Volcanoes and Emergency Preparedness

Volcanoes are some of the worlds most amazing and deadly acts of nature. Volcanoes are generated when two of the earth’s tectonic plates collide or contract away from one another. This action causes a thinning in the Earth’s crust which allows molten rock, gas and ashes to be released from below the Earth’s surface. For those people who live near an active volcano, emergency preparedness and staying informed is very important. Volcanoes can be very unpredictable. Some can lay dormant for years, some can generate small lava flows which do not endanger cities or towns, and some can explode in a moment’s notice. With that in mind, a person living near an active volcano must be ready to evacuate the area within a moments notice. Do not underestimate the speed of an active lava flow. It will run just like water, but it will burn everthing in its path. Emergency preparedness for a volcano eruption centers around having an escape plan in place. Do not wait until the last minute to decide how you will leave and where you will go. The less time you have to think about this, the sooner you can get you and your family to safety. Here are some items to have on hand: Road maps, emergency money, emergency flashlight, emergency radio, spare air filters for your vehicle (due to excess ash which will be thrown into the atmosphere), a gas/dust mask, and emergency food. Taking these steps early is the best way to prepared. Waiting until the day of the eruption to begin, is too little too late.