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How to prepare for
Volcanic eruptions
Volcano
A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a reservoir of
molten rock below the surface of the earth. Unlike most
mountains, which are pushed up from below, volcanoes are built
up by an accumulation of their own eruptive products. When
pressure from gases within the molten rock becomes too great, an
eruption occurs. Eruptions can be quiet or explosive. There may
be lava flows, flattened landscapes, poisonous gases, and flying
rock and ash.
Because of their intense heat, lava flows are great fire
hazards. Lava flows destroy everything in their path, but most
move slowly enough that people can move out of the way.
Fresh volcanic ash, made of pulverized rock, can be abrasive,
acidic, gritty, gassy, and odorous. While not immediately
dangerous to most adults, the acidic gas and ash can cause lung
damage to small infants, to older adults, and to those suffering
from severe respiratory illnesses. Volcanic ash also can damage
machinery, including engines and electrical equipment. Ash
accumulations mixed with water become heavy and can collapse
roofs. Volcanic ash can affect people hundreds of miles away
from the cone of a volcano.
Sideways directed volcanic explosions, known as "lateral
blasts," can shoot large pieces of rock at very high speeds for
several miles. These explosions can kill by impact, burial, or
heat. They have been known to knock down entire forests.
Volcanic eruptions can be accompanied by other natural hazards,
including earthquakes, mudflows and flash floods, rock falls and
landslides, acid rain, fire, and (under special conditions)
tsunamis.
What to do Before a Volcanic Eruption
- Add a pair of goggles and disposable breathing mask for each
member of the family to your disaster supply kit.
- Stay away from active volcano sites.
- If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to
evacuate at a moment's notice.
What to Do During a Volcanic Eruption
If a Volcano Erupts Where You Live
- Follow the evacuation order issued by
authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid
flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow.
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Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow
increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains.
Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream
before crossing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow
is approaching.
- Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
- Remember to help your neighbors who may require special
assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with
disabilities.
Protection from Falling Ash
- Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the
latest emergency information.
- If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with
any amount of ash.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact
lenses.
- Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your
face to help with breathing.
- Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano
to avoid volcanic ash.
- Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless
there is a danger of the roof collapsing.
- Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in
the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and
other vents.
- Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain
gutters.
- Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can
stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and
stall vehicles.
- Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless
absolutely required. If you have to drive, keep speed down to 35 MPH
or slower.
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