Volcanic activity can cause explosions, called Plinian eruptions, which throw rocks, ash and gas into the air hundreds of meters high. While not all volcanic eruptions are so spectacular, they are still frightening events. Fortunately, most volcanoes are closely monitored and scientists are able to sound the alarm well in advance of a catastrophic event. However, if you live near one of these complex geological structures or have the opportunity to visit one, you always run some risks and it is important to know how to prepare to survive an eruption.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Eruption
Step 1. Find out about the community alert system
If you live near a volcano, the city administration has certainly prepared a plan to warn the population of a possible eruption; in many cases sirens are used to warn of impending danger, or local radio stations broadcast important warnings; however, as each region is different, it is important to know the specific procedures in your area.
- As soon as you hear a siren, turn on the radio to find out the content of the local administration notices. The Civil Protection may advise you to stay indoors, avoid certain areas or, in an extreme case, to evacuate.
- If you do not live in the area, but are passing through it for a trip, you should inquire about the region's warning system, to know the meaning of certain signs.
Step 2. Learn about evacuation procedures
If you live in an area where there is a well-researched and monitored volcano, you can probably get a danger zone map from your council, region, or, if you are vacationing in the United States, from the U. S. Geological Survey. These maps show the probable paths of the lava, the lahar (the flow of mud and gas) and provide an estimate of the minimum time required for these flows to reach certain locations. The maps divide the area surrounding the volcano into zones classified according to the level of risk.
- Thanks to this information, you can get an idea of the security level of your home or workplace and plan an escape route accordingly.
- Since volcanic eruptions are complex and, to some extent, unpredictable, you should consider several routes to reach one or more "safe zones".
Step 3. Prepare an evacuation plan for the family
Imagine everything you need to do in case you hear the sirens. Determine exactly where your family should go and choose the safest route to go. Remember that in the event of an eruption the sky is full of ash and you may not be able to travel long distances by car, as the suspended material interferes with the engine mechanisms, preventing it from functioning properly.
- Discuss the evacuation plan with all family members; make sure everyone knows what to do and where to meet. Don't forget the pets.
- It pays to make a checklist to tick, to make sure you don't forget anything or anyone during the critical moment. Make a list of the people and animals that should be present, the belongings you need to take with you, and the quick actions you need to take to close the house and avoid as much damage as possible.
Step 4. Organize some supplies
Prepare enough food and transportable water for the whole family for at least three days. In the event of an eruption, the water supplies could be contaminated, so you do not have to rely on the aqueduct or the well at home. Keep everything you need in one place - such as a large container you can take with you - so you can quickly grab it in the event of an evacuation. In addition to water and food, it also prepares these products:
- A first aid kit.
- Blankets and warm clothes.
- A radio with batteries and new batteries to listen to the warnings in case there is no electricity.
- The necessary medications.
- A map of the region.
Step 5. Be prepared when traveling near a volcano
If you are visiting a volcanic area, knowledge is the most important protective device. Before going to the volcano, ask the authorities for information and pay attention to their advice or warnings. Read up on the dangers you may encounter and look for a reliable guide to accompany you if possible.
- If you plan to climb or hike near the volcano, you should bring some survival tools that can help you, in case you get stuck outdoors without shelter. You need a respirator and goggles to protect your face and be able to breathe; wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Don't forget a lot of water, in case you get unexpectedly trapped by the lava flow, and don't get too tired; if you are not fatigued, you can react faster and run to save yourself if necessary.
Part 2 of 3: Staying Safe during Volcanic Activity
Step 1. Listen to the announcements on the radio or TV as soon as you hear the sirens go off
When a volcano erupts, immediately listen to the media, to know if you are in immediate danger and to understand what is happening around you. These announcements are your "eyes" to get a more complete picture of the situation and make the right decisions.
- Sirens are probably the first warning sign that indicates an impending eruption, however you may receive other indications that something is wrong. If you see a plume of smoke and debris rising from the volcano or feel an earthquake, turn on the radio or television immediately.
- Make sure that the battery-operated radio is fully functional, in case there is a lack of electricity; it is an important means of staying informed and in touch, which has a great impact on personal safety.
Step 2. Don't ignore the emergency instructions
In most cases, the authorities recommend staying indoors, but an evacuation order may also be issued. It is vitally important to follow the advice, of whatever kind, to ensure the safety of the family. More importantly, if evacuation is ordered, leave immediately; otherwise, if there is no order of this type, stay where you are, unless you are exposed to immediate danger. Getting out on the street may be more risky than staying at home.
- In recent eruptions, many people died because they did not comply with the evacuation order. If you are lucky enough to receive this news in a timely manner, use it wisely instead of trying to garrison your property.
- It is important to leave the area as soon as possible after the order to do so is proclaimed; if you wait too long, you have to face the ash rain that accumulates in the car's engine and makes evacuation even more complicated.
Step 3. Seek shelter if you are caught outdoors by the eruption
Unless you are told to leave the city, the safest place to stay is inside a sturdy structure. Close all doors and windows to protect yourself from ash and incandescent material; make sure the whole family is safe and that you have all the food and water supplies.
- If you have cattle, bring them into the barn by closing doors and windows.
- If you have time, protect your machinery by taking it to the garage.
Step 4. Find a raised area if you can't find shelter indoors
Lava flows, lahars, mud and floods are common during an eruption; all these dangers can be fatal and tend to spill downstream and into lower altitude areas. Try to reach reliefs and stay there until you get confirmation that the danger has passed.
Step 5. Protect yourself from pyroclasts
Although it is necessary to reach elevated areas, you must try to find shelter from pyroclasts, rocks and debris (often incandescent) that are thrown into the air during an eruption. The most important thing is to be careful and stay out of their range. Sometimes these materials fall to the ground and, in certain types of eruptions such as the one that occurred in 1980 on Monte Sant'Elena, they can land miles away from the crater.
- Protect yourself by staying under the crest of the mountains and on the opposite side of the volcano.
- If you are surprised by a "hail" of small pyroclasts, crouch on the ground with your back to the volcano and protect your head with your arms, backpack or anything else at hand.
Step 6. Avoid exposing yourself to poisonous gases
The volcano emits numerous gases and, if you are in the vicinity during the eruption, they could prove deadly. Breathe through a respirator, mask, or wet tissue, to protect your lungs from the clouds of ash, and try to leave as quickly as possible.
- Do not stay close to the ground, because the most dangerous gases are heavier than air and accumulate at the bottom.
- Protect your eyes too; wear wraparound goggles if the mask does not cover your eyes.
- Cover your skin with long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Step 7. Do not cross geothermal areas
Hot spots, geysers, and fumaroles are common on volcanoes. The surrounding soil is usually very thin and falling into it can be fatal or cause severe burns. Never cross these areas during an eruption, or do so only by following safe and marked paths.
- Floods and rivers of mud that follow an eruption generally kill more people than lava flows or pyroclasts. You may be in danger even if you are miles from the crater. Never cross a lava or lahar flow.
- Even if the flow appears cold, it may simply be coated with a thin crust under which fiery lava hides; if you cross the flow, you run the risk of being trapped between two “rivers”, should another flow suddenly develop.
Part 3 of 3: Protect yourself after the Eruption
Step 1. Stay indoors until the authorities decide it's safe to go out
Keep the radio on and stay under cover until it is confirmed that the danger has passed and you can go outside. It may be necessary to remain in the house even if the eruption has ceased, as long as the ash rain subsides. If you go out before the situation is declared safe, make sure your body is completely covered from head to toe and wear a respirator (or at least put a damp cloth over your nose and mouth).
- Drink only bottled water, until tap water is declared potable. If you notice any ashes in the water, do not drink it.
- If the ash falls for several hours, the authorities could order evacuation even when the eruption is over; this is because the ash is so heavy that it could cause roofs to collapse, causing serious danger for the people inside the house.
Step 2. Stay away from areas where it rains a lot of ash
This material is made up of fine, glass-like particles that are harmful to the lungs. Do not walk or drive in areas close to the volcano where a lot of ash has accumulated; turn on the radio to find out which locations are most affected.
- Staying away from the ash is especially important for people suffering from respiratory diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis.
- Also avoid driving in areas where a lot of ash is falling, because the material clogs the car engine and damages it.
Step 3. Remove the ash from your home and property
When you can safely get out, you need to remove the material from the roof and other surfaces, as it is very heavy and could cause collapsing, especially if it is wet ash. If the wind raises it, it becomes a risk for people who can breathe it.
- Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and cover your mouth with a mask, so as not to breathe in the particulates; you should also use goggles.
- Shovel the ash by putting it in garbage bags, seal them and dispose of them according to the instructions provided by the public administration. The ash is slippery, be careful!
- Do not turn on the air conditioning system and do not open the air vents until you have got rid of most of the ash.
Step 4. Go to the emergency room if necessary
Get medical attention for burns, trauma, and inhalation of ash or gas. Once you are safe, don't waste your time and seek medical help or go for an examination. However, remember that it may be necessary to wait a while, in case there are patients with serious injuries.
Warnings
- If you are indoors, watch out for signs of fire. A glowing pyroclast can set the roof on fire pretty quickly.
- Be aware that the roof can collapse under the weight of the accumulating ash; clean it regularly, as several meters of ash fall to the ground in a few hours.
- A pyroclastic flow / cloud can move at speeds above 480 km / h.
