- Before a rash
- What should your basic equipment have?
- During the eruption
- If you get stuck inside your home
- If you find yourself abroad
- After the eruption
Today we bring you a series of tips on what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption. Unfortunately, it is a phenomenon that we cannot avoid, in fact, it is so difficult to predict when it will occur, that we must be prepared, especially if we live near active volcanoes.
Fortunately, there are tools that offer very practical and real-time information on the volcanic activity in each area. In turn, the different security agencies offer a series of tips with which to act appropriately in the event that we are involved in this type of situation.
Volcanic eruption. Image by skeeze from Pixabay
Before a rash
Unlike earthquakes, volcanoes often anticipate their awakening. For example, they shake the ground, bulge their sides, or expel gases from their craters.
In addition, many volcanoes that are close to populations are observed by scientists. Obviously, this allows the experts to understand when they can be reactivated. So if you live near a volcano or plan to visit one, you should keep these tips in mind:
-Know the risk of the area where you live or visit in case of an eruption.
-Know the evacuation routes.
-Understand which areas are safe and where you should stay away.
-Talk about volcanoes with your family so everyone knows what to do in the event of a volcanic eruption. This will reduce fear, especially in younger children.
-Create and practice an evacuation plan for your home that includes your pets, if you have one.
-Request a list of shelters for volcanic eruptions and against ash.
-Sign up for a warning system that sends notifications about volcanic activity.
-Create a briefcase with supplies in case of evacuations or outages. Consider the specific needs of those around you, including your pets.
-Consult your doctor if you have breathing difficulties, as this is a problem with ashes.
-Keep important documents in a safe place. You can also create digital copies and protect them under passwords.
-Find out what your insurance policy will cover in the event of a volcanic eruption.
-Have at your fingertips certified masks and the manufacturer's instructions on how to use them.
-Avoid water currents that are under the eruption such as rivers, lakes and streams.
What should your basic equipment have?
-Nonperishable food. The amount should be enough for your family group for at least three days.
-Water in filtered containers.
-A portable radio or television that works with batteries.
-Lantern.
-First aid kit.
-Hygiene items such as wet towels and toilet paper.
-Lighters, matches or matches.
-Waterproof container.
-Spare batteries.
-Whistle.
-Spare clothes.
-Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
-Photocopies of the identity card and credit cards.
-Cash.
-Supplies for children such as diapers.
-Disposable masks for each member of the family.
During the eruption
-Remain attentive to the Volcano Notification Service, they always provide updated information on eruptions.
-Remember to help your neighbors in case they need special assistance. Helps the elderly, people with disabilities or families with many children and few adults.
-Protect yourself from the ashes. They can irritate your skin and injure your respiratory system, eyes, and other open wounds.
-Debris and ash will be carried away by gusts of wind. So avoid areas with great ventilation.
-In case you have to vacate the area where you are, do it as quickly as possible. Always keep in mind the evacuation orders and instructions from local authorities.
If you get stuck inside your home
-Cover all the ventilation openings in your home. Also, seal the doors and windows.
-Take temporary shelter from volcanic ash, especially if you have a lot of supplies.
If you find yourself abroad
-Avoid driving, especially if there is a strong ash fall.
-If you are outside, wear a certified, well-fitting face mask.
-Avoid contact with the rivers that are under the volcano, its waters will have high temperatures.
-Mud streams move faster than you can walk or run. Therefore, look upstream before crossing a bridge and do not use it if one is approaching.
-Protect your eyes with special glasses or wear glasses, never use contact lenses.
-Cover as much skin as possible.
After the eruption
-Take the time to ensure a true emotional recovery.
-Send text messages or use social media to communicate with family and friends.
-Phone lines tend to get saturated, so only make emergency calls.
-Avoid driving under heavy ash, they clog the engines and stop your vehicle.
-Stay inside your shelter until authorities say it is safe to leave.
-If you have respiratory problems, avoid contact with the ashes.
-Don't get on the roof to clean it, unless you have guidance or training. Avoid adding extra weight to it, because it is already overloaded.
-If you have to remove or clean the ashes, be very careful. They make surfaces slippery.
-Go to the designated public shelter in your area if you have been told to evacuate or if you feel that it is not safe to stay in your home.
-If local authorities cannot provide information immediately, turn to the media for official news and instructions.
-When consulting on the Internet what is happening, resort to official sites to avoid misinformation.
-Boil the water you are going to drink.
-If you were ordered to evacuate your home, return only when the authorities say it is safe.
-Keep animals away from falling ash and areas of potential hot spots. Wash your feet, fur or skin to prevent them from ingesting or inhaling ashes.
-Get information from official sites that explain how to clean up after a volcano.
-Inform yourself on how to avoid a fire risk with elements such as gas, electricity and chemical products.
-If it is safe to clean, wear protective clothing. This includes long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes.
-As soon as it's safe to clean your roof, do it. Ash is very heavy and can cause roofs to collapse, especially if rain gets them wet.