If you are in an area that may be affected by volcanic ash fallout, take these preventative measures:
Have a supply of filter masks to protect the nose and mouth and goggles to protect the eyes.
Keep a 3-day supply of canned food and bottled water on hand, as severe fallout may hamper local travel.
Close all doors, windows and vents around the house. Temporarily cover roof vents and air conditioning intakes during periods of ash fall. Place towels under doors and in other gaps.
Cover air intakes and vent openings on all motorized electronic appliances, stereo components, and computers. Shut down and discontinue use of these appliances until ash fall has stopped and appropriate cleaning has occurred.
Cover boats and recreational vehicles.
Protect your property after a Volcano
For vehicles:
Remove ash from your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Prolonged exposure to volcanic ash and dust can damage the paint and glass.
Carefully wash the ash from your vehicle with a stream of water from a garden hose. Volcanic ash is very abrasive and can easily scratch your vehicle.
Never wipe, brush or mop the ash or dust that accumulates on your vehicle or windows.
Avoid prolonged driving in airborne or accumulated volcanic ash. Volcanic ash or dust can cause severe damage to your engine.
If your vehicle is exposed to volcanic ash, change your air filter and have your vehicle checked by a qualified auto mechanic as soon as possible.
Avoid using windshield wipers if at all possible as glass scratching may occur. Replace any windshield wiper blades that are damaged from the effects of the fallout.
For your home and belongings:
Remove ash and dust from the roof of your home as soon as it is safe to do so. Ash is heavy and can cause damage to your roof or gutters if allowed to accumulate.
When cleaning ash from a roof, plug drain holes in the gutter and disconnect the downspout. Sweep the ash off the roof with a broom.
Avoid using electronic devices where there is still airborne ash, as it can short circuit electronics.
Don't wash ash down drains.
Once airborne ash has completely cleared, ash should be vacuumed, not wiped, to prevent scratching on surfaces like porcelain, enamel, glass, painted surfaces and appliances. A damp cloth may be used after initial vacuuming.
Change vacuum filters frequently, and be careful your vacuum is not redistributing ash through the air discharge.
Clothing exposed to ash should be shaken out and put through a rinse and pre-soak cycle before machine washing. Use extra detergent. Laundry additives can help adjust the pH level and make detergents more effective.
Have a supply of filter masks to protect the nose and mouth and goggles to protect the eyes.
Keep a 3-day supply of canned food and bottled water on hand, as severe fallout may hamper local travel.
Close all doors, windows and vents around the house. Temporarily cover roof vents and air conditioning intakes during periods of ash fall. Place towels under doors and in other gaps.
Cover air intakes and vent openings on all motorized electronic appliances, stereo components, and computers. Shut down and discontinue use of these appliances until ash fall has stopped and appropriate cleaning has occurred.
Cover boats and recreational vehicles.
Protect your property after a Volcano
For vehicles:
Remove ash from your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Prolonged exposure to volcanic ash and dust can damage the paint and glass.
Carefully wash the ash from your vehicle with a stream of water from a garden hose. Volcanic ash is very abrasive and can easily scratch your vehicle.
Never wipe, brush or mop the ash or dust that accumulates on your vehicle or windows.
Avoid prolonged driving in airborne or accumulated volcanic ash. Volcanic ash or dust can cause severe damage to your engine.
If your vehicle is exposed to volcanic ash, change your air filter and have your vehicle checked by a qualified auto mechanic as soon as possible.
Avoid using windshield wipers if at all possible as glass scratching may occur. Replace any windshield wiper blades that are damaged from the effects of the fallout.
For your home and belongings:
Remove ash and dust from the roof of your home as soon as it is safe to do so. Ash is heavy and can cause damage to your roof or gutters if allowed to accumulate.
When cleaning ash from a roof, plug drain holes in the gutter and disconnect the downspout. Sweep the ash off the roof with a broom.
Avoid using electronic devices where there is still airborne ash, as it can short circuit electronics.
Don't wash ash down drains.
Once airborne ash has completely cleared, ash should be vacuumed, not wiped, to prevent scratching on surfaces like porcelain, enamel, glass, painted surfaces and appliances. A damp cloth may be used after initial vacuuming.
Change vacuum filters frequently, and be careful your vacuum is not redistributing ash through the air discharge.
Clothing exposed to ash should be shaken out and put through a rinse and pre-soak cycle before machine washing. Use extra detergent. Laundry additives can help adjust the pH level and make detergents more effective.
