A peaceful Sunday afternoon, sun-bathing in the coastal areas of the Pacific, nothing can go wrong. After all, this feels like paradise. A loud siren wails across the calm skies, deafening the ears of the locals. Meanwhile, you grab your radio and tune in to the news. Evacuation orders have been given, you are to flee immediately, leaving behind your possessions and saving your skin. The reason? A volcanic eruption the likes of which is unheard of, is imminent. When a volcano erupts, get ready for hell. A volcano can spew out magma, pyroclastic rocks, sulfur, methane, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals that can cause asphyxiation and death. Not to mention these invisible gases often contain sharp minuscule glass, rock, and metals that when inhaled, could cut up your lungs, esophagus, and internal organs. Pyroclast explosion and debris can reach as far as 50 miles away from the volcano, and the magma can burn and incinerate, causing wildfires. Besides the obvious direct hazards from a volcano, secondary hazards also exist. Earthquakes are often associated from volcanic activity. Just because you are safe from any volcanic eruptions, the earthquakes following the eruptions are just as damaging. Roads can be destroyed, preventing evacuations, and businesses and homes can be ruined, putting stress on the economy. If living near a coastal area, prepare for the possibility of tsunamis, or giant tidal waves. These are tidal waves caused by the geological shock of earthquakes. Everything in a tsunamis path will be inundated, except for the fish. Hope you know how to swim! Lastly, I will mentioned another secondary hazard, or should I say tertiary. After all the ashfall and sulfuric gases have enveloped the skies, prepare for a climate change. Just like a nuclear winter, the blockage of the Sun’s heat by the toxic gases and ash will generate a cooling effect, with a possible ash winter during the summer. This happens when water caught in the evaporation process are exposed to a drastic temperature drop before it reaches the clouds. Heavy rainfall or snowfall is expected but not guaranteed. Many plants and fauna will die, but Mother Nature has a way of replenishing what is lost.Now that you know the dangers of a volcanic eruption, we need to know how to survive a volcanic eruption.
Step 1. Have a plan
Probably the most important step is to have a plan. When notice of a volcanic eruption is imminent, you must know what to do before everyone else does. When people evacuate at the same time, traffic congestion and panic shopping occur. Having an evacuation route (an alternate in case the first route is blocked or destroyed is preferred) is key to survival. Ensure everyone in your family knows the route in case you get separated. Have a rendezvous point to meet up. Make sure you choose a safe place as far away from the volcano and the seas as possible. Try to ensure your rendezvous point is in an elevated area. Avoid low-lying places because that is where lava accumulates. If possible, travel in the direction upwind, or away from the direction the wind is blowing. This will prevent any unnecessary inhalation of toxic fumes since you are travelling away from the wind. Wear your PPE, personal protective equipment. It is advisable to wear a dust mask, eye goggles, and long clothing to protect the skin. Gloves are an addition and if you want to go all out, overalls so you can don them off quickly if covered in ash. Always carry a first aid kit and your survival packs. You never know when you will have to camp out when there are no shelters available. Practice your plan semi annually.
Step 2. If Caught Driving Your Vehicle in the Ashfall…Stop driving!
This is urgent and you may as well shut off your engine. If you are late to evacuating because you thought that you could make it but didn’t, stop your vehicle and shut off the engine. If you have tape in your vehicle, seal off all air vents and anywhere gases could enter. By shutting off your car’s engine, you prevent any sharp debris from being sucked into the air filter and your engine. Wait it out until the ashfall stops or slows down, then take off.
Step 3. Stay Away from Lava or Hardened Rock
You never know how stable that hardened rock is. Are you willing to step on it and find out? At least you will have dinner ready; roasted feet. Remember the key to survive is to stay away.
Step 4. Monitor the Situation
You should always have access to a radio to listen in on the updates. Just because the eruption stops doesn’t mean it’s safe to go back. Get ready for wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis, climate change, toxic fumes, follow up eruptions, economic stress, and possible rioting, due to shortage of food, medical supplies, and substantial loss.
Step 5. Rebuild and Prepare for the Next Occurence
This part is self-explanatory and does not need a full description. Ensure you tap all resources; federal, state, local, and private partners to see what kind of assistance you can get. The important take away here is that it takes a well-operating cohesive community to rebuild. Finally, ensure you subscribe to my blogs, newsletters, and other services so you can be prepared to survive the next disaster!