A volcanic eruption is when gas and/or lava are released from a volcano—sometimes explosively.
Volcanoes provide a number of
environmental benefits, for example: fertile soils, hydrothermal energy, and precious minerals. But they also pose several hazards:
volcanic ash, gases, lahars (mud flows), landslides, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows (fast-moving currents of hot gas). Volcanic
eruptions can be deadly and often cause population displacement and food shortages.
Prevention
During eruption
If a lahar, pyroclastic flow, or lava flow is headed toward you
Leave the area immediately. If you are warned to evacuate because an eruption is imminent, evacuate.
If you can drive rather than walk, use your vehicle to evacuate. When driving keep doors and windows closed, drive across the path
of danger if you can or away from the danger if you can not, and watch for unusual hazards in the road.
If you are indoors
Close all windows, doors, and fireplace or woodstove dampers.
Turn off all fans and heating and air conditioning systems.
Bring pets and livestock into closed shelters.
If you are outdoors
Seek shelter indoors.
If caught in a rockfall, roll into a ball to protect your head.
If near a stream or river, be aware of rising water and possible mudflows in low-lying areas. Move up-slope as quickly as possible.
Seek care for burns right away. Immediate care can be life saving.
If your eyes, nose, and throat become irritated from volcanic gases and fumes, move away from the area immediately. Your
symptoms should go away when you are no longer in contact with the gases or fumes. If the symptoms continue, consult your doctor.
Protecting yourself during ashfall
Photo of respiratory mask.
Stay inside, if possible, with windows and doors closed.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use goggles to protect your eyes.
Before a volcanic eruption (preparedness)
Review your family preparedness plan.
Establish a family communications plan.
Assemble a disaster supply kit.
Have a family evacuation plan in place.
During a volcanic eruption (response)
Listen to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or TV for updated information.
Be prepared to evacuate, and do so immediately if necessary (See Disaster Preparedness Series: Family Evacuation
Plan).
Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream from the volcano.
Close all windows and doors, and bring any pets or livestock into closed shelters.
If you are outdoors:
Seek shelter indoors immediately.
Avoid low-lying areas and streams.
If caught in a rock fall, roll into a ball to protect your head.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and if necessary, along with goggles and a mask.
After a volcanic eruption (recovery)
Continue listening to a NOAA weather radio or TV for the latest information.
Remain inside your home until officials declare it is safe to leave.
Inspect your home:
Check for damage to walls, the roof, the foundation, the electrical system and water lines.
Notify your insurance company if your home is damaged.
When outside, avoid volcanic ash fall. Cover your skin, nose, eyes and mouth.
Clear roofs of ash fall. Ash can be very heavy and cause roofs to collapse.
Avoid making phone calls except in serious emergencies.
https://www.habitat.org/our-work/disaster-response/disaster-preparedness-homeowners/volcanic-eruptions
Mitigation Measures of Volcanic Eruption
Building reinforcement, land zoning and evacuation, and the development of control systems to lessen the effects
of flooding are typical mitigation strategies for volcanic eruptions.
Measures to mitigate volcanic disasters
One of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of a volcanic eruption is having an evacuation plan. This
involves ensuring evacuation strategies are in place along with emergency shelter and food supplies being planned
for.
Based on monitoring data, exclusion zones can be set up to ensure people are evacuated from areas likely to be
affected before an eruption.
Local people can also be educated about actions they can take to reduce the risk of loss of life or injury.
People are taught that if they are unable to be evacuated what they should do to protect themselves, e.g. go indoors
to avoid falling ash and rock.
