How to Survive a Volcanic Eruption

Disaster movies depict scenes of death, destruction and acts of superhuman survival when dealing with the topic of volcanoes. It is possible to survive a volcanic eruption, and it doesn't even take superhuman skills. All it takes it is a little planning and a lot of common sense. Read on to learn how to survive a volcanic eruption.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Find out if you live in an area with active volcanoes that could pose a threat to you or your family.
2. Know the evacuation routes for your area. In times of stress it is possible you will forget this information, so it may be wise to keep a copy of a map with the evacuation routes clearly marked on it in the glove box of each car your family owns. You should also keep one in the house.
3. Evacuate immediately if you are instructed to do so. While some volcanoes give warning hours and even days beforehand that they are about to erupt, some eruptions occur with little warning. Keep your car stocked with emergency essentials such as water, food, a change of clothes and first aid supplies.
4. Do not re-enter the evacuation zone until you have been instructed it is safe to do so by the proper authorities. Even though the volcano may have stopped spewing ash and lava, many risks likely remain.
5. Shelter in place if doing so will provide you more protection than leaving your current location. Wherever you are sheltering, try to fill as many sinks, tubs and containers as possible with water.
6. Do not leave the safety of your shelter--be it your home, an office building or the local emergency shelter--during an eruption. Keep all family members and pets indoors during a volcanic eruption unless going outside is absolutely unavoidable.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a good idea to learn about the various ways in which a volcanic eruption could unfold in your area before a disaster occurs. Learn about lava and pyroclastic flows, colcanic domes, lahars, floods, the gasses emitted by volcanos and related phenomenon. If you know what to expect, you will be in a better position to survive a volcanic eruption.
• You may need to go outside during a volcanic eruption to clear ash build-up from your roof. Just like with snow, if the ash builds up too much, it could cause your roof to collapse. Be sure to wear a mask and goggles if you go outside to clear ash or for any other reason.