Volcanic Ash Information

Since 1700, at least 41 volcanoes in Alaska have erupted - some of these as many as 25 times. The Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, Kenai Peninsula, and Cook Inlet areas are the most likely to be covered with volcanic ash, which is actually pulverized rock from the volcanic explosion.  Click here to locate Alaska volcanoes.

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.

Plan for a Volcanic eruption:

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the Featured Links Section on  Family Disaster Plan for general family planning information. Develop a volcano-specific plan. While volcanoes are located in other areas, ash may be carried some distance away during an explosive eruption. Contact the  American Red Cross,  Alaska Volcano Observatory, or the State of Alaska, Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit

Please see the Featured Links Section  Disaster Supplies Kit for general supplies information. Volcanic eruption-specific supplies should include the following:

• Goggles and throw-away breathing masks for each member of the household.      
• Disaster Supplies Kit basics.       
  Evacuation Supply Kit

How to Protect Yourself During Ashfall

Volcanic ash is actually fine, glassy fragments and particles that can cause severe injury to breathing passages, eyes, open wounds, and irritation to skin.

• 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 assist in breathing.      
• Keep vehicle engines off.

What to Do After a Volcanic Eruption

• 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.
• 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.
• When outside, protect yourself from the fine, glassy particles of volcanic ash.
  
  • Cover your mouth and nose. 
  • Wear goggles to protect your eyes. 
  • Wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses. 
  • Keep skin covered to avoid irritation from contact with ash.
• 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.
• 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

Augustine Current Activity Page
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