15 Safety Measures You Must Adopt During a Volcanic Eruption

A Volcanic eruption is among the most fatal and destructive disasters that occurs all across the world. They can occur naturally or be evoked due to various human activities. There are different type of eruptions like steam generated eruptions, eruption of the silicon lava, emission of carbon dioxide and many more. What’s common with each of them is that all of these pose great threat to humans. They not only result in loss of human lives but also cause severe damage to property as well.

Today there are many active volcano sitesactive volcano sites spread across the globe that can cause grave loss to humans and environment. Most of these can be found in countries like Italy, Japan, Indonesia and others. A few of these active sites have been erupting for several decades. There are some exceptions as well like the Mt. Etna and Stromboli in Italy that have been erupting for over thousands of years. Such volcanic eruption sites are generally unfit for human habitation as they render both land and air unfit for use.

Active Volcano Sites Around the World

There are numerous active sites in different parts of the world. An active site can be classified as an erupting or a warning site. Indonesia, South America and Pacific Oceans have the maximum number of active sites. The most famous among these include Stromboli and Etna in Italy, Kilauea in Hawaii, Yasur in Tanna Islands, Langila in Papua New Guinea and Semeru, Sinabung and Dukono in Indonesia. All of the above mentioned sites are continuously erupting sites and have no human interference as such.

Villarrica in Chile, Sangay in Ecuador, Sakurajima in Japan and Piton de la fournaise in La Reunion are other such sites that have high erupting activities throughout the year. In places like Iceland, Antarctica, Alaska and North America there are several sites that undergo minor eruptions on a periodic basis. Such sites cause minor to moderate disturbances in their vicinity and need continuous monitoring to avoid catastrophic results.

Staying Safe During Eruptions

In order to remain safe during a volcanic eruption, there are some safety tips and measures you must adopt before during and after the eruption occurs. The most obvious choice to evade damage and loss due to volcanic eruptions is to stay away from such sites. But in case you happen to stay near any volcanic site then there are a set of rules that you need to adhere to so that you can safely avoid the aftermath of eruptions.

Preparation Before Eruptions

Before the eruption of volcanic lava in active volcano sites, residents and inhabitants living close to these sites must get prepared and adopt some pre-eruption strategies in order to remain safe. Since a volcanic eruption can be rapid and spontaneous, it is important that these pre-eruption measures be taken so as to avoid fatalities.

1. At places where eruptions occur, the government or the community has a fixed system to alert and warn people living in that area. Use of loud sirens and local radio broadcasting are the most common ways to inform people about volcanic activities.
2. In case you don’t actually live in such an area and just happen to pass by, it is important that you do not panic and quickly reach out to a local or a community office for help.
3. Volcanic eruption sites have an emergency map that locates safe places in the area and explain exit routes in detail. Make sure you own a copy of the same and understand the important locations in the map.
4. Make a plan with your family as to what should each member do as soon as the siren hits off. This will help you avoid confusion and face the emergency with utmost preparation.
5. It will be a good idea to prepare a checklist so that you do not forget anything important in the heat of the moment.
6. Keep your emergency kit ready with first aid tools, blankets and other necessary articles. Also keep masks and goggles in it to avoid chemicals and gases.

Safety Tips You Must Adopt During a Volcanic Eruption

1. Run indoors and switch on the radio as soon as you hear the siren. Follow all the instructions as voiced by experts on the radio.
2. Evacuate the place only if you are asked to do so. Many times people don’t heed to warnings and face loss because of their own ignorance.
3. When instructed for evacuation, make sure that you are wearing long sleeves and have your face fully covered to avoid ash and harmful gases.
4. Close all the windows and doors on evacuation to hinder the penetration of ashes and debris inside the house.
5. Incase there is no shelter nearby then rush towards a higher ground or to a safe location as marked on the safety map.

6. Do not run towards rivers or low lying areas. You can get trapped with debris and get in contact with ashes as well.
7. Avoid direct contact with poisonous gases and other floating debris to avoid any kind of health and physical hazard.
8. Make sure all the members are safe and are following the instructions that are being aired on the radio.
9. Receive medical care if required. Do not ignore any burn or injury caused to you and take proper treatment for the same. Medical care is of utmost importance in such areas and there should be no laziness in following the same.

Let take a look in a more detailed form, the safety measures to adopt during a volcanic eruption.

Safety Measures During a Volcanic Eruption

Safety measures during a volcanic eruption include following evacuation orders and covering your car windows, doors and vents. Also, make a family communication plan with a designated “contact person” outside of the area in case family members become separated.

Don’t leave your shelter until authorities confirm the danger is over. It may be dangerous to return home if ash and toxic gases have entered your house.

Evacuate Immediately During a Volcanic Eruption

The most important thing to do during a volcanic eruption is follow the instructions of local authorities. If they say evacuate, do it immediately. Evacuating reduces your exposure to flying debris, hot gases and lava. It also protects you from the risk of mudflows and floods caused by volcanic ash.

Volcanic ash is a health hazard that can irritate skin, injure eyes and clog breathing passages. It is especially dangerous if you have respiratory difficulties or heart problems. If you have these conditions, wear a mask to prevent breathing in ash. If you must go outside, keep windows closed and cover any vents with duct tape or place damp towels over them. Turn off air conditioning and heating systems that draw in outdoor air. Store machinery indoors. Block doors with fire-retardant covers or tarps, and put any live ammunition in a fireproof safe, labeling it clearly.

Whether you decide to stay or leave, listen to the radio for civil defence advice and follow evacuation orders. If you are not sure which way to go, look for high ground away from the volcano. You should also avoid valleys and low-lying areas where flowing hazards such as mudflows may converge and accumulate.

If you evacuate, take your Grab + Go Box with you. This kit includes a first aid kit and supplies to help you survive the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. Make a plan and identify meeting places for family members in case a warning is issued while everyone is apart. Also, prepare a list of emergency phone numbers including your national disaster management office, police, ambulance, hospital and fire departments.

Getting prepared is the best way to ensure your safety during a volcanic eruption, but it’s important to remember that not all eruptions are the same. It is impossible to predict an exact time of when a volcano will erupt, but it’s important to know which volcanoes are active in your area and how they might affect you. Keep up-to-date with your local volcano’s activity and monitor the news for updates on any eruptions.

Shelter Indoors

A major cause of death during volcanic eruptions is not lava or falling rocks, but rather suffocation from the inhalation of gases emitted from magma. These gases, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen fluoride, can contaminate the air in close proximity to the volcano. These gases can also be blown by winds into valleys downstream from the volcano. To avoid exposure to these dangerous gases, follow recommended evacuations and area-avoidance plans, and stay indoors if possible.

If you can’t evacuate, be sure to close all windows and doors and seal them shut with plastic sheeting. Use a damp cloth over your mouth and nose. If you have any respiratory problems, be especially careful and only venture outside when authorities indicate it is safe. Keep a battery-operated radio and television tuned to local stations for emergency information.

Make a household evacuation plan and practice it with your family. Gather supplies, including nonperishable food for several days, first aid kits and water, and a supply of medications for each member of the household. Consider the needs of your pets and livestock, too. Find out which emergency shelters accept animals and make other arrangements if necessary. Find out what your homeowners’ insurance will cover in the event of a volcanic eruption.

Be sure to listen to the local news and weather reports and keep a close eye on the status of the volcano. If a local authority advises you to evacuate, do so immediately.

If you are caught outdoors during an eruption, crouch low to the ground and roll into a ball. Protect your head with your arms or a backpack. Do not try to cross geothermal areas, such as hot spots or geysers. The ground is often thin around these areas and a fall could seriously injure or kill you. Be very careful when walking near mudflows or lahars, too. These deadly debris flows kill more people than pyroclastic flows and lava. They can travel quickly and are difficult to see or hear approaching. Be especially careful in river valleys downstream from the volcano.

Wear Protective Clothing During an Eruption

Volcanoes spew hot, dangerous gases and lava, but the real danger comes from the fine ash particles that get into the air. These can irritate the lungs and eyes, even if they don’t make you cough or wheeze. It is therefore very important to wear protective clothing during an eruption.

This includes wearing long sleeves and pants, as well as goggles or a mask to protect your eyes. Also, it is a good idea to wear shoes with sturdy soles to avoid getting caught in any lava flows that may occur. If you are being evacuated, close all the windows and doors to hinder ash penetration inside the house. If possible, rush to a safe location as marked on the safety map. Remember to listen for disaster sirens and follow instructions given by local authorities.

If you decide to stay at home, listen to a radio or television for updates. It is a good idea to have a portable battery-powered or hand-crank radio with you in case power goes out and wireless networks become congested. Keep essential information (like emergency evacuation hotlines) written down and readily available, including your family’s medical, financial, insurance and other contact information.

During the eruption, stay away from low-lying areas, as lava flows and mudflows tend to gravitate toward those spaces. Avoid river valleys downstream from the volcano, as well.

Do not drive through ash-covered roads, as it can clog or stall engines. Cover any outdoor furniture, machinery and garage or barn doors with tarps to prevent the influx of ash.

It is a good idea to turn off your air conditioner and heater in order to reduce the amount of energy that they use. It is also a good idea to clean indoor surfaces as soon as possible, as ash can build up quickly and block vents.

If you have any pets, make sure to secure them, and consider bringing them into an enclosed shelter. It is also a good idea to have a plan for getting them back home if you need to evacuate. Stay tuned to the radio or TV for updates, and listen carefully to what local officials have to say.

Wear a Mask

During an eruption, breathing volcanic ash can irritate and injure the skin, respiratory passages and eyes. A mask can prevent this irritation and may protect against respiratory problems from inhaling fine, airborne particles. A good mask will have a close fit (without gaps around the nose and mouth) and be comfortable when worn for long periods of time.

Masks should be available in the event of a volcanic emergency and should be included in hazard supplies, along with goggles and long sleeved shirts and pants. Other hazard supplies such as water and food should also be kept in a sheltered location, because a volcanic eruption can compromise the local water supply.

People should follow the advice of their government authorities during a volcanic emergency, especially those warning to evacuate or shelter in place. Listen to radio or TV for official information and make a plan with family members about what will happen during an evacuation. Ensure that everyone has the essentials, such as non-perishable food, water and medication, in case you are evacuated or power is cut off. Keep personal, financial and medical records safe and accessible in case of a disaster.

If you decide to stay, remain inside your house and shut the doors and windows. Block any vents with duct tape and cover outdoor machinery. Close all openings to outside, such as doors and windows, with damp towels or tarps to prevent ash from entering the house. Leave pets and livestock indoors.

The accumulated ash can damage roofs, and it is dangerous to enter areas where gas can collect. Inhaling the gas can cause death, even if it does not burn the skin. Avoid areas with volcanic mudflows/lahars, as these can be extremely hazardous.

After the eruption, it is important to listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return outdoors. If they advise you to evacuate, do so immediately. Don’t be tempted to return home, as the toxic gases and ash could kill you.

Keep listening to the radio or TV for more information about the situation, and try to stay calm. Check with friends and relatives to see if they have been affected by the eruption, and use social media to let them know you are safe.