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VOLCANIC ASH

Volcano Eruption & Ash Fallout Preparedness

Cook Inlet Housing is committed to helping our community stay safe during volcanic events. With Mount Spurr showing increased signs of unrest over the past 10 months, it's especially important for Anchorage residents to be prepared for potential volcanic activity.

 

Current Situation at Mount Spurr

Mount Spurr, located about 75 miles west of Anchorage, has been experiencing numerous small earthquakes since spring 2024, with scientists now detecting up to 100 earthquakes per week. The volcano has inflated by about 2.5 inches, and a small lake has formed in its summit crater.

 

The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) currently maintains a Yellow/Advisory alert level, indicating ongoing but non-eruptive volcanic activity. Scientists estimate there's currently a 50-50 chance that Mount Spurr will erupt. While an eruption isn't expected in the immediate future, ongoing monitoring continues as the situation evolves.

 

If an eruption were to occur, the main hazards for Anchorage residents would include ash clouds affecting air travel and potential ash fall over our communities. This is why preparation is essential for all Cook Inlet Housing residents.

 

What to Expect

During a volcanic event, Cook Inlet Housing staff will be focused on critical building systems to protect everyone's safety. Our teams will be:

  • Securing ventilation systems to minimize ash entry

  • Monitoring building utilities and safety equipment

  • Communicating important updates as they become available

 

Helpful Resident Actions

Some things that can be helpful during an ashfall event:

  • Having basic supplies within reach

  • Staying updated through building announcements

  • Checking in with neighbors

  • Following local emergency information

 

Before an Eruption

Learn about your community's warning systems and emergency plans for volcanic activity

 

Create an Emergency Plan:

  • Develop a plan with all household members
  • Include pets in your planning

 

Recommended Emergency Supplies

Building Your Emergency Kits

  • Start small and build over time: Add one or two extra canned items to your regular shopping when items are on sale

  • Try to prepare a Disaster Kit (3 days of supplies)

 

Budget-Friendly Food Options

  • High-protein foods that don't need refrigeration: beans, canned tuna, chicken, or spam

  • Look for sales on canned soups, vegetables, and fruits

  • Peanut butter, crackers, and granola bars last a long time

  • Store at least 1 gallon of water per household member

 

Protection Items

  • Dust masks (N95 masks offer the best protection, but any mask helps)

  • Bandanas or scarves can help if masks aren't available

  • Safety glasses or sunglasses to protect eyes

  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants you already own

 

Other Important Items

  • Essential medications (ask your doctor about having extra on hand)

  • Battery-powered flashlight (check dollar stores)

  • Manual can opener

  • Battery-operated or crank radio (if possible)

  • Portable phone charger

 

(Photo: Ash from an eruption of Alaska's Pavlof Volcano)

Understand the potential hazards:

If Mount Spurr erupts, ash could fall on our community. This ash is not just dirt - it's tiny, sharp volcanic glass particles that can cause problems.

What Ash Can Do:

  • Irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs
  • Make breathing harder, especially if you already have asthma or other health conditions
  • Contaminate water if it gets into uncovered containers
  • Damage electronics and appliances if they pull ash inside
  • Make roads slippery and dangerous
  • Force airports to close, limiting travel

 

For Your Safety:

  • Stay indoors when ash is falling
  • Keep windows and doors closed
  • Wear an N95 mask if you must go outside
  • Have extra water, food, and medications ready if you can
  • Keep children and pets indoors to prevent them from inhaling ash
  • Follow instructions from CIHA staff and emergency officials

 

Remember: being prepared helps keep everyone safe.

During an Eruption

 

Stay Informed

  • Listen to local radio or television for volcano updates and emergency instructions
  • Monitor CIHA's Facebook page for official updates
  • Monitor alerts from the Volcano Notification Service for up-to-date information

 

Sheltering in Place:

  • Close all windows and doors to prevent ash from entering
  • Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems and fans
  • Move to an interior room without windows if possible
  • Bring pets inside with additional food and water supplies

 

If Caught Outdoors:

  • Seek shelter indoors immediately
  • Avoid areas downwind
  • Wear protective clothing, goggles, and a mask if you must be outside

 

After an Eruption

 

Protect Your Health:

  • Wear protective equipment (N95 respirator, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants) during cleanup
  • Check with local health departments about drinking water safety, as volcanic ash can contaminate water supplies
  • Discard food exposed to ash, heat, smoke, fumes, or chemicals
  • Follow local public health guidance for ash cleanup procedures

 

Personal Safety:

  • Avoid running vehicle engines, as ash can damage them
  • If you must drive, keep speeds below 35 MPH and be prepared to change filters frequently
  • Keep ash out of buildings, machinery, and water supplies

 

For more information, contact your local emergency management office or the American Red Cross.

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