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: