SAFETY TIPS

• Stay away from active volcanoes.

• If you live near an active volcano, keep goggles and a mask in an emergency kit, along with a flashlight and a working, battery-operated radio.

• Know your evacuation route. Keep gas in your car.

What to Do During a Volcanic Eruption:

Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities.
Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.

If caught indoors:

Close all windows, doors, and dampers.
Put all machinery inside a garage or barn.
Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters.

Protect yourself during ashfall:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use goggles to protect your eyes.
Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help breathing.
Keep car or truck engines off.

When outside:

Cover your mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system.
Wear goggles to protect your eyes.
Keep skin covered to avoid irritation from contact with ash.
Clear roofs of ashfall. Ashfall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse. Exercise great caution when working on a roof.
Avoid driving in heavy ashfall. Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
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.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance — infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Let Your Family Know You're Safe

If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well web site to let your family and friends know you are safe. You may also call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.