03/31/2025
How to Protect Your Health during a Volcanic Eruption
Inhaling volcanic gases and ash can affect your health, but by taking simple precautions, you can minimize the impact.
To limit exposure to gases and ash, stay indoors if possible and follow these steps:
• Close all outside doors and windows.
• Turn off all heating and air conditioning units and fans.
• Close any fireplace or woodstove dampers.
• Try to keep pets indoors.
Take the following precautions if you need to be outside:
• Avoid ashfall as much as you can.
• Wear a N95 respirator while outdoors.
• Carry your rescue inhalers with you.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid skin irritation.
• Use goggles to protect your eyes. Avoid contact lenses.
• If you must drive, activate your car recirculation button.
If you start to have symptoms, move indoors as your symptoms should improve or stop when you are away from the ash and gases. If your symptoms are worsening or severe, call 911.
Additional Resources from the state of Alaska: https://ready.alaska.gov/
