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Volcano Eruption: What To Do First

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 8:57

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(Before It's News)

The sight of a volcano erupting is pretty darn terrifying, and it’s easy to completely and totally panic. Rather than screaming and flailing about, know what to do should lava start to flow! This is especially essential if you live in an area with an active volcano. There’s many things you can do to protect yourself and your family…check a few tips out:

Leave. Duh.

If lava is flowing towards you, vacate the area as soon as possible. Drive rather than walk, and keep all vehicle doors and windows closed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend driving “across the path of danger” and staying aware of unusual hazards on the road. Hazards that walk hand in hand with volcanos include mudslides, ashfall and acid rain, earthquakes, rockfalls and landsides, and tsunamis.

Close Everything

Indoors when a volcano erupts? Shut all doors and windows immediately, as well as any fireplaces and woodstove dampers. Bring pets and livestock into the home and closed shelters, respectively, and turn off all fans, air conditioning and heating systems.

Be Aware

Stuck outdoors while a volcano spits lava? Find shelter indoors if possible, and otherwise remain aware of your surroundings. Watch for tumbling rocks, mudflows in low-lying areas, and rising rivers and streams. If caught in a rockfall, roll yourself into a “ball” and cover your head. Move uphill quickly, and get help for burns immediately. Whatever else, distance yourself from the flow, which will ease any nose, eyes and throat irritation from volcano gases and fumes.

Stay in Communication With Friends and Family

If you haven’t developed an emergency plan already, get in contact with friends and family to determine what’s best. The main issue is separation due to work or school, so formulate a plan that includes a designated safe location.

Additional Tips

Wear long sleeves and goggles to protect the eyes and skin from ashfall. Hold a dust mask or damp cloth over your face to help you breathe, and stay out of restricted areas–after all, the effects of a volcano eruption can stretch for miles! It’s also a good idea to create an emergency kit, which you can keep in your home or vehicle.

Use these tips to protect yourself from molten lava and other unpleasantness.