Hawaii Volcanic Eruption Emergency Kit Guide

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Living in Hawaii means living with the possibility of volcanic activity. While not every eruption threatens homes directly, ashfall, vog (volcanic smog), and evacuation orders can disrupt daily life. This guide will help you assemble a practical, go-bag style emergency kit that addresses the specific hazards of Hawaiian volcanoes, from Pele’s hair to sulfur dioxide gas. You’ll learn what to pack, how to prepare your home, and what to do if you need to evacuate quickly.

What You’ll Need

A sturdy, waterproof backpack or duffel bag (one per person)
N95 or P100 respirator masks for each family member
Goggles or safety glasses
Long-sleeved shirts and pants (for ash protection)
Sturdy closed-toe shoes and work gloves
Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days)
Non-perishable food (3-day supply) and a manual can opener
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
First aid kit
Prescription medications (7-day supply) and copies of prescriptions
Important documents (ID, insurance, property records) in a waterproof bag
Cell phone charger, power bank, and car charger
Cash (small bills) and coins
Map of your area and evacuation routes
Duct tape and plastic sheeting (to seal off ash)
Toiletries, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes
Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution
Pet supplies if you have animals (food, water, leash, carrier)
Baby supplies if needed (diapers, formula, wipes)
Dust masks for cleaning up ash (later)
Portable phone charger (solar or battery)
Whistle to signal for help
Multi-tool or basic knife
Fire extinguisher (ABC type) for your home

Step-by-Step

Choose your bag. Pick a backpack or duffel that is comfortable to carry. If you have multiple people, assign one bag per person. Label each with the owner’s name and date.
Pack water and food first. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. Include high-energy, non-perishable foods like granola bars, canned fruits, peanut butter, and dried meats. Rotate these items every six months to keep them fresh.
Add respiratory protection. Volcanic ash is fine, sharp, and abrasive. N95 or P100 masks are essential. For children, look for kid-sized masks. If you have respiratory conditions, consult your doctor about the best type of mask for you. Pack several per person.
Protect your eyes and skin. Goggles or safety glasses prevent ash from scratching your eyes. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves protect your skin from irritation and from sharp ash particles. Include a wide-brimmed hat.
Include a NOAA weather radio. This is critical for receiving alerts and evacuation orders, especially if cell networks go down. Choose a hand-crank or solar-powered model to avoid relying on batteries.
Gather medications and documents. Put a week’s supply of any prescription medications in a zip-lock bag. Add copies of prescriptions, your ID, insurance cards, and any property or lease documents. Place these in a waterproof container.
Pack a first aid kit. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn cream, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and any personal items like EpiPens or inhalers. Add a first aid manual.
Add tools and supplies. A flashlight with extra batteries, a multi-tool, duct tape, and plastic sheeting are essential. The plastic sheeting and duct tape can be used to seal windows and doors against ash if you shelter in place.
Include communication and power. A power bank for your phone is vital. Also pack a car charger. Consider a portable solar charger as a backup. Write down important phone numbers on paper in case your phone dies.
Add personal items. Toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a small towel. For families, include diapers, formula, and baby food. For pets, pack food, water, a leash, and a carrier.
Prepare a â€œgo bagâ€� for your car. Keep a smaller version in your vehicle: water, snacks, masks, a flashlight, and a map. If you have to evacuate quickly, you can grab your main kit and go.
Protect your home (optional but recommended). If you have time before ashfall, close all windows and doors, turn off air conditioning, and seal gaps with duct tape and plastic sheeting. Cover electronics and furniture with sheets or plastic. Move vehicles into a garage or cover them with tarps.
Store the kit in an accessible place. Keep it near the door or in a closet you can grab quickly. Make sure every family member knows where it is.
Review and update every six months. Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications. Replace batteries and update documents as needed. Practice a quick evacuation drill with your family.

Common Mistakes

Using regular dust masks. Standard paper masks do not filter fine volcanic ash particles. Always use N95 or P100 respirators.
Forgetting medications. In a rush, people often leave behind daily prescriptions. Keep a separate, labeled bag with a week’s supply.
Not sealing your home. Many people only pack a go bag and forget to protect their living space. Ash can get into ventilation systems and cause damage.
Storing the kit in the garage. If you need to evacuate, you might not have time to go to the garage. Keep it inside, near an exit.
Ignoring vog. Vog (volcanic smog) can affect breathing even without ashfall. Include masks and goggles, and plan to stay indoors if vog is heavy.
Not having a communication plan. Family members may be at work or school. Decide ahead of time how you will contact each other and where you will meet.

Tips

Use resealable bags. Keep small items like batteries, chargers, and documents in separate zip-lock bags to stay organized and dry.
Pack a change of clothes. Include a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and sturdy shoes in each bag. You don’t want to be in shorts if you need to walk through ash.
Include a paper map. GPS may fail. Mark evacuation routes and shelters on a physical map.
Have a â€œshelter-in-placeâ€� kit too. If you stay home, you’ll need extra water, food, and plastic sheeting to seal the house.
Know your zone. Hawaii County has lava hazard zones. Check the official map and know if your home is in a high-risk area. This helps you decide whether to prepare for evacuation or long-term sheltering.
Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full. During an evacuation, gas stations may be closed or crowded.

Troubleshooting

Masks don’t fit children. Look for child-sized N95 masks. If unavailable, use a cloth mask over a standard N95, but ensure it seals well. Practice with your child to get a good fit.
Water tastes like sulfur. If you are using tap water and it smells or tastes like sulfur, do not drink it. Use bottled water. If you run out, you can use a water filter designed to remove chemicals, but boiling does not remove sulfur gases.
Power is out for days. Your NOAA radio can charge your phone via a USB port (if it has one). Conserve battery by turning off the radio when not listening. Use your car to charge devices if needed, but do not run the car in an enclosed garage.
Ash is falling heavily. Stay indoors. Seal windows and doors with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Turn off air conditioning and close fireplace dampers. Do not run fans that bring outside air in. If you must go out, wear your mask and goggles, and cover your skin.
You need to evacuate but have no car. Contact neighbors or family for a ride. If you have time, call local emergency management for transportation assistance. Always have a backup plan.
You have a respiratory condition. If you have asthma or COPD, talk to your doctor about what to do during volcanic events. They may recommend a higher-level mask (P100) and extra medication. If you experience breathing difficulty, seek medical help immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an emergency kit for volcanic activity and a general emergency kit? A volcanic kit includes specific items like N95 masks, goggles, and plastic sheeting to protect against ash and vog. It also focuses on items that help you shelter in place for a few days, as volcanic events often involve ashfall rather than a quick evacuation.
How long should my kit last? Aim for at least 3 days, but 7 days is better. Volcanic events can disrupt supply chains for longer periods. The more self-sufficient you are, the better.
Can I use a regular vacuum to clean up ash? No. Regular vacuums can blow ash back into the air and may be damaged. Use a HEPA-filter vacuum or wet mopping methods. Wet the ash lightly before sweeping to keep it from becoming airborne.
Should I evacuate if there is an eruption? Follow the instructions of local authorities. If you are in a high-risk lava zone or an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. If you are in a lower-risk area, you may be asked to shelter in place due to ashfall.
What is vog and how do I protect myself? Vog is volcanic smog, a mixture of sulfur dioxide gas and other particles. It can cause respiratory irritation. Stay indoors, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning with recirculated air. N95 masks can help if you must go outside.
Where can I get a NOAA weather radio? Most electronics stores, outdoor retailers, and online marketplaces sell them. Look for one with the â€œPublic Alertâ€� certification. Test it regularly to ensure it works.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.