VOLCANIC ERUPTION

There are currently 169 active volcanoes in the United States.  Since 1980, there have been 120 eruptions and 52 cases of notable volcanic unrest have occurred in 44 U.S. volcanoes.  The USGS has made incredible progress in the ability to predict an eminent volcanic eruption among those volcanoes that are monitored, but of the 55 volcanoes that pose the biggest threat to the United States, approximately half are significantly under monitored.

The hazards associated with a volcanic eruption include large blasts that can destroy forests, buildings and everything else in their path for miles, lava flow, earthquakes, flash flood and debris flow, avalanches, noxious gases and volcanic ash.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Be aware of the current status of nearby volcanoes.  If there is a monitored volcano in your area that is experiencing increased activity, listen to news casts regularly to stay informed.
2. If there is an increased possibility of an eruption, immediately place your evacuation supplies in your vehicle(s) and be sure that your emergency first aid and automotive supplies are also in your vehicle(s).
3. Be sure to review your evacuation route.  Determine if it will take you in the right direction. Pick a different rout if necessary. If your children are in school, make sure that you know their emergency plan and their evacuation location so that you know where to meet them in the event of an evacuation. 
4. Call other family members to determine if they are safe.  Make sure they know the meeting place if you are forced to evacuate.
5. If you have time and have not been ordered to evacuate, pack extra clothing, sleeping bags or blankets for everyone.  But your bugout bag(s) in your vehicles.  Be sure that your emergency automotive supplies are there as well.  If your home is damaged, you may be away for a long time.
6. Place documents and other important items in your vehicle.  Don’t forget your insurance documents.
7. Fill bathtubs and other water containers in case you are not evacuated but your water supply becomes contaminated.
8. Turn off all gas, propane, heating oil valves, electricity and water.

If you evacuate:

1.       If there is an evacuation order, do not hesitate, evacuate immediately. Volcano evacuation orders do not guarantee any particular amount of “safe” time.  The volcano could erupt at any moment.   Don’t take time to save personal possessions.  Notify friends and family of your intentions. 

2.      Lock your doors as you leave.  Don’t forget your cell phone(s).

3.       Follow instructions of your local emergency services personnel.

4.       Keep listening to your car radio for updates and changes in the evacuation routs.

5.       Do not attempt to drive through lava flow, flood waters or mudflow.

6.       Mudflows are a major concern during a volcanic eruption.  Be aware near stream beds and low-lying areas, avoiding them if possible.  Do not cross a bridge during a mudflow or if a mudflow is approaching.

7.      Stay away from the area until you have been notified that it is safe to return.

Volcanic Ash

If you are within an area that is downwind of a volcanic eruption, you may be exposed to falling volcanic ash.  Depending on the severity of the eruption and the weather patterns, volcanic ash can travel for hundreds of miles.  There is also a threat of acid rain in these areas.

1. If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
2. Try to stay indoors until ash has settled and avoid going out in the rain.  Close all doors and windows.  Close or block all ventilation to the outdoors until the ash has settled.  Turn off air conditioners and/or heat exchanger units.  These units bring outside air into your home and can become clogged or bring ash into the building.
3. If you are exposed to volcanic ash, avoid prolonged contact with your skin.  Wear long sleeve shirts and a hat to protect yourself.
4. Wear goggles to protect your eyes.  Wear eyeglasses rather than contact lenses.
5. Use your N95 mask.  Volcanic ash becomes very heavy and damaging if inhaled.  If you don’t have a mask, hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
6. Be aware of the amount of ash that accumulates on roofs.  Ash becomes extremely heavy if it becomes wet and could cause the roof to collapse.  If you cannot remove it, consider evacuating the building.
7. Avoid driving or running any engines when volcanic ash is present.  The ash is extremely damaging to engines and can cause them to fail in very short order.  If you must drive or run an engine, place a nylon stocking over the air intake to block as much of the ash as possible.  It will be necessary to stop and clear or replace the stocking periodically.  You should also have a replacement air filter in your supplies.  NEVER attempt to drive through lava flow, mudflow or floodwaters.