Volcanic Ash Information
More than 50 Alaskan volcanoes have been active since 1700, and a few have erupted dozens of times during this time period. The Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, Kenai Peninsula, and Cook Inlet areas are the most likely areas in the state to experience ash fall from a volcanic eruption.
To learn more about Alaska volcanoes visit the Alaska Volcano Observatory website.
Plan for a Volcanic eruption:
Develop a Family Disaster Plan and include specific preparedness procedures for volcanoes. While volcanoes are located in other areas, ash may be carried some distance away during an explosive eruption. Heavy ashfall may reduce sunlight, causing a sudden demand on electrical power and possible brownouts. Ash can clog watercourses, sewage plants, and various machinery. A one-inch layer of ash weighs ten pounds per square foot. Fine ash is extremely slippery, hampering both driving and walking. Ash can also damage the lungs of small infants, the elderly and infirm, or those already suffering from respiratory illnesses. Other helpful websites include: the State of Alaska volcano preparedness and MOA Department of Health & Human Services, Air Quality; Volcano Information.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Disaster Supplie Kits should include basic items listed on our website and Volcanic eruption-specific supplies should include the following:
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Goggles;
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N95 breathing masks for each member of the household
How to Protect Yourself During Ash fall
Volcanic ash is actually fine, glassy fragments and particles that can cause severe injury to breathing passages, eyes, open wounds, and irritation to skin.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
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Use goggles to protect your eyes.
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Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
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Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to assist in breathing.
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Keep vehicle engines off.
How to Protect Your Pets from Ash fall
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Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
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If pets go out, brush or vacuum them before letting them back inside; Do not let pets track ash inside the house.
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Do not let them get wet, or try to wash the ash off of them.
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Keep extra pet food available that is clean and dry.
What to Do After a Volcanic Eruption
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Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. The elderly disabled may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
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If possible, stay away from volcanic ashfall areas. The fine, glassy particles of volcanic ash can increase the health risk to children and people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Stay indoors, wear face masks designed to protect against lung damage from small particles, use eyeglasses instead of contacts, and protective goggles to protect eyes.
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When outside, protect yourself from the fine, glassy particles of volcanic ash.
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Cover your mouth and nose.
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Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
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Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
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Keep skin covered to avoid irritation from contact with ash.
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Sweep roofs of ash. Do not wash off. Ashfall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse, especially if it is wet. Exercise great caution when working on a roof.
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If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside. Volcanic ash can cause great damage to breathing passages and the respiratory system.
Volcano Links
Current Activity for all Alaska Volcanoes
Alaska Volcano Observatory
Volcano Air Quality Information
Anchorage Department of Health & Human Services
“VOLCANIC ASH…What It Can Do and How to Prevent Damage”
U.S. Department of Interior
“What To Do if a Volcano Erupts”
U.S. Geological Survey
“Ash Alert!” - brochure pdf
Alaska Division of Emergency Services
The following documents can be downloaded by clicking on the title. These require Adobe Acrobat for proper viewing.
Protecting Children from Ash Related Health Hazards
Removing Volcanic Ash from the Home
Driving and Vehicle Maintenance