How to protect yourself when a volcano erupts? (Volcanic Eruption Safety) Let's be aware!

While a volcano eruption may seem like something out of a movie, for those living near one, it can be a very serious and frightening experience. Even if a volcano is considered "dormant," meaning it is not currently active, it is important to know how to protect yourself in an emergency if you live within 30 kilometers of it. This is because when the pressure inside a volcano increases, lava, rock, ash, and toxic gases can erupt at great speed. This can be a major threat to our lives.

How do we prepare before a volcano erupts?

A volcanic eruption is a really scary thing. But don't panic. If we are aware of these things in advance and make a little preparation, you and your family can stay safe.

First, listen to the advice of officials. This is the most important thing. The authorities in your area will give you advice on how to prepare for a volcanic eruption, how to evacuate if you need to, and how to stay safe at home. Follow that advice exactly.

Make a plan to evacuate or stay home. Sometimes you may have to evacuate completely. Or you may have to stay home and take safety precautions. Whatever the case, talk to your family in advance and make a clear plan. It helps to know what to do in an emergency without panicking.

Make an Emergency Supply Kit

Just like a plan, gather together a few things you might need in an emergency and keep them in one place. We call this an emergency supply kit. Let's take a look at what you should have in it.

Protect your lungs!

Volcanic ash and the resulting haze, known as vog (volcanic smog) , are very harmful to our respiratory system. Therefore, use a good N95 mask if possible. If these are not available, a regular dust mask (nuisance dust mask) will provide temporary protection.

What do you do if you have to leave home or stay at home?

If you are told to evacuate, do these things:

• Fill the vehicle with fuel.
• Put the emergency kit in the vehicle.
• If possible, keep the vehicle covered.
• Be aware of emergency sirens. Listen to the radio or TV for the latest information.
• Keep enough medication for at least a week.
• Fill clean water containers.
• Be prepared to take your pets with you. But remember, some emergency shelters do not allow pets.
• To keep food fresh for a while in the event of a power outage, set the refrigerator temperature to the coldest setting.
• Before leaving, if you have time, turn off the gas, water, and electricity.

When leaving, there may be heavy traffic on the roads. Only use the evacuation routes indicated by authorities. Other roads may be blocked.

If you are told to stay home (Shelter in Place), do these things:

• Always stay informed on the radio and TV.
• Turn off all ACs and fans in the house.
• Close and lock windows and doors tightly.
• If there is a fireplace, close the damper.
• Stay in a room that has no windows and is located inside the house.
• Bring your pets into your room and give them food and water.

How to protect yourself when a volcano erupts?

Volcanoes erupt in different ways. Some cause huge explosions, while others flow like rivers of lava. Scientists are constantly monitoring these. But sometimes we don't even have time to prepare. In times like these, these things happen.

If you are outside:

• Get into a safe building as quickly as possible.
• If you get caught in a rockfall, curl up into a ball and protect your head.
• If you are near a river or stream, be aware of rising water levels and mudflows. Move to higher ground quickly.
• Stay away from places with toxic gases that irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. If these symptoms worsen, be sure to see your doctor.
• Get treatment for burns as soon as possible. It can save a life. In such cases, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.

If you are indoors:

• Bring pets and farm animals indoors or under cover.
• Turn off all AC, fans, and heaters.
• Close all doors, windows, and fireplace vents.

What should we do after the explosion?

Even after the explosion is over, don't stop thinking about safety.

• Continue to listen to the advice of the authorities.
• Get information about air quality, drinking water, and road conditions.
• Wear a mask and goggles when going out.
• Remove the ash that has accumulated on the roof. Otherwise, the roof may collapse. But be very careful, because the ash can be slippery.
• If your drinking water contains ash, use bottled water.

How does volcanic ash affect our health?

In addition to lava and rocks, the gases and ash emitted from a volcano are very harmful to our health.

Ash particles can enter the lungs. Even in healthy people, this can cause chest discomfort, wheezing , sore throat, and dry cough. This condition can be very severe for people with conditions like asthma or bronchitis . They may experience persistent shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.

Small particles in volcanic ash can also damage the eyes and skin. You may experience eye irritation, burning, redness, and a feeling of something stuck in your eye. Sometimes, especially if the ash is acidic, the skin may become itchy and red.

Volcanic smog (Vog) is also harmful to health. The sulfur dioxide gas in it damages our skin, eyes, throat, and lungs. If you are exposed to Vog, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Tears flowing from the eyes
• Sore throat
• Body fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms

If any of these symptoms persist, see your doctor without delay and seek advice.

Volcanoes, safety, volcanic ash, emergency, safety advice, health effects, vog