Volcanic ash is made of tiny, jagged particles of rock, minerals, and volcanic glass. It is expelled thousands of feet into the atmosphere during an eruption. Volcanic ash is very abrasive and can pose a health risk to pets, children, the elderly, and people suffering from cardiac or respiratory conditions such as asthma, obstructive lung disease, emphysema, or bronchitis. Fine ash particles can be smaller than one micron in size and can enter the deepest parts of the lungs. Parrots have a highly sensitive respiratory system and thus are at risk as well.

Abrasive ash particles in eyes can cause irritation; rubbing the eyes with ash in them can scratch the surface of the eye, humans and parrots alike. Wash eyes with sterile saline solution.

Ash is pulverized rock. It may look light and fluffy, but even moderate accumulations on buildings can cause roofs to collapse, especially if mixed with rain. Ash on the ground can make cleanup of homes, yards, and streets difficult and expensive, and severely damage agricultural crops. Ash residue left on roofs can provide a rich growth medium for moss and plants, adding to roof damage.

Wet ash is electrically conductive, commonly causing short circuits, failure of electronic devices, and power outages. Ash can clog air filters on cars, generators, heavy equipment, and building ventilation fans.

Ash particles are very abrasive. They can infiltrate all types of machinery, damaging moving parts and ruining bearings. Jet engines may fail in flight. Ash particles scratch glass if rubbed off.

Volcanic ash should be considered a very serious hazard. Depending on how severe the ash fall is, evacuation may be necessary for you and your birds.

Make a plan now! Use information in the links on this page or use your favorite search engine. Make your Human Disaster Plan first, then your Pet Disaster Plan. Ready.gov has good information for what to have on hand for your family in case of disaster.

For ash events, you should consider these items in addition to your disaster supplies:

• A tarp for each vehicle parked outdoors.
• Square nosed shovel ("snow shovel") for clearing roof or walkways.
• Good quality N-95 dust masks for each member of your staff or family. These are available at home improvement stores and online.
• A set of wrap-around, sealing plastic goggles for each family member or staff member that will be assisting in cleanup efforts or who have to be outside for any reason.
• Easily removable "painters tape" for poorly sealed windows, doors, or other areas that allow air to leak into the house. If your windows seal tightly, you should not have to tape them.
• Extra air filters for your cars. Carry them with you in the car.

Immediately prior to ash fall it is a good idea to turn off and cover all large mechanical or electronic devices with plastic garbage bags and place small mechanical or electronic devices in closed garbage bags or plastic tubs with tight lids.

You should consider covering your outdoor vehicle with a tarp.

If you are in a home or building with a fresh air intake fan, turn off the fan and if possible, cover the outside intake opening with plastic or paper and tape.

Remove your contact lenses.

During an ash fall event you and your pets should remain indoors to avoid breathing the ash, exposing your eyes to the ash, and to avoid carrying dust and grit into your home or office.

After an ash event you and your pets should remain indoors during large local cleanup operations.

If car travel is absolutely necessary drive slowly to avoid stirring up dust. Keep the windows and outside air vent closed (use the recirculation settings). Wear your mask while driving.

When performing your own clean-up work, take frequent breaks and pace yourself to avoid back, body, and cardio-pulmonary strain. Wear your protective goggles and mask, and if you have them, coveralls or old clothing that can be removed when re-entering your home and office, i.e. try not to track ash into the house or office.

Do not blow or brush ash off car windows. Clear the window with water.

DO NOT USER A "LEAF BLOWER" TO CLEAR ASH FROM DRIVEWAY OR ROOF!