed to the elements. CDC explains how you can make your home ready before a volcanic eruption happens. [url; CDC]

  • Fill your clean water containers for drinking, along with sinks and bathtubs for cleaning and washing. You can also adjust refrigerator and freezer thermostats to the coolest temperature to keep food cooler longer in the event of a power outage.
  • 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.
  • Stay informed by tuning in the radio or television for volcano updates. Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
  • Call your emergency contacts—friends or family members who do not live near the volcano—and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are directed to evacuate. Local authorities may evacuate specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

During an Eruption

Lava damages or destroys everything in its path. If a lava flow is headed towards your home, you need to leave the area quickly. You must carefully evacuate with your family, pets, and any supplies you can carry.

Safety Guidelines: During a Volcanic Eruption 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of steps that can be taken to protect yourself and your family while indoors during a volcanic eruption.

  • Close all windows, doors, and fireplace or woodstove dampers.
  • Turn off all fans and heating and air conditioning systems.
  • Bring pets and livestock into closed shelters.
  • Organize your emergency supplies and make sure household members know where supplies are.

Preparing for a Volcanic Eruption 
Know what steps to take as you evacuate: CDC provides instructions on how to leave your home safely as you prepare for an eruption. [url; CDC]

  • Take only essential items with you.
  • 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 vehicle’s emergency kit is ready.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes—others may be blocked—and expect heavy traffic and delays.

 

 

Latest page update: September 10, 2024.