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What
can I do at work?
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.
BEFORE
Learn about your community warning systems. Be prepared
for these disasters that can be spawned by volcanoes.
- Earthquakes
- Flash floods
- Landslides
and mudflows
- Thunderstorms
- Tsunamis
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.
- Flashlight
and extra batteries
- Portable,
battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid
kit and manual
- Emergency
food and water
- Nonelectric
can opener
- Essential
medicines
- Cash and
credit cards
- Sturdy
shoes
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.
DURING
Follow
the evacuation order issued by authorities.
Avoid
areas downwind of the volcano.
If
caught indoors:
- Close all
windows, doors, and dampers.
- Put all
machinery inside a garage or barn.
- Bring animals
and livestock into closed shelters.
If trapped
outdoors:
- Seek shelter
indoors.
- If caught
in a rockfall, roll into a ball to protect head.
- Avoid low-lying
area where poisonous gases can collect and flash floods
can be most dangerous.
- If caught
near a stream, beware of mudflows.
Protect yourself:
- Wear long
sleeved shirts and pants.
- Use goggles
to protect eyes.
- Use a dust-mask
or hold a damp cloth over face to help breathing.
- Keep car
or truck engines off.
Stay out of
the area.
Mudflows
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.
AFTER
Listen to
a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency
information.
Stay away from
volcanic ashfall.
When outside:
- Cover your
mouth and nose. A number of victims of the Mount St.
Helens volcano died from inhaling ash.
- Wear goggles
to protect your eyes.
- Keep skin
covered to avoid irritation or burns.
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.
For
more information you can visit the following websites:
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