Emergency Preparation Tips Before, During and After Eruption of a Volcano
By Keith C. Little
Here are some emergency safety guidelines that could help you prepare for a volcanic eruption.
*· If your home is located within the few kilometers from the volcano, evacuate at once. You can opt to take your belongings with you or just leave them.
*· Earthquakes are normal occurrences when an active volcano is about to erupt so do not panic. Instead, proceed to doing the precautionary measures.
*· Sudden rains especially at the crater of the volcano would lead to an abrupt mudflow. The mud is not ordinary mud. It can contain pre-volcanic eruption debris and could be too hot that is enough to hard-boil an egg. Beware, or you may suffer from burns coming from mudflow.
*· When the volcano finally erupts, it may emit volcanic debris up in the air. Be prepared to see falling rocks and small stones coming from the crater. Thus, take a safe shelter during the eruption.
*· Prepare gas masks because the volcanic eruption may also be accompanied by foul odor coming from the release of sulfur. You may suffocate or may not be able to take normal breathing during a volcanic eruption.
*· Lava is the centerpiece of the eruption. It is also the most destructive material the volcano will produce during an eruption. It is composed of very hot mud that may instantly burn down any material. Avoid contact with the lava.
*· After the eruption, wait for volcanologists' advice on when you can safely get back to your homes.
More than 260,000 people have been killed by volcanic activity since 1700 AD.
Volcanic eruptions examiner
Volcanologists spent two weeks collecting samples from Yasur, a continuously erupting volcano on Tanna, an island in the remote South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, to study its chemical composition and determine how the gasses it produces may be affecting people who live nearby. Ref. Source 4v.