BUILDING RISK KNOWLEDGE

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DISASTERS ARE NOT NATURAL, they are socially built, due to lack of preparation, prevention, mitigation work, education and monitoring. They are natural risks or hazards that impact vulnerable societies. Knowledge help reducing social and structural vulnerability in order to have more resilient societies!

During volcanic unrest be prepared.

Pay attention to emergency plans, follow instructions for closures and evacuations – it could save your life. Authorities will be updating danger zones and releasing new information as the eruption develops. Keep up to date with the progress of the eruption through notifications from the observatories and its spokesperson. Do your part to stay safe and help those in need.

If you are ON a volcano during an eruption:

Move away from danger zones as quickly as possible.
You may be exposed to falling ash and volcanic rocks, lava flows, lahars, volcanic gases and rapid torrents of hot rocks and gases (pyroclastic flows).
Your route to safety may be cut off. If you are on a snow and ice covered volcano, STAY OUT OF THE LOW VALLEY AND OUT OF HIGH SLOPE AREAS – lahars may occur.
Pay attention to closure signs; they can save your life.

If you are NEAR or DOWNWIND of a volcano during an eruption:

You may be at risk from LAVA FLOWS.

Stay away from fresh lava flows – burning vegetation releases methane, which can accumulate in covered areas and be released as an explosion.

You may be at risk from LAHARS (volcanic mudflows).

Stay out of valleys and low-lying areas.
Listen carefully to official reports from the emergency services by radio.
If the authorities warn of an approaching lahar, try to get to higher ground as soon as possible, for example by climbing a hill. Then seek shelter.

You may be at risk from VOLCANIC ASHFALL.

Seek shelter and minimise your exposure to ash.
DO NOT DRIVE unless necessary; ash can damage the engine, filters and exterior of your vehicle, and driving on ash-covered roads with reduced visibility can be dangerous. Reduce driving speed.
Prevent outside air from getting inside. Close and seal (e.g. with duct tape) doors, windows, vents and other non-essential openings. Place damp towels at the bottom of exterior doors. Minimise the use of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that draw in outside air.
Listen to the latest reports: ash fall can be a major hazard or just a nuisance, depending on the size, style and duration of the eruption.