Safety Tips on Volcanoes

Volcanic eruptions can release flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast and lava flow. Other natural disasters, such as flash floods, mudflows, earthquake, ash fall and acid rain, often accompany a volcanic eruption. Keep yourself and your family safe in case of a eruption by being prepared, staying informed of the latest updates and following evacuation orders.

Eruption Plan

• Devise an eruption plan in case the volcano near your home erupts. Create evacuation routes out of your house and city. Memorize these routes so you don't have to look at a map when the time comes to evacuate. Know where you plan to stay if you have to evacuate your home --- a hotel or a relative's or friend's house. When the volcano erupts, you and your family may not all be in the same place, or you may become separated during evacuation, so establish a safe place where you all will meet.

Emergency Supply Kit

• Keep a volcano emergency supply kit on hand. In your kit include: a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio which broadcasts continual weather information, advisories and instructions; flashlights and fresh batteries; a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food and water; food for any pets; emergency cooking equipment such as a camp stove; important medications such as insulin and other prescription drugs; a first-aid kit; dust masks to prevent your family from breathing in ash; and goggles to protect your family's eyes from ash.

Vehicle Safety

• Falling ash creates a driving hazard, so don't travel unless you absolutely have to. If you do drive, travel slowly with your headlights on. Before leaving, make sure your have windshield washer fluid, but only use your wipers when you have to. The volcanic ash or dust may scratch the windshield when you use the wipers. You will need to change oil, oil filters and air filters after driving your car. Be aware that driving in ash can serious damage your engine. Even if you don't drive your car, the ash can still damage it. As soon as you can safely venture outside, clean the ash off of your car using a garden hose. Since volcanic ash is abrasive, it can scratch your car if you try scrubbing, brushing or even wiping the ash off.

House Safety

• Close all the windows, doors and dampers in your house so they ash can't get indoors. Volcanic ash and dust accumulation can cause roofs to collapse and damage gutters. When it is safe to go outside, use a broom to sweep the ash off of the roof. Don't use any electronic device such as a vacuum while ash remains airborne. The ash can cause electronics to short-circuit. When there is no longer ash in the air, vacuum up any ash that got inside the house so it doesn't cause respiratory problems. Don't wipe it up, as ash can scratch porcelain, enamel, glass, painted surfaces and appliances. Change your vacuum filter often.