How can you prepare for ashfall?
How can you prepare for ashfall?
To protect yourself from ashfall from a Mount Fuji eruption, which could occur at any time, it is important to understand the effects of ashfall and take steps to prepare for it.
This page introduces measures you can take to prepare for ashfall.
- For information on the impacts of ashfall, please see "What are the impacts of ashfall?"
Learn and discover through videos
Prepare for ashfall
From here on, we will introduce the main responses before, during, and after ashfall, as well as during peacetime.
If Mt. Fuji erupts, volcanic ash could reach Tokyo in about two hours, depending on wind direction, etc.
If volcanic activity at Mt. Fuji increases or a eruption occurs,
it is important to collect the latest information in preparation for ash fall.
- Information gathering
- If the possibility of an eruption increases or an eruption occurs, the Japan Meteorological Agency will release information regarding ash fall.
- During disasters, rumors and unreliable information are likely to spread, so to avoid being misled, gather information from reliable sources such as the Japan Meteorological Agency and local governments.
【Major volcanic disaster prevention information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency】
- This is information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency regarding where and how much volcanic ash will fall after an eruption. For volcanoes with increased activity, advance information is also released stating that if an eruption were to occur today, ash would fall in this area.
For volcanoes where the possibility of an eruption is high, a “regular ash fall forecast” is issued every three hours even if there is no eruption, to inform people of how far volcanic ash will fly if an eruption occurs. If a volcano erupts, a “fast ash fall forecast” is issued within about five to ten minutes. After that, a “detailed ash fall forecast” is issued within about 20 to 30 minutes, providing detailed forecasts for the next six hours.
- This information is issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency when the occurrence or spread of a volcanic phenomenon that is hazardous to life is predicted, clearly indicating the "area requiring caution" (area that is hazardous to life). Since Mt. Fuji is a volcano that operates eruption alert levels, the eruption alert level is also attached to the announcement.
- For disaster prevention information regarding fires, please see "Knowledge regarding volcanic ash and volcanic disaster prevention information."
During ash fall, you need to respond appropriately according to the surrounding situation.
Remain calm and act to minimize the impact and protect your health and safety.
- Home evacuation
- While volcanic ash is falling, the basic rule is to stay at home as much as possible and avoid going out. Refrain from going out as much as possible until the ashfall has subsided.
- If there is a risk to your life, such as a collapse of your house, you may need to evacuate, so follow the instructions of the authorities.
- Before going indoors, brush any ash off your clothes or hair.
- Preventing volcanic ash from entering indoors
- Keep windows and doors tightly closed to prevent volcanic ash from entering.
- Volcanic ash particles are very fine, so it is effective to use a towel or something similar to seal any gaps.
- By covering the outdoor unit, you can prevent volcanic ash from entering through the unit and causing the air conditioner to break down.
- Measures against health hazards (physical protection)
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes from volcanic ash.
- If volcanic ash gets into your eyes, rinse them with water instead of rubbing them with your hands.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them and wear glasses instead, as the ash may damage your cornea.
-
If you have to go out, cover your mouth and nose with a mask that fits snugly against your face.
※If you are going to be working outdoors for long periods of time, it is advisable to use a mask certified for industrial use (DS2, N95, etc.). - If you don't have a mask, use a handkerchief or something similar instead.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants to cover your exposed skin.
- Use an umbrella to protect yourself from volcanic ash.
- Refrain from driving
- Please refrain from driving as much as possible due to the reduced visibility caused by volcanic ash and the increased risk of accidents due to slipping.
- Volcanic ash removal
- Unlike snow, volcanic ash will not disappear naturally. It is important for residents to cooperate in removing volcanic ash that has accumulated on residential land, following instructions from local governments.
- Volcanic ash tends to harden when wet and may clog drains, so be careful not to pour it down the drain.
- Have cleaning supplies ready, such as brooms and bags to collect ash.
- When cleaning, be sure to wear a mask, goggles, long sleeves and long pants.
We don’t know when ashfall will occur.
By making appropriate preparations on a regular basis,
you will be able to calmly respond to sudden situations.
It’s a good idea to review your preparations on a regular basis
so that you won’t be in trouble when an emergency occurs.
- Stockpiling
- To prepare for volcanic ash, be sure to bring along ash protection gear such as goggles and a mask.
- In case of an emergency where lifelines such as electricity, water, and transportation networks are unavailable, it is a good idea to stock up on food and daily necessities.
- Past eruptions (such as the Hoei eruption in 1707) lasted for two weeks, so it is important to stockpile as much as possible. Stock up on food and daily necessities for at least three days, and if possible, seven days or more.
- For more information, please see the Tokyo Stockpiling Guide.
- Others
- Disasters do not always occur when family members are together. When you are in different places, it is a good idea to discuss in advance who to contact and how to contact each other to ensure each other's safety.
- Download the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government disaster prevention app, which will come in handy at all times and in case of emergency.
- It is also important to have a power source such as a mobile battery or portable power source on hand in case you are unable to secure electricity due to a power outage or other reason.
