Volcanic eruptions can hurl hot rocks for at least 20 miles. Floods, airborne ash, or noxious fumes can spread 100 miles or more. If you live near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice.
Learn about your community warning systems.
Be prepared for these disasters that can be spawned by volcanoes.
Make evacuation plans.
You want to get to high ground away from the eruption. Plan a route out and have a backup route in mind.
Develop an emergency communication plan.
In case family members are separated from one another during a volcanic eruption (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Have disaster supplies on hand.
Get a pair of goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member of the household.
Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on volcanoes.
Evacuation
Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing so could be very dangerous. The rock debris from a volcano can break windows and set buildings on fire. Stay safe. Follow authorities' instructions and leave the area before the disaster begins.
Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities.
Avoid areas downwind of the volcano.
If caught indoors:
If trapped outdoors:
Protect yourself:
Stay out of the area.
A lateral blast of a volcano can travel many miles from the mountain. Trying to watch an erupting volcano is a deadly idea.
Mudflows are powerful "rivers" of mud that can move faster than people can walk or run. Mudflows occur when rain falls through ash-carrying clouds or when rivers are damed during an eruption. They are most dangerous close to stream channels. When you approach a bridge, first look upstream. If a mudflow is approaching or moving beneath the bridge, do not cross the bridge. The power of the mudflow can destroy a bridge very quickly.
Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information.
Stay away from volcanic ashfall.
When outside:
If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash. Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go outside.
Avoid driving in heavy ashfall.
Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
Clear roofs of ashfall.
Ashfall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.