Photograph by Vincent J. Musi
A volcanic eruption can be an awesome and destructive event. Here are some tips on how to avoid danger and what to do if you're caught near an eruption.
Safety Tips
• Stay away from active volcanoes.
• If you live near an active volcano, keep goggles and a mask in an emergency kit, along with a flashlight and a working, battery-operated radio.
• Know your evacuation route. Keep gas in your car.
If a Volcano Erupts in Your Area
• Evacuate only as recommended by authorities to stay clear of lava, mud flows, and flying rocks and debris.
• Avoid river areas and low-lying regions.
• Before you leave the house, change into long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use goggles or eyeglasses, not contacts. Wear an emergency mask or hold a damp cloth over your face.
• If you are not evacuating, close windows and doors and block chimneys and other vents, to prevent ash from coming into the house.
• Be aware that ash may put excess weight on your roof and need to be swept away. Wear protection during cleanups.
• Ash can damage engines and metal parts, so avoid driving. If you must drive, stay below 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour.
Related Features
Shop National Geographic
Advertisement
Green Living Hot Topics
-
Organic Air Fresheners
Avoid toxic chemicals and create a calming space.
-
Surprising Recyclable Household Items
With a little know-how, you can recycle more than you think.
-
Side Effects of Vegetarianism
Find out how to stay healthy and eat lower on the food chain.
National Geographic Magazine
-
Pollinators
They are the Earth’s pollinators. And they come in more than 200,000 shapes and sizes.
-
Age of Man
It’s a new name for a new geologic epoch—one defined by our own massive impact on the planet.
The World's Water
-
Visualizing Our Global Water Footprint
You might be surprised to see how the daily choices you make affect critical watersheds around the world.
-
Why Care About Water?
National Geographic's freshwater initiative is a global effort to inspire communities to conserve water and restore rivers.
Special Ad Section
