TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Explosive volcanoes blast hot, solid and molten rock fragments and gases into the air. As a result, ashflows can occur on all sides of a volcano and ash can fall hundreds of miles downwind. Dangerous mudflows and floods can occur in valleys leading away from volcanoes. If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be prepared to follow instructions from your local emergency officials.
Before
Learn about your community warning systems and emergency plans.
Be prepared for the hazards that can accompany volcanoes:
Make evacuation plans. If you live in a known volcanic hazard area, plan a route out and have a backup route in mind.
Develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a volcanic eruption (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact," because after a disaster, it's often easier to make a long distance call than a local one. Make sure everyone knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person.
Have disaster supplies on hand:
Get a pair of goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member of the household in case of ashfall.
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on volcanoes.
Evacuation: Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, if you are in a hazardous zone, doing so could be very dangerous. Stay safe. Follow authorities' instructions and put your disaster plan into action.
During
Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities.
Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano.
If caught indoors:
If trapped outdoors:
Protect yourself during ashfall:
Stay out of the area defined as a restricted zone by government officials.
Effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many miles away. Mudflows and flash flooding, wild fires and even deadly hot ashflow can reach you even if you cannot see the volcano during an eruption. Avoid river valleys and low lying areas. Trying to watch an erupting volcano up close is a deadly idea.
Mudflows: Mudflows are powerful "rivers" of mud that can move 20-40 miles per hour. Hot ash or lava from a volcanic eruption can rapidly melt snow and ice at the summit of a volcano. The melt water quickly mixes with falling ash, soil and debris in its path. This turbulent mixture is dangerous in stream channels and can travel more than 50 miles away from a volcano. Intense rainfall can erode fresh volcanic deposits to form large mudflows. If you see the water level of a stream begin to rise, quickly move to high ground. If a mudflow is approaching or passes a bridge, stay away from the bridge.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
After
If possible, stay away from volcanic ashfall areas.
When outside:
Clear roofs of ashfall:
Avoid driving in heavy ashfall. Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance (infants, seniors and people with disabilities).
For more information, contact your local Red Cross chapter or check out these sites on the World Wide Web:
Additional information is also available on an automated fax system maintained by the USGS, EARTHFAX. Dial (703) 648-4888 and follow voice prompts.
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