Much like every other natural disaster, volcanic eruptions can be catastrophic to their surroundings. But what sets volcanic eruptions apart from the rest is that scientists have found warnings of a catastrophic eruption are detectable weeks to months in advance.

When such volcanoes erupt they can shoot hot ash up to 40 kilometers (that’s 24 miles) into the atmosphere and cause devastating destruction, otherwise known as “pyroclastic flows.” Prior to most of these explosive eruptions, the volcanoes shake slightly but measurably, and the shaking becomes more dramatic during the eruption itself. This tremor is one of the primary precursors and warnings used by volcanologists for forecasting an eruption. For minutes to weeks before eruptions, tremors in nearly all volcanoes stay in a narrow band of frequencies from about 0.5 to 2 HZ. Just before and during the eruption, the frequency climbs to a higher pitch, and the range spreads out to between 0.5 and 7 HZ.

Those who live within about a 20 mile radius of a volcano will suffer the most upon eruption, but that doesn’t mean that people living outside that radius shouldn’t be prepared as well.

So, if you live anywhere near a volcano (active or otherwise), use this article as a guide for what to do in preparation for a volcano, as well as during and after a volcanic eruption.

Prepare for a Future Volcano

If a volcano in your area is set for an eruption, first and foremost, listen to your local officials. Local authorities will give you information on how to prepare for a volcanic eruption, and if necessary, on how to evacuate or take shelter where you are. But why wait for the last minute to prepare for something as explosive as a volcano?

We’re here to help you pack your prep kit for if/when a volcano does erupt in your area.

An emergency kit can go a long way, and after years of research, scientists have put together the most sustainable prep kit. Here are some things you (literally) can’t live without in the event of a volcanic eruption:

Water (one gallon per person for both drinking and sanitation, should last a few days)
A three-day’s supply of non-perishable food
Battery powered or hand cranked radios
Flashlight
Extra batteries
First aid kit
N-95 masks (or whatever you’ve been using during the coronavirus pandemic will help filter the contaminated air)
Goggles
Local maps
Personal documents (think birth certificate, social security card, ID)

Additionally, you should make your emergency plan. This goes hand-in-hand with your proximity to the volcano, as well as with what your local authorities are telling you. Remember, they’ve got your city’s best interest at heart. Though it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing so could be very dangerous. Volcanoes spew hot, dangerous gases, ash, lava, and rock that are powerfully destructive. Make sure to tune into the radio or television for volcano updates. Fill your cars with gas. Locate safe places to hide within your home. Determine the best evacuation route from your home. And check with your disaster supply kit every three months. It may seem silly to plan for something that could never happen, but as they always say, better safe than sorry.

Before a Pending Volcano Eruption

The worst has happened. Your local authorities have alerted you that the nearby volcano is going to erupt. Soon. Here’s what needs to happen, and fast.

Prepare all necessary items to bring in the event of an evacuation. The prep kit you’ve been checking in on every three months will finally have its time to shine. Pack your emergency kit, food and water in your go-bag. Make sure that all family members know where the kit is stored.
Stay tuned. Listen to updates posted by your local officials and trusted news authorities — whether it’s coming from the radio, TV or social media. It’s important to know the status of the volcano’s activity so you can be informed of your locality’s safety plans and evacuation measures.
Charge your devices. Charge your phones and portable chargers. You won’t know if you’ll lose electricity and for how long, and you’ll want to stay in touch with friends and family during this disastrous time. Your phone is a tool in itself.
Follow evacuation orders. Remember those in danger zones are warned when to evacuate. Once given the signal to go, go. Refusing to evacuate could pose more serious problems.
Write down emergency hotlines. Having these hotlines handy is helpful in the aftermath.

During an Eruption

Avoid all low-lying places. The flow of lava gravitates toward low-lying places and will more than likely pass through these spaces. Aside from lava flows and mudflows (extremely hot, flowing rock debris eroded, mixed with melted snow and ice as it travels rapidly down steep slopes), rubble and ash will fall. Be sure to take cover, wherever you are.

Stay tuned to updates. This is where your portable radio will come in handy, especially if you’ve lost cell service or your phone has died. Listen to your authorities. Local officials will give the most appropriate advice for your situation.
Use masks. To avoid breathing in the ash, utilize your face masks, and change them out regularly. Breathing in ashes can cause respiratory complications. In this same vein, close all windows, doors and dampers to keep volcanic ash from entering your home (even if you’re not there).
Cover food and water and wash your utensils regularly. Volcanic ash is harmful to the body, so make sure that your cutlery is sanitized before and after using it. When you aren’t eating, cover your food to minimize contamination.
Stay put. Do not attempt to leave your location unless you’ve been instructed to do so.

After an Eruption

Wait for further instruction. Just because the volcano has erupted and the lava has cooled doesn’t mean it’s time to move out. In fact, the American Red Cross highly recommends staying in place before returning home. Wait for the local government’s go-ahead before leaving your home or evacuation center.

Contact friends and family. Cell phone companies are at their busiest following a storm, so be patient with the slowed services. Try your best to contact your friends and family to let them know you’re OK.
Keep masks on. Wear protective clothing when cleaning up after the volcanic eruption. Use the appropriate face covering or mask, and you should also use protective glasses/goggles. Wear long sleeves, long pants and covered shoes when clearing out ash to protect your lungs, skin and eyes.
Stay away from ash fall areas. Avoid contact with ash as much as you can, especially if you have long or respiratory problems. Try not to drive in ashy areas, as driving stirs up volcanic ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
Document your home. If your property is damaged in a volcanic eruption, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible. You’ll endure a long and slow road ahead of you, so it’s best to contact your insurance company ASAP.

Buying Guide

Get N95 masks in bulk at Brookwood Medical. Change your mask every day, if not twice a day.
Zoro sells impact resistant safety goggles that are anti-fog, anti-static and have scratch-resistant lenses. They’re big enough to wear over glasses.
Survival Supply knows that when emergencies happen, they happen fast. Pick up a couple Essential Disaster Survival Kits before disaster strikes. The kit includes a flashlight, emergency candles, water bags, a compass and a rain poncho, among other things.
The 4-in-1 Emergency Solar Flashlight and AM/FM/Weather Radio from Camping Survival is a hand cranking radio that will keep you up to date with the news in the wake of a volcano.
Lifestraw Community has created a high-capacity, long-lasting water purifier. This device holds up to 13 gallons of water and doesn’t require electricity. In addition to purifying your water, it removes viruses, bacteria, parasites, micro plastics, silt, sand and cloudiness.