AFTER A VOLCANIC ERUPTION
Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return after an eruption.
Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy after a disaster. Only make emergency calls.
Avoid driving in heavy ash. Driving will stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
If you have any breathing problems, avoid contact with ash. Stay indoors until authorities say it is safe to go outside.
Do not get on your roof to remove ash unless you have guidance or training. If you have to remove ash, then be very careful as ash makes surfaces slippery. Be careful not to contribute additional weight to an overloaded roof.
VOLCANOES
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon have the most active volcanoes, but other states and territories have active volcanoes, too. A volcanic eruption may involve lava and other debris that can flow up to 100 mph, destroying everything in their path. Volcanic ash can travel 100s of miles and cause severe health problems.
A volcanic eruption can:
Contaminate water supplies.
Damage machinery.
Reduce visibility through smog and harmful gases that may threaten low-lying areas.
Make it hard to breathe and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
Here are the countries most at risk of a deadly volcanic eruption, according to an international team of experts known as the Global Volcano Model network.
Indonesia. Mount Merapi. ...
Philippines. Mount Mayon. ...
Japan. Mount Sakurajima. ...
Mexico. The astronaut crew on the International Space Station Alpha observed and recorded this image as they orbited to the northeast of the volcano.
Ethiopia.
Guatemala.
Ecuador.
Italy.
El Salvador
Kenya
If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, following these tips will help you keep your loved ones safe.
IF YOU ARE UNDER A VOLCANO WARNING:
Listen for emergency information and alerts.
Follow evacuation or shelter orders. If advised to evacuate, then do so early.
Avoid areas downstream of the eruption.
Protect yourself from falling ash.
Do not drive in heavy ash fall.
HOW TO PREPARE
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VOLCANO
Protecting your family
Talk about volcanoes with your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of a volcanic eruption.
Keep handy a pair of goggles and a dust mask for each member of your household in case of ashfall.
Talk to your insurance agent. Find out what your homeowners’ policy will or will not cover in the event of a volcanic eruption.
DURING A VOLCANIC ERUPTION
Staying Safe During a Volcanic Eruption
Listen to a local station on a portable, battery-operated radio or television for updated emergency information and instructions
Follow any evacuation orders issued by authorities, and put your emergency plan into action. Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, if you are in a hazard zone, doing so could be very dangerous.
Follow evacuation orders from local authorities. Evacuate early.
Avoid areas downwind, and river valleys downstream, of the volcano. Rubble and ash will be carried by wind and gravity.
Take temporary shelter from volcanic ash where you are if you have enough supplies. Cover ventilation openings and seal doors and windows.
If indoors, close all window, doors, and dampers to keep volcanic ash from entering.
If You Are Outdoors
Seek shelter indoors if possible.
Stay out of designated restricted zones. Effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many miles from a volcano.
Avoid low-lying areas, areas downwind of the volcano, and river valleys downstream of the volcano. Debris and ash will be carried by wind and gravity.
Stay in areas where you will not be further exposed to volcanic eruption hazards. Trying to watch an erupting volcano up close is a deadly idea.
Avoid driving in a heavy ash fall.
If You Are Caught in an Ashfall
Wear a dust mask designed to protect against lung irritation from small particles.
Protect your eyes by wearing goggles. Wear eyeglasses, not contact lenses.
Keep as much of your skin covered as possible.