In Ecuador, there are more than 20 active volcanoes. When a volcano erupts, it often releases ash that reaches several provinces in the country, where measures must be taken to prevent it from causing harm to people’s health, to animals, and to homes and other structures. Learn how to act in case of ashfall:
Do not leave your home 🏠 unless it is strictly necessary.
Keep doors 🚪 and windows closed, and cover their edges with cloths, blankets, or tape to prevent ash from entering.
If you need to go out, protect your eyes with goggles 🥽, your nose and mouth with a damp cloth or mask 😷, and wear clothing 🥼 that covers most of your body to avoid skin irritation.
⛔ Do not use hoses to clean the ash. When mixed with water, ash forms a cement-like paste that is difficult to remove and can cause roofs and buildings to collapse. To clean ash, you can use a small amount of water only to moisten it and make removal easier.
🧹 To clean ash, sweep it using a broom; if the ash layer is very thick, you can use a shovel. Collect it in strong bags or sacks. Do not throw it into the street; cities have schedules for ash collection.
🥗 Cover the food and water you consume to prevent contamination with ash.
💧 Wash food thoroughly before consuming it. Eating food with ash can make you sick.
✅ Cover water tanks and cisterns to prevent ash from getting in.
Ash can also affect plants 🎍. When it falls on leaves, it covers them and prevents the plant from receiving sunlight. To avoid this, gently shake the leaves to remove the ash.
Farm animals 🐮 and pets 🐾 are also affected by ash. Keep them under shelter or move them to areas unaffected by ashfall. Ash in their food can make them sick—give them balanced feed, green plantains, or other foods not contaminated with ash.
Prepare for a possible eruption. Pack your emergency kit with: masks, a first-aid kit, medicines, a radio, batteries, a flashlight, blankets and warm clothing, and cash.
✅ Keep emergency food and water for at least 3 days (4 liters of water per person per day)