Tephra Fall Resources

American Red Cross – Pacific Islands Region

During a disaster, the American Red Cross handles sheltering and helps to provide immediate assistance in your area. Please visit their website for information and guidance on preparedness, response, and recovery.

Pacific Islands Region | American Red Cross or https://www.redcross.org/local/pacific-islands.html

Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency

Please ensure that you consult your local emergency management agency for all emergency notifications, alerts and tips for preparation. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency or https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/

It is essential to register for their emergency alert system through the Everbridge application. Alerts | Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency or https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/alerts

Screenshot of Hawaii Island from Hawaii Air Quality Data site.

Hawai‘i Department of Health

For additional guidance on dealing with gas emissions, go to the resources page on the Hawai‘i Department of Health air quality website. HDOH conducts air quality monitoring state wide.

Hawai‘i Department of Health – Interactive Maps or https://air.doh.Hawai‘i.gov/home/map and https://www.hiso2index.info/

The Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch has additional guidance on cleaning the water catchment system roof, tank, gutters, and filters to reduce potential water contamination. Guidance is provided on the testing of catchment water to assure that water in the system is safe, or what action must be taken to make the water more suitable. https://health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/raincatchment/

Hawai‘i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard

For more information on Vog, you can visit the Vog dashboard. Vog Information Dashboard | IVHHN or https://vog.ivhhn.org/

International Volcanic Health Hazard Network

IVHHN is a global organization that provides best-practice guidance based on eruption impacts observed globally. Catchment Systems | IVHHN

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) provides up-to-date news and notifications about volcanic activity impacting your area. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory | U.S. Geological Survey or https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service may issue an Ashfall Warning when a major volcanic eruption is occurring or imminent, with expected ash accumulation of ¼ inch or greater. An ashfall advisory may be issued for a minor eruption where the public will be affected to a limited hazard extent, such as less than ¼ inch of ashfall accumulation. 7-Day Forecast 19.72N 155.09W

Cover of the Homeowner's Handbook to prepare for Natural Hazards, Fourth Edition.

University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program

For comprehensive preparedness guidance regarding natural hazards affecting Hawai‘i, please consult the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant publication Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards. This book covers hurricanes, wildfire, flooding, high wind events, volcanic activity and earthquakes. The 5th Edition is currently in preparation. Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards – Fourth Edition or https://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hawaii-Homeowners-Handbook-Fourth-Ed.-final-web.pdf

Volcano Ashfall Impacts Working Group

For additional information and guidance on how to deal with volcanic ash and gas impacts – Impacts & Mitigation – Impacts & Mitigation or https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/

For Personal Protection – Impacts & Mitigation – Personal Protection PPE or https:/volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/personal_protection_equipment.html

For information on roof catchment tanks – Impacts & Mitigation – Roof Catchment Tanks or https:/volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/roof_catchment_tanks.html

Cover of Guidelines on Rainwater Catchment Systems for Hawaii.

Water Catchment Maintenance and Care

The best resource for water catchment care and maintenance in general is the 2020 report Guidelines on Rainwater Catchment Systems for Hawai‘i by Patricia Macomber, retired faculty from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. This document covers water collection, water storage, rainwater catchment systems maintenance, water treatment and water testing. HI_Guidelines_2020.pdf or https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/hawaiirain/Library/Guides&Manuals/HI_Guidelines_2020.pdf