Emergency: Volcanic
Activity
Before | Evacuation
| If Trapped Inside or Outside |
Afterwards
Volcanic eruptions can hurl hot rocks for at least
twenty 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 disasters that can be spawned by
volcanoes: earthquakes, flash floods, landslides and
mudflows, thunderstorms, and tsunamis.
Evacuation
It is best to leave the area before the eruption
begins. A lateral blast of a volcano can travel many
miles from the mountain. Trying to watch an erupting
volcano is a deadly idea. Follow the evacuation order
issued by authorities (see Evacuation
section). Avoid areas downwind of the volcano.
If Trapped Inside or Outside
Close all windows, doors, and dampers. If trapped
outdoors, seek shelter indoors. If caught in a rock
fall, roll into a ball to protect your head. Avoid
low-lying areas where poisonous gases can collect and
flash floods can be most dangerous. If caught near a
stream, be aware 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. Turn car
or truck engines off. Stay out of the area and watch
for mudflows.
Afterwards
When outside, cover your mouth and nose. A number of
victims of the Mount St. Helens volcanic eruption died
from inhaling ash. Wear goggles to protect eyes. Keep
skin covered to avoid irritation or burns.
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact
with any amount of ash. Avoid driving in heavy ash
fall. Driving stirs up more ash that can clog engines
and stall vehicles. Clear roofs of ash, as it is very
heavy and can cause buildings to collapse.
Remember to help neighbors who may require special
assistance--children, elderly people, and people with
disabilities.
top |
