What to do in a volcanic eruption or ashfall

Follow evacuation orders and leave early. A danger zone is a minimum, not a safe line, so go farther. In ashfall, stay indoors with windows and doors shut. If you must go out, wear an N95 mask and avoid driving in heavy ash.

What to do right now

1. Follow evacuation orders, and leave early.
2. In ashfall, stay indoors with windows and doors shut.
3. If you must go out, wear an N95 mask and avoid driving in heavy ash.

Remember: A danger zone is a minimum, not a safe line. Evacuate early, and go farther.

Warning signs

Earthquakes, steam, swelling ground, official alerts. A danger zone is drawn on a map. Nature doesn't read it.

What happened: Mount St. Helens, Washington, 1980

The eruption on 18 May 1980 killed 57 people, according to the USGS. Only three of them are known to have been inside the restricted zone. Most died outside it.

The lesson: A danger zone is a minimum, not a safe line. Evacuate early, and go farther.

Get ready before it happens

• Look up your county on FEMA’s National Risk Index and write down your top 3 hazards.
• Turn on Emergency Alerts on every phone and sign up for your county’s alerts.
• Pack a go-bag for each person, with N95 masks, and keep them by the door.