What to do 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.
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.
Use a mask or a damp cloth and eye protection when cleaning up. Moisten the ash with a sprinkler before cleaning.
Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
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.

Links to information about:

Volcano monitoring www.geonet.org.nz

Volcanic damage insurance www.eqc.govt.nz

Science of volcanoes www.gns.cri.nz

Last updated: 9 Nov 2020