What can I do at work?
Volcanic
eruptions can hurl hot rocks for at least 20 miles. Floods, airborne
ash, or noxious fumes can spread 100 miles or more. If you live
near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to evacuate
at a moment's notice.
BEFORE
Learn
about your community warning systems. Be prepared for these disasters
that can be spawned by volcanoes.
- Earthquakes
- Flash floods
- Landslides and
mudflows
- Thunderstorms
- Tsunamis
Make evacuation
plans.
You want
to get to high ground away from the eruption. 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."
After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make
sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the
contact person.
Have disaster
supplies on hand.
- Flashlight and
extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated
radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit
and manual
- Emergency food
and water
- Nonelectric can
opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit
cards
- Sturdy shoes
Get a
pair of goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member
of the household.
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, doing
so could be very dangerous. The rock debris from a volcano can
break windows and set buildings on fire. Stay safe. Follow authorities'
instructions and leave the area before the disaster begins.
DURING
Follow
the evacuation order issued by authorities.
Avoid
areas downwind of the volcano.
If caught
indoors:
- Close all windows,
doors, and dampers.
- Put all machinery
inside a garage or barn.
- Bring animals
and livestock into closed shelters.
If trapped
outdoors:
- Seek shelter
indoors.
- If caught in
a rockfall, roll into a ball to protect head.
- Avoid low-lying
area where poisonous gases can collect and flash floods can
be most dangerous.
- If caught near
a stream, beware of mudflows.
Protect
yourself:
- Wear long sleeved
shirts and pants.
- Use goggles to
protect eyes.
- Use a dust-mask
or hold a damp cloth over face to help breathing.
- Keep car or truck
engines off.
Stay out
of the area.
Mudflows
Mudflows
are powerful "rivers" of mud that can move faster than people
can walk or run. Mudflows occur when rain falls through ash-carrying
clouds or when rivers are damed during an eruption. They are most
dangerous close to stream channels. When you approach a bridge,
first look upstream. If a mudflow is approaching or moving beneath
the bridge, do not cross the bridge. The power of the mudflow
can destroy a bridge very quickly.
AFTER
Listen
to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency
information.
Stay away
from volcanic ashfall.
When outside:
- Cover your mouth
and nose. A number of victims of the Mount St. Helens volcano
died from inhaling ash.
- Wear goggles
to protect your eyes.
- Keep skin covered
to avoid irritation or burns.
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.
Avoid
driving in heavy ashfall.
Driving
will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
Clear
roofs of ashfall.
Ashfall
is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse.
Remember
to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
elderly people, and people with disabilities.
For
more information you can visit the following websites: