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Pack two layers of supplies: a portable Go-Kit that covers at least three days and a separate home reserve that covers at least two weeks. For an evacuation, prioritize water, shelf-stable food, medicines, first aid, ash protection, light, communications, chargers, sturdy clothing, identity and medical records, and supplies for pets or disability-related needs. Keep a vehicle kit as a third layer, because ash can make driving hazardous and damage engines.
How much to pack
The American Red Cross defines a portable Go-Kit as “at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you” (2023). Its planning quantity for water is at least one gallon per person per day. For three days, that is a minimum of three gallons per person, in addition to water needed for pets or medical equipment. Because water is heavy, divide containers among people and place part of the supply where it can be loaded quickly into a vehicle without delaying departure.
A Go-Kit is not your entire emergency stock. The American Red Cross recommends maintaining at least two weeks of supplies at home. The home reserve can include larger water and food stores, sanitation items, tools and replacement protective equipment that would be impractical to carry on foot.
| Feature | Portable Go-Kit | Home reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | At least three days | At least two weeks |
| Design priority | Carryable and ready to leave | Quantity and continuity if sheltering at home |
| Water | At least one gallon per person per day as the Red Cross planning quantity | At least two weeks of drinking and essential-use water, using the same planning quantity |
| Medication | At least a one-week prescription supply for evacuation, plus medically required respiratory medicines or oxygen | Reserve stock rotated before expiration, subject to your clinician’s and pharmacist’s instructions |
| Ash protection | Goggles, NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, glasses and protective clothing | Extra respirators, goggles, plastic sheeting and tape for severe ashfall |
| Communications | Battery-powered radio, phone chargers and backup batteries | Spare batteries and charging options kept accessible during a power outage |
| Special needs | Pet carriers, leashes, food, water, medicines and mobility or communication aids | Additional food, water, replacement supplies and equipment that cannot be carried |
What belongs in the portable Go-Kit
Water and food
- Pack at least three days of water, using the Red Cross minimum of one gallon per person per day. Include additional water for each pet and for any treatment or equipment that requires it.
- Choose shelf-stable food that needs little or no cooking. Include a manual can opener for cans, and pack foods that household members can actually eat under stress or while traveling.
- Keep water containers sealed, labeled and easy to load. Rotate food and water before their expiration dates and replace anything damaged by heat, freezing or ash.
Medicines and health information
- Pack at least a one-week supply of every prescription medicine when evacuating, as advised by the CDC (2026). Keep medicines in labeled containers and follow storage instructions.
- Add extra respiratory medicines or oxygen when medically required. Arrange a safe transport and power plan for oxygen concentrators or other electrically powered equipment with your clinician or equipment provider.
- Carry a medication list with drug names, dosages, timing, allergies and prescribing contacts. Include copies of prescriptions when available.
- Pack a first aid kit and its manual, plus glasses. If you use contact lenses, add spare lenses and cleaning solution; do not rely on finding supplies after an evacuation.
Ash respiratory and eye protection
Volcanic ash is a particulate hazard. The CDC advises: “To protect yourself while you are outdoors or while you are cleaning up ash that has gotten indoors, use a NIOSH Approved N95 respirator (also known as an ‘air purifying respirator’).” Pack enough respirators for each person who may need to go outside, and protect them from crushing or contamination in resealable packaging.
#1 Best Overall
- NIOSH Approved : (NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84A-9276) - NIOSH Approved N95 respirator mask certified for at least 95% filtration efficiency against particulate aerosols free of oil.
- Credible Manufacturer : Manufactured by Shanghai Yunqing Industrial Co., Ltd., a NIOSH approved manufacturer of N95 respirator mask. The mask is listed on the NIOSH website as an approved N95 mask.
- Standard Head Loops : This is a NIOSH approved N95 mask that straps must go behind head instead of the ears to offer better protection. The straps are firmly attached and made of very comfortable cotton materials, more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- New Upgraded Material : The active filter layer of these N95 masks is composed of dual ultra-high grade electrostatically charged meltblown polypropylene. Our N95 respirators far exceeds NIOSH filtration requirements, filters at least 95% non-oil based airborne particles with less than 60pa breathing resistance. Skin-friendly non-woven inner layer gives you the most comfortable wearing experience.
- Adjustable Nose Clip : Moldable nose clip with anti-fog cushioning foam provides better seal and reduced fog on eyewear. With plastic covered metal nose clip, it is not easily broken and can be used many times.
| Protection | What it addresses | What to pack |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH-approved N95 respirator | Filters particulate volcanic ash when correctly fitted | Several per person, sized and fitted for the wearer |
| Generic nuisance-dust mask | Not equivalent to a NIOSH-approved N95 for this purpose | Do not substitute it for the recommended respirator |
| Goggles | Helps keep ash out of the eyes | One pair per person plus a spare if possible |
| Glasses | Vision correction and an alternative to contact lenses during ashfall | Primary pair and a protective case |
An N95 filters particulate ash; it does not filter toxic gases or vapors. Do not treat a respirator as protection from an unknown gas release. Follow local emergency instructions and leave the area when officials order evacuation.
Clothing and personal protection
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots, several pairs of socks, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and work gloves protect skin from abrasive ash and rough surfaces.
- Pack a change of clothing in sealed bags so ash does not contaminate clean layers. Include weather-appropriate outerwear that can be worn without exposing skin.
- Add personal hygiene items, toilet paper, hand-cleaning supplies and menstrual products sized to the expected absence from home. These are not substitutes for water or medical supplies; they reduce avoidable health problems when facilities are crowded or closed.
Light, information and charging
- Carry a flashlight with extra batteries. A headlamp can leave both hands free, but it does not replace a second light source for the household.
- Pack a battery-powered radio and spare batteries for official updates when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable.
- Include phone charging cables, wall or vehicle adapters that match your devices, and backup batteries kept charged and protected from heat.
- Carry copies of personal, financial and medical records in a waterproof pouch. Include identification, insurance information, emergency contacts and your medication list.
Pet, child and disability planning
Pets
For every pet, pack food, water, medicines, a carrier or crate when appropriate, and a leash or harness. Put identification information and a recent photo with the animal’s records. Confirm in advance which evacuation shelters accept animals; many do not, and an unconfirmed plan can delay departure.
Rank #2
- NIOSH APPROVED: For at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles
- COMPATIBLE: With a variety of protective eyewear and hearing protection
- ADJUSTABLE NOSECLIP: Reduces potential for eyewear fogging and helps provide a custom and secure seal
- TWO-STRAP DESIGN: With welded dual point attachement that helps provide a secure fit
- APPLICATIONS: Gringing, sanding, sweeping, bagging, and other dusty operations. Metalworking, chemical processing, construction, and metal processing
Children and dependent adults
Add familiar food, age-appropriate medicines, comfort items, diapers or incontinence supplies, and any communication or sensory aids. For a person who uses a wheelchair, walker, hearing device or other aid, include chargers, spare batteries and repair essentials when available. Keep critical equipment with the person rather than buried in a vehicle load.
Home and vehicle additions
Two-week home reserve
Store the home reserve where it remains accessible if ash blocks a doorway or power fails. Keep extra water and shelf-stable food, medicines, first aid supplies, batteries and protective equipment. The USGS recommends adding plastic sheeting and tape to help seal ash out during extreme ashfall. This is a temporary barrier, not a guarantee that a building is safe; follow structural and air-quality instructions from local authorities.
Rank #3
- 20-pack NIOSH Approved N95 Respirator Mask - (NIOSH Approval Number: TC-84A-9315) - N95 mask certified for protection against 95% of non-oil based particles 0.3microns or larger. Size Medium/Large. Elastic bands go over the head, not over the ears.
- MADE IN USA – Manufactured by BNX Converting LLC in Houston TX, a NIOSH/CDC Approved and FDA Registered (Registration # 3017489417) manufacturer of N95 mask respirators.
- Superior Protection & Breathability - BNX’s 5-layer filtration technology provides maximum protection, comfort and breathability. The active filter layer of these N95 masks is composed of ultra-high grade electrostatically charged meltblown polypropylene. Extremely breathable up to 50%+ more breathable than NIOSH minimum requirement.
- Latex Free Enhanced Comfort and Secure Fit - Features latex free and amazingly soft and durable headband straps as well as an adjustable metal nose piece to ensure a tight yet comfortable seal. Please follow all recommended fitting instructions and guidelines to ensure proper fit and protective seal. Flat fold design allows for convenient storage prior to use. Improved 3D design provides room for your mouth to move when you speak and greater compatibility with and reduced fog on eyewear.
- BNX Quality Promise & Applications - BNX is committed to delivering the highest quality American made safety products using the latest automated manufacturing processes and technology and the strictest quality standards. Our N95 respirator masks are ideal for use by industries such as: Commercial Buildings, Construction, Food Processing & Safety, Retail, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Education, Oil & Gas, Transportation, and mor
Vehicle kit
The CDC recommends a vehicle kit containing food, water, maps, tools, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, a flashlight and batteries, along with other vehicle essentials. The National Weather Service advises keeping safety glasses and dust masks in kits at home, work and in the car; for volcanic ash, carry the NIOSH-approved N95 respirators specified above rather than treating a generic dust mask as equivalent.
Keep the fuel level adequate, but do not make an unnecessary trip solely to refuel during an eruption. Ash can reduce visibility, create a respiratory hazard and clog engines and filters.
Rank #4
- NIOSH-APPROVED N95 for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil-based particles and aerosols
- 3M COOL FLOW EXHALATION VALVE helps direct exhaled air downward and allows for easy breathing
- UP TO 50% EASIER BREATHING. Compared to non-valved 3M 8200 Testing
- ADVANCED FILTER MEDIA for easy breathing
- ADJUSTABLE M-NOSECLIP helps provide a custom and secure seal
How to pack and maintain the kit
- Assign one container to each function. Use a clearly marked bag for water and food, another for medical supplies and records, and another for ash PPE and clothing. Keep the bags near an exit, not in a locked attic or a room that could become inaccessible.
- Make the load identifiable. Label each person’s medicines, glasses and special equipment. Put contact details and a medication list in both the medical pouch and the person’s wallet or phone case.
- Test equipment. Turn on the radio and flashlight, check charger compatibility, inspect batteries and verify that everyone knows where the manual can opener is.
- Fit and inspect respirators. Check the NIOSH approval marking and package integrity. A respirator must seal to the wearer’s face; facial hair or an incorrect size can prevent an effective seal. Anyone who cannot safely wear one should follow medical and public-health advice and avoid ash exposure.
- Rotate supplies. Replace expired medicines through your normal pharmacy process, refresh food and water, and check that plastic sheeting, tape, carriers and mobility equipment still fit household needs.
- Rehearse loading. Practice placing people, pets, mobility aids, medicines and water into the vehicle in the order they would be needed. Keep documents and medicines reachable instead of under heavy containers.
What to do when an evacuation is ordered
- Use official information. Follow local officials’ evacuation instructions and designated routes. Keep the battery-powered radio available for changing zones, road closures and shelter information.
- Take only essential items, but do not omit critical categories. Load medicines, protective equipment, water, records, food, communication equipment and pet supplies before nonessential possessions.
- Protect yourself while outside. Wear goggles and a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator when ash is present outdoors or during indoor ash cleanup. Cover skin with long sleeves, long pants and gloves, and change contaminated outer layers when you reach a cleaner location.
- Limit driving. Avoid unnecessary driving in ash. It reduces visibility, creates a health hazard and can clog vehicle engines. If driving is unavoidable, keep windows closed and set the ventilation system to recirculate rather than drawing outside air.
- Stay on the designated route. Do not detour into closed areas to retrieve additional belongings. Ash depth, bridges, visibility and road conditions can change rapidly, so obey traffic control and emergency personnel.
Water safety after ashfall
Ash in a roof, tank or distribution system does not automatically establish that drinking water is safe or unsafe. If ash enters your drinking water, use another source, such as purchased bottled water, until the water can be tested, as the CDC states in its post-eruption safety guidance. Do not rely on taste, smell or appearance as a clearance test. Follow local health-authority instructions for collection, testing, treatment and any boil-water or do-not-use notice.
Recommended Free Tools
Keep a separate supply for drinking and medications. Water used for washing may still be subject to local restrictions, and ash can damage pumps, filters and appliances. Do not reconnect or clean equipment until the responsible utility or health authority gives instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NIOSH-APPROVED N95 for at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil-based particles and aerosols
- USE FOR: Sanding, drywall cutting, sweeping, sawing, woodworking, fiberglass insulating, yard work, grinding and dusting
- 3M ADVANCED ELECTROSTATIC MEDIA enhances the capture of airborne particles and allows for easy breathing
- 3M COOL FLOW VALVE helps release warm, exhaled breath from inside the respirator
- UP TO 50% EASIER BREATHING Compared to 3M 8200
Common packing mistakes and fixes
- Packing only a small overnight bag: Build to the three-day Go-Kit minimum and keep the two-week home reserve separate.
- Counting a dust mask as ash protection: Replace it with a NIOSH-approved N95 respirator and goggles. Remember that an N95 does not filter toxic gases or vapors.
- Carrying only a day or two of medicine: Prepare at least one week of prescriptions for evacuation and include medically required respiratory medicines or oxygen.
- Leaving records behind: Store waterproof copies of identification, financial and medical records, plus dosages and emergency contacts, in the ready bag.
- Forgetting animals or access needs: Pack pet food, water, medicines, carriers and leashes; add mobility, communication and power equipment for household members who rely on it.
- Driving through ash unnecessarily: Wait for official instructions when possible. If travel is unavoidable, close windows, use recirculation and expect reduced visibility and vehicle problems.
- Drinking visibly ash-contaminated water: Switch to bottled or another approved source until testing or local health authorities confirm safety.
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