After a volcanic eruption:
- Listen to your local radio stations for civil defence advice and follow instructions
- Stay indoors and away from volcanic ashfall areas as much as possible
- When it is safe to go outside, keep your gutters and roof clear of ash as heavy ash deposits can collapse your roof.
- Use a mask or a damp cloth and eye protection when cleaning up. Moisten the ash with a sprinkler before cleaning
- If there is a lot of ash in the water supply, do not use your dishwasher or washing machine
- Avoid driving in heavy ashfall as it stirs up ash that can clog engines and cause serious abrasion damage to your vehicle
- Keep animals indoors where possible, wash away ash on their paws or skin to keep them from ingesting the ash, and provide clean drinking water
- Look for and report broken utility lines
- If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
Wet ash becomes a glue-like "cake" material and is heavy, so moisten lightly, do not saturate. Do not put ash in the storm water system. Get advice from your local council on how to dispose of it.