Volcanic activity can cause eruptions that shoot rocks, ash, and gas hundreds of feet into the air.Volcanic eruptions can be terrifying, but not all of them are so dramatic.Scientists can usually give an advance warning before a serious event, because most volcanoes are carefully monitored.It's important to know how to prepare for an eruption and escape one alive if you live near a volcano.
Step 1: Know the warning system in your community.
If you live near a volcano, your community may have a plan in place to warn people if the volcano erupts.Emergency sirens and television broadcasts are used to alert people that danger is imminent.Important advisories will be broadcasted by local radio stations.It's important to know the warning procedures in your area.You can find out what the local emergency management agency advises by listening to the radio.In extreme cases, you may be told to stay indoors.If you don't live in the area, you should be familiar with the region's warning system so you know what it means when you hear it.
Step 2: Get familiar with the procedures.
You can get a hazard-zone map from your local emergency management agency or the U.S. Geological Survey if you live near a volcano.The maps show the probable paths of lava flows and give estimates for the minimum time it would take a flow to reach a location.The area around the volcano is divided into zones.You can use this information to find out how safe your house or workplace is, and you can plan the best escape route.You should have several alternatives to reach one or more safe zones because volcanic eruptions are complex and unpredictable.
Step 3: A household evacuate plan is needed.
If the sirens go off, you need to figure out what to do.Determine the safest way to get your family there.If the sky is filled with ash, you won't be able to travel far by car since ash can interfere with car engines.Discuss the plan with your family members.Make sure everyone knows where to go.Don't forget to include your pets in your plan.It's a good idea to have a list of things you need to do so you don't forget.A list of the people and animals that should be present, the possessions you'll take with you, and fast actions you might take to seal up your house to prevent as much damage as possible are included.
Step 4: Be sure to stock up on necessities.
You should have a two-week supply of food and portable water at home.If an eruption causes water supplies to become contaminated, you can't rely on your water.If you need to evacuate, you should keep your supplies in a large container and bring them with you.In addition to food and water, stock up on the following: a first aid kit, blankets and warm clothing, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries so that you will be able to listen to advisories if the power goes out, and a map of the region.
Step 5: You should be prepared when you travel near a volcano.
Knowledge is the most important protection when visiting a volcano.Local authorities should be consulted before going to the volcano.If possible, get a guide to accompany you to the area of the volcano to learn about the dangers.If you're going to be climbing or hiking near the volcano, you should bring a few survival items that will help you survive if you get caught outside.You will need a mask and goggles to help you breathe.You should bring long pants and shirts.Don't overexert yourself if you become trapped by a lava flow, and bring plenty of water.If you're not tired, you will be able to react more quickly.
Step 6: If the sirens go off, listen for advisories on radio or TV.
When a volcano erupts, you should tune in to find out if you are in immediate danger and what is happening around you.These advisories will help you assess the situation and make the right decisions.The sirens will most likely be your first warning that an eruption is happening, but you might receive other indications that something is amiss.If you feel an earthquake or see debris from the volcano, tune in immediately.If the power goes out, make sure your radio is working.Staying connected and learning about updates that can affect your safety is an important way to stay connected.
Step 7: Ignore emergency instructions.
If you are ordered to evacuate, you will be told to stay inside.It's important to follow the advisories in order to ensure the safety of your family.If you're told to leave, do it immediately.If you can't see immediate danger, stay where you are.Taking to the roads may be riskier than staying at home.Many people have been killed in recent eruptions because they did not heed an order to leave.If you get advance warning, use it wisely and don't try to hold your ground.It's important to leave the area as soon as possible after being told to do so.If you wait too long, you'll have to deal with ash fall, which will muck up your car's engine and make it more difficult to leave.
Step 8: If you're caught outside, get inside.
The safest place to be is inside a strong structure.All windows and doors should be closed to protect yourself from ash and cinders.If you have an emergency supply of food and water with you, make sure all of your family members are inside.If you own livestock, close the doors and windows.If you have time, put machinery in a garage.
Step 9: If you can't find shelter, get to high ground.
In a major eruption, lava flows, lahars, mudflows and flooding are common.All of them travel in valleys and low-lying areas.Stay there until you can confirm that the danger has passed.
Step 10: You should protect yourself from pyroclastics.
If you want to get to higher ground, you should protect yourself from rocks and debris that are sent flying during an eruption.To get out of their range is the most important thing to do.Sometimes they rain down, and sometimes they can land miles away from the volcano's crater.Staying below the ridgelines of hills and on the side of the hill opposite the volcano will protect you.If you are caught in a hail of smaller pyroclastics, crouch down on the ground, facing away from the volcano, and protect your head with your arms, a backpack, or anything else you can find.
Step 11: It's a good idea to avoid exposure to poisonous gases.
When a volcano erupts, there are a number of gases that can be deadly.If you can, try to get away from the volcano as quickly as possible by breathing through a respirator, mask, or moist piece of cloth.Some of the most dangerous gases are heavier than air and can accumulate near the ground.Your eyes should be protected as well.If your mask doesn't cover your eyes, wear goggles.You should keep your skin covered with long pants and a shirt.
Step 12: Don't try to cross the water.
There are hot spots, geysers, and mudpots on volcanoes.A fall through the thin ground could cause serious burns or death.Don't try to cross them during an eruption, and only cross on marked paths.More people are killed by mudflows and flooding after an eruption than by lava.You can be in danger far from the volcano.Don't try to cross a lava flow.Even flows that appear to be cooled may have formed a thin crust over a core of extremely hot lava.You run the risk of being trapped between flows if you cross a lava flow.
Step 13: If you're told it's safe to come out, stay indoors.
You're free to go outside if you keep the radio on and stay inside.You should stay inside until the ash stops falling, even after the eruption is over.If you go outside before you're certain it's safe, make sure your body is covered from head to toe and that you breathe through a respirator.The tap water should be clean before you drink bottled water.If you see ash in the water, don't drink it.Even after the eruption is over, officials might advise to evacuate.Ash can cause roofs to collapse, making it dangerous for people to stay indoors.
Step 14: Don't go to areas with heavy ash fall.
Volcanic ash can be harmful to the lungs.There are areas close to the volcano where a lot of ash has been collected.You can find out which areas were most affected by listening to the radio.It's important to keep away from ash for people with respiratory conditions.Don't drive through areas with heavy ash fall.The ash will ruin your engine.
Step 15: There is clear ash from your home.
You need to clear the ash from your rooftop when you're sure it's safe to go out.Ash can cause roofs to collapse when it's wet.It will be harmful to those who breathe in if the wind stirs it up.To avoid breathing in the ash, cover your mouth with a mask and wear long pants and a shirt.You could also wear goggles.Wrap the ash in trash bags and dispose of it according to your community's recommendations.If you want to keep your air conditioner on, don't open it until most of the ash is gone.
Step 16: If there is a need for medical care, get it.
Immediately receive medical treatment for burns, injuries, and gas or ash inhalation.Don't waste time getting treatment or an exam once you are safe.If there are people with more serious injuries, you may need to wait.