Prepare for an Eruption
Volcanoes |
Get a Volcano Kit |
Make a Plan |
Prepare |
During the Eruption |
After the Eruption
Volcanic eruptions can affect the lives of those who live as little as 100 miles away. Therefore, if you live on or near a volcanic site, it's important to know how to prepare yourself in the possibility of an oncoming eruption.
- Discover if your community has an emergency evacuation plan put in place. You can find out by contacting local law enforcement.
- Make sure you know your community's warning system. Some communities use sirens while others rely on news broadcasting for community awareness.
- Make sure you are prepared for any volcanic related disasters and events such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, mudflows, thunderstorms, and tsunamis.
- Plan your own evacuation route that will allow you to make your way to the highest ground. Also prepare a backup plan that differs from the original.
- Make sure you share your plan with all family members and discuss how you will get into contact if you're separated.
- Make sure to stock up on necessary supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, water, and canned foods.
- Purchase breathing masks and goggles for each family member.
- Upon the first sign of a volcanic eruption, leave! If you have time, go around and close all windows and doors to prevent the debris and fumes emitted from the eruption from entering your home.
- If you're not using your car for transportation during evacuation, put your car in the garage.
Volcano Check List:
- Bottled Water or Five Gallon Jugs You Can Fill With Water
- Canned Goods
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Battery Radios
- Dust Masks
- Safety Goggles
- Spare Air Filter for Your Vehicle
- Sheets to Cover Electronic Equipment
- Air Filtration Unit for the Home
Pre-Disaster Preparation - Prepare Your Home
Make sure you set a timeline to complete this task! By giving yourself a deadline, you will be able to complete it in a timely manner.
Conduct a ONE HOUR INVENTORY
Inside your house:
- Go through your house/office and video tape/take pictures of your valuables
- Remember to include pictures of smaller valuables like jewelry, china, silver, etc.
- Also take pictures that include these items in the background for further proof of ownership
- Valuations
- Document serial numbers, model numbers on big ticket items for insurance purposes
- Make note of "risk reduction - elimination" (things you don't replace)
- Photograph any important paperwork - car titles - house deeds - passports - birth certificates
- Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have the proper coverage - NOTE: most homeowner's policies do not include coverage for flood damage.
- Copy of social security card, drivers license, passport
- Copies of the last 3 years of your tax returns
- SAVE the photos and list on your computer
- SAVE the photos & lists on a flash drive and keep in a safe deposit box
- Keep all of your important papers in one location so you can grab and go.
Outside:
- Take pictures of the outside of your home / other existing structures
- Take pictures of your cars and any outdoor equipment (lawn mowers, patio furniture, gas grill, bicycles, etc.)
Get a Kit
- Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.
- Store it in your shelter location