How to be Volcano Ready

Mount Rainier image, Text Are you Volcano READY?

How Government is VolcanoREADY 

Planning  for volcanic hazards is part of local government responsibility. Primary hazards and risks are identified, officials then evaluate the capability of preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.  Throughout the Cascades, the United States Geological Survey, State Emergency Managements and Counties have supported Volcano Work Groups. Mount Rainier has a Hazard Work Group representing first responders, scientists, health, cities and counties. 

Alert and Warning Systems: Counties work with United States Geological Survey, Washington State Emergency Management and City officials to develop any additional alert systems due to volcanic hazards and risks.

Educating officials, businesses and residents about hazards and their risks.is a role of local to federal government.

How to get information during a Volcanic Event

Know where and how to get emergency information. Contact your county or city emergency managers for help. This home page has links for local county ALERT systems.  

 Sign up for USGS Volcano Notification Service. You will receive updates to your email about volcanoes you choose.

Local TV stations: KOMO 4, KING 5, KiRO 7, KONG 16

Radio stations: KIRO 97.3, KOMO 97,7, 1580 AM - (Puyallup Valley) 

How Residents are VolcanoREADY

Understanding your hazard and risk is the first step to being VolcanoREADY.  The Department of Natural Resources has an interactive map to help you.Enter your address under volcano layer to see how your are impacted by a possible lahar.

Make plans based on your risk. 

Evacuation possible? The greatest hazard is lahar (a fast moving slurry of wet concrete that rushes down the slopes of a volcano and it river valley) from melting glaciers and/or landslides. If you live in a river valley below Mount Rainier, know your evacuation route to high ground. 

Best to stay put? – Leave the roads for first responders and evacuees.  Know how to prepare for ash fall, and stay comfortable. Be prepared for two weeks.

Learn about kits for evacuation or stay in place: Include N-95 masks and goggles to protect against ash.

Learn in detail about managing ash fall :


Health Hazards of Volcanic Ash