The American Red Cross of Alaska offers the following tips if volcanic ash fall occurs.
Volcano disaster kit:
• A pair of goggles for each member of the household.
• Throw-away breathing mask for each member of the household.
At home:
• If caught indoors, stay indoors.
• Close all windows, doors and dampers to keep volcanic ash from entering.
• Put all machinery inside a garage or barn to protect it from volcanic ash. If buildings are not available, cover machinery with tarps.
• Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters.
• If the electricity is out, a battery-operated radio may be your main source of information.
Outdoors:
• Being indoors is much safer -- volcanic ash is composed of fine, glassy fragments and particles that can severely injure breathing passages, eyes and open wounds, and irritate skin. Ash poses a higher health risk to children and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use goggles to protect your eyes.
• Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
• Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help breathing.
• Keep car or truck engines off. Avoid driving, which will stir up the ash and can clog engines and stall vehicles.
