With multiple volcanoes threatening to erupt across the United States in the coming weeks or months, emergency readiness has become critical for millions of Americans. The CDC and volcanology experts warn that standard emergency kits aren’t sufficient for volcanic events. This list covers 30 essential items you need now to protect your family, whether sheltering in place or evacuating. Don’t wait until warnings escalate to gather these supplies.
Water Supply
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You need at least one gallon of water per person daily for several days. Store this water in clean plastic containers and place them in cool, dark areas of your home. Remember to rotate your supply every six months to keep it fresh. Most people underestimate how much water they’ll need, especially when running water might be unavailable for weeks after an eruption. Plan for pets too, as they require additional water.
Non-perishable Food
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Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat meals that don’t require refrigeration or cooking. Choose foods your family actually enjoys eating to maintain morale during stressful situations. Some good options include peanut butter, crackers, canned tuna, and granola bars. Check expiration dates regularly and replace items before they expire. Consider dietary restrictions when planning your emergency food supply.
Lighting Solutions
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A good flashlight with extra batteries proves invaluable during power outages that often accompany volcanic events. LED flashlights last longer than traditional bulbs and use less battery power. Get one flashlight for each family member and teach everyone where they’re stored. Headlamps free up your hands for other tasks and should be considered alongside regular flashlights. Solar-powered lanterns offer sustainable lighting during extended outages.
Emergency Radio
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Your battery-powered or hand-crank radio will become your lifeline for emergency updates when internet and cell service fail. Many modern emergency radios include NOAA weather alerts and can charge small devices via USB. Test your radio monthly and keep extra batteries nearby. This device might provide your only connection to evacuation orders. Look for models with multiple power options, including solar panels for extended emergencies.
First Aid Supplies
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A comprehensive first aid kit should contain bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer. Familiarize yourself with the contents before an emergency happens so you can find items quickly when needed. Some kits include a first aid guide, which helps treat minor injuries when medical help isn’t available. Consider adding additional supplies based on your family’s specific medical needs and take a basic first aid course.
Medication Collection
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Gather prescription medications and common over-the-counter remedies like pain relievers, antacids, and allergy medicine. Create a list of each medication with dosage instructions and keep it with your supplies. Talk to your doctor about getting emergency prescription refills if you need to evacuate. Store medications in waterproof containers away from heat. Remember to check expiration dates quarterly and rotate supplies as needed to maintain effectiveness.
Sanitation Essentials
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Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and personal hygiene items maintain cleanliness when water is scarce. Poor sanitation leads to illness, making a bad situation worse. Women should include menstrual supplies, and families with babies need diapers and wipes. Consider adding a portable toilet if your water service might be disrupted. Biodegradable soap and shampoo allow for bathing without harming the environment if you must wash outdoors.
Important Documentation
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Store copies of identification, insurance policies, bank records, and medical information in waterproof containers. Include birth certificates, passports, and property deeds so you have everything needed for recovery assistance. Take photos of these documents on your phone as backup. Add contact information for doctors and insurance agents to speed up recovery efforts. Consider storing digital copies on encrypted flash drives that you can easily take during evacuation.
Emergency Cash
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Keep small bills and coins totaling at least $100 per person when electronic payments become impossible. Power outages disable ATMs and credit card machines, making cash your only option for purchasing supplies. Store money in multiple locations rather than one large stash. Without electricity, you can’t withdraw money from banks or ATMs. Some people forget this crucial detail until they need to buy supplies during an emergency.
Warmth Protection
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Blankets or sleeping bags provide comfort during evacuation or if heating systems fail. Wool blankets work well even when damp and offer protection from cold nights. Mylar emergency blankets take up little space and reflect body heat effectively. Add a change of warm clothing for each family member, including hats and gloves for unexpected temperature drops. Layered clothing options to accommodate changing temperatures and conditions during the emergency and evacuation period.
Area Navigation Tools
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Physical maps help you find evacuation routes when GPS fails or unfamiliar detours become necessary due to road closures. Mark potential meeting places and alternative routes on your maps before disaster strikes. Some people mark the locations of emergency shelters and hospitals. Laminated maps resist water damage and can be written on with markers. Include maps of surrounding counties in case you need to evacuate farther than expected.
Communication Devices
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Cell phones with chargers, power banks, and perhaps a solar charger maintain communication capabilities. Program emergency contacts under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. Consider a portable hand-crank charger that works without electricity. Two-way radios provide family communication when cell networks become overwhelmed during major eruptions. Set specific check-in times and meeting places with family members in case communication systems completely fail.
Contact Information
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Write down phone numbers and addresses for family, neighbors, and emergency services since you can’t access digital contacts if your phone dies. Include out-of-area contacts who can serve as information hubs when local calls don’t go through. Make multiple copies of this information for each family member. Children should memorize key phone numbers. Establish a communication plan that includes alternative meeting locations if family members get separated during evacuation.
Respiratory Protection
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NIOSH-approved N95 respirators filter volcanic ash particles that damage lungs. Each person needs their own properly fitted mask. Regular dust masks don’t provide adequate protection against fine volcanic ash. Replace masks that become damp or visibly dirty. People with respiratory conditions may need specialized masks for severe ashfall events. Practice proper donning and doffing techniques before an emergency occurs to ensure effective use.
Eye Protection
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Goggles shield eyes from irritating ash that causes painful scratching and potential corneal damage. Choose wraparound styles that seal completely around the eyes, unlike regular glasses. Contact lens wearers should switch to glasses during ashfall since ash particles can get trapped under lenses. Keep eyewash solution handy to flush out ash. Store multiple pairs of goggles for each family member in case they get lost or damaged during evacuation.
Protective Clothing
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Long-sleeved shirts and pants made from tightly woven fabrics protect skin from abrasive ash particles. Cotton clothing traps ash more than synthetic fabrics, so choose wisely. Volcanic ash damages washing machines, so consider these clothes disposable after heavy exposure. Wide-brimmed hats provide additional protection for your face and neck during outdoor activities. Pack clothes in resealable bags to keep them clean until needed.
Home Sealing Materials
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Plastic sheeting and duct tape allow you to seal windows, doors, and vents against ash infiltration. Pre-cut plastic sheets to fit your windows before an emergency happens. Heavy-duty plastic works better than thin painter’s drop cloths. Some homeowners install permanent exterior shutters in volcanic regions for quick deployment during ashfall warnings. Practice sealing a room in your home so you can quickly create a clean-air space during ashfall events.
Ash Cleanup Tools
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A sturdy dustpan and broom remove accumulated ash that damages floors and furniture. Metal shovels work better than plastic for heavier ash deposits outside. Ash becomes slippery when wet and very heavy on rooftops, creating collapse hazards. Never use vacuum cleaners for volcanic ash unless they are specifically designed for such material. Wear your protective gear during cleanup to prevent respiratory problems and skin irritation from the abrasive particles.
Waste Management Supplies
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Heavy-duty trash bags contain ash for disposal according to local guidelines. Double-bagging prevents tears that would release ash back into your home. You’ll need more bags than you think since ash accumulates quickly. Some communities designate special collection points for volcanic ash disposal, so check local emergency management information. Keep bags sealed tightly to prevent ash from becoming airborne again after collection and disposal.
Fire Safety Equipment
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Fire extinguishers address potential fires from lava flows, hot ash, or electrical issues. Choose ABC-rated extinguishers that handle multiple fire types. Check pressure gauges monthly and replace extinguishers as recommended by manufacturers. Teach family members the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for proper extinguisher use during emergencies. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups throughout your home for early warning.
Utility Management Tools
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Wrenches and pliers for turning off gas, water, and electricity prevent secondary disasters during volcanic events. Label your home’s shutoff valves and breaker boxes clearly before disasters occur. Take photos of proper shutoff positions for quick reference during emergencies. Some utility companies offer free shutoff tags for homeowners in volcanic hazard zones. Practice the shutoff procedures with all capable family members so anyone can perform them if needed.
Additional Clothing
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Extra clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes protect against sharp volcanic debris and changing weather conditions. Boots with thick soles resist punctures from volcanic glass fragments. Leather gloves protect hands during cleanup efforts. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics that can melt when exposed to hot ash particles from fresh eruptions. Pack clothing appropriate for all seasons, as volcanic events can occur any time of year.
Alternative Cooking Equipment
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Portable stoves or grills with extra fuel provide hot meals when electricity fails. Never use these indoors due to carbon monoxide dangers. Choose models that use easily stored fuel types like propane. Camp stoves designed for backpacking take up little storage space while providing essential cooking capabilities. Practice using this equipment before disasters strike. Remember to stock matches or lighters in waterproof containers.
Water Treatment Options
Water purification tablets or filters make contaminated water safe when clean supplies run out. Follow manufacturer instructions precisely for effective purification. Some filters don’t remove certain volcanic contaminants, so research options appropriate for volcanic regions. Boiling remains effective for making water safe when other methods aren’t available. Learn multiple purification methods since each has advantages in different situations and contamination types.
Emergency Signaling Tools
Whistles or signal mirrors help rescuers locate you if trapped by volcanic mudflows or building collapses. Whistles work better than shouting and require less energy when you’re tired or injured. Attach whistles to each person’s emergency kit or clothing during evacuation. Signal mirrors work even without batteries and can be seen for miles. Chemical light sticks provide additional signaling options during nighttime emergencies and last for several hours.
Manual Can Opener
This simple tool accesses your food supply when electric can openers become useless. Choose sturdy metal openers rather than flimsy plastic models that break under stress. P-38 military-style can openers take almost no space and provide reliable backup. Some people forget this essential item and find themselves unable to access their carefully stored food supplies. Consider packing two openers in different locations in case one is lost or breaks.
Children’s Comfort Items
Games, books, or favorite toys help manage stress during frightening volcanic events. Choose non-electronic entertainment that works without power. Small card games take up little space but provide hours of distraction. Coloring books and crayons work well for younger children. These items might seem non-essential until you’re dealing with frightened children. Include comfort items specific to each child’s preferences to help maintain emotional stability during disasters.
Pet Supplies
Food, water, medications, and carriers for pets prevent having to choose between your safety and theirs. Many emergency shelters don’t accept pets without proper carriers. Create a pet emergency kit with vaccination records and photos in case you become separated. Some pet owners forget leashes and harnesses, making it difficult to control frightened animals. Include familiar toys or blankets to help reduce your pet’s stress during evacuation or sheltering.
Personal Hygiene Kit
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Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other personal care items maintain dignity and health during displacement. Camping shower bags provide welcome relief during extended emergencies. Unscented products attract less wildlife when sheltering outdoors. Small comforts like lip balm and moisturizer protect the skin exposed to volcanic ash and stress. Maintaining personal hygiene reduces disease risk and improves psychological well-being during extended displacement from home.
Don’t Wait for the Ash to Fall
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The four volcanoes currently threatening American communities serve as a powerful reminder that nature doesn’t send appointment notices. These 30 CDC-recommended items form your shield against the unique dangers of volcanic eruptions. Take a few hours this week to complete your emergency kit and discuss your family plan. While we can’t control when or where volcanoes erupt, we can control how prepared we are when they do. The difference between panic and protection often comes down to what you do before the first warning signs appear. Your family deserves that peace of mind.