For Public

If volcanic ashfall is forecast or has fallen in your area

• Follow the advice of your local Civil Defense or Emergency Management officials.
• Stay up to date with the volcano and ash status and any forecasts from your local volcano observatory.
• Consider which of the 'For Public' resources are relevant to you on the Resources tab at the top of this website, which includes a range of health and public focused fact sheets and brochures in conjunction with the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN).
• Key areas of more detailed information on this site that apply especially to public and household situations include:
  • Health
  • Buildings, especially the sub-sections on Preparation, Gutters & Drains, Roof Loading
  • Transportation, especially Roads & Highways, Vehicles
  • Water & Wastewater, especially Roof Catchment under Water Supply
  • Cleanup, Disposal & Reuse
• If you live or work in an area that may receive ashfall in the future, there are a range of things you can do to prepare in advance of the next ash eruption:
  • Have a look through the above resources and pages, so you are familiar with the available mitigation options, and can be ready to take the actions you need at the right time.
  • Read the Preparedness section and its various sub-sections.

• Go home, if possible, to avoid travelling in ashy conditions.
• If you or any members of your family have respiratory or heart conditions, keep your reliever and preventer medications handy and use as prescribed. If you have any concerns, call your doctor.
• Move pets indoors.
• Move vehicles and machinery under cover or cover them with a tarpaulin. Disconnect downpipes from roof catchment rainwater tanks to keep ash out.

• Stay indoors.
• Keep ash out of the house by keeping doors and windows shut. Shut down heat pumps and air conditioning units that draw outdoor air into the house.
• If outside, seek shelter (e.g. in a car or building).
• If exposed to ashfall, use a mask or cloth over the nose and mouth to help avoid inhaling ash. If possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses as ash trapped behind lenses can damage your eyes.
• Do not overload phone networks with non-emergency calls.
• Seek information from official channels and follow any instructions from authorities.

• If there is ash in your water, let it settle and then use the clear water. Water contaminated by ash will usually make drinking water unpalatable before it presents a health risk.
• You may eat vegetables from the garden, but wash them first.