How to Stay Safe During a

Volcanic Eruption

Organization: American Red Cross

By: Kelly Heebner

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 Table of Contents

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3
The Dangers of Volcanos…………………………………………………………………………………….3
How to Prepare…………………………………………………………………………………………..………4
Reacting to an Eruption……………………………………………………………………………………….4
During……………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
After………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Image References………………………………………………………………………………………….6

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Abstract
It may seem unlikely to be killed by an erupting volcano, but it is not impossible. Scientist have
estimated that approximately 540 people a year die as a result of volcanic eruptions, but your
chances of death increase with your proximity to a volcano (How Many People). While this
might not seem like a lot of people, it can be reduced even more with proper safety practices.
People can make themselves aware of the dangers of volcanoes, prepare themselves for a
potential eruption, and learn what to do before, during, and after an eruption to stay safe.

The Problem
The Dangers of Volcanos
There are a wide variety of dangers involved in an eruption, both during and after the actual
event. During an eruption a volcano spew out hot gases, rocks, ash, and lava. This violent
explosion can result in the deaths of people in close proximity to the eruption. However, being
directly hit by an eruption is far from being the only threat. The volcanic ash and toxic gases
play a large role in causing illness and injuries during and after an eruption (Key Facts About
Volcanic Eruptions). Ash is very abrasive and
as a result can cause scratches on the eyes,
nose, throat, and lungs. This is especially
unhealthy for the elderly or people with pre-
existing lung problems (Volcanic Ash
Impacts). Prolonged exposure to the ash can
also increase the negative impacts. It can
also cause roads to be slippery and causes
hazy conditions, which in turn has been
known to cause car accidents.
Figure 1 Eruption of Soufriere Hills, Montserrat, November 2009
While most gases from an eruption blow away afterwards, some can affect those in close
proximity and can collect in low-lying areas. Volcanic gases are mainly made up of water vapor,
carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen fluoride.
Hydrogen sulfide is known to cause breathing problems in people with respiratory problems
and in healthy people. Exposure to all of these gases can cause health problems ranging from
eye irritation to headaches and even suffocation (Volcanic Gases).

Solution
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How To Prepare
Being properly prepared for a volcanic eruption can greatly increase one’s chance of survival.
The first and easiest thing to do is to discuss volcanos with your family and friends and make
sure everyone knows what to do in the case of an eruption. The next step is to make sure that
you have access to NOAA radio station whether it is online, an app, or a wireless radio (Volcano
Preparedness). The NOAA monitors volcanic activities and volcanic ash through their Volcanic
Ash Advisory Centers and updates the public (VACC). Along with a NOAA radio, there are other
supplies one should have on hand in the case of a weather emergency. Some of these things a
family should have are a pair of goggles and a mask for each member of the family. These help
to protect the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs of each individual. You should take these items and
make an emergency kit with them. Other items that
you should additionally have in an emergency kit are
cooking tools, flashlights, water, non-perishable
foods, essential medications, and a first aid kit
(Volcanic Preparedness). Something that is also easy
to forget until in the actual moment is how to take
care of your pets’ safety. A good rule of thumb is that
Figure 1 Disaster Supply Kit
if you would be safe in a situation, then neither
would your pet and they should be taken with you. The best way to do this is to prepare a pet
emergency kit and have a discussion with your family about how you would evacuate or shelter
your pets during an eruption. A pet emergency kit should include anything that your pet needs
to survive and be healthy, such as food, water, a bed, toys, and more. Although it is not in the
interest of physical safety, it is also important to discuss with your insurance company what will
and will not be covered by your homeowner’s policy in the event of a volcanic eruption. Along
with this you should prepare a list of items that should be brought into your house in the case
of an eruption to protect and from any ash.

Implementing the Solution

Reacting to an Eruption
There are obviously dangers during an eruption, but there are also dangers that follow even
after an eruption is over. The proper reaction at both of these times is imperative for health and
safety. It is also important that one has their prior mentioned emergency kit prepared and
ready to use.

During

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During an eruption it is important to listen to your NOAA radio to stay informed on warnings
and advisories. Along with your radio, have your emergency kit on hand. Be prepared to follow
any emergency instructions and evacuation orders. Follow any evacuation orders that are given
by authorities and immediately vacate the area that could include flying debris, hot gases,
lateral blast, and lava flow. Other dangers to be on the lookout for while evacuating are
mudflows. To avoid these, make sure to look upstream before crossing any bridges or stream
channels. Along with this, generally try to avoid any streams or any low-lying terrain. Another
danger to be on the lookout for is volcanic ash. Make sure to wear your goggles and dust mask
and avoid places that are down wind of the erupting volcano. If an evacuation is not ordered by
authorities, stay inside and close any ventilation to the house, which may include windows,
chimneys, air conditioners, and other vents. Also, bring any pets inside or move livestock under
shelter to avoid their exposure to ash. If an evacuation is ordered, make sure to check on any
neighbors that may be less capable, like the elderly, sick, or children (Volcanic Preparedness).
After
Once an eruption has ended, only return to your home, or exit your home if it is recommended
by the authorities. You should continue to listen to your radio for any updates on the situation.
Even if the eruption is over there are other factors that could affect your health and safety,
especially volcanic gas, and ash. The first thing to do after your surrounding are deemed safe is
to contact friends and family to let them know that you are safe. Next you should check for
anyone nearby in destress or in need of medical attention. Avoid driving, since there will most
likely be hazy conditions due to ash which can also cause slick roads. Before reentering your
home, make sure that it is structurally sound, as ash can accumulate on the roof and potential
cause a collapse. Continue to monitor your surroundings and listen to your radio to stay as safe
as possible (Volcanic Preparedness).

Conclusion
While injury or death is unlikely as a result of a volcanic eruption, if you live in the vicinity of a
volcano or are in the area, it is important to be prepared in the case of an eruption to reduce
your risk. By staying vigilant, preparing beforehand, and listening to authorities, you can put
yourself and your family and friends at much greater risk. Being prepared includes both physical
preparations and being well informed on how to respond in a situation.

References

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“How Many People Die from Volcanoes.” Lisbdnet.com, 2 Dec. 2021, https://lisbdnet.com/how-
many-people-die-from-volcanoes/#:~:text=Earth's%20tectonic%20plates.-,How%20many
%20deaths%20are%20caused%20by%20volcanoes%20a%20year%3F,of%20dying%20if
%20it%20erupts.

“Key Facts about Volcanic Eruptions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Jan. 2022,
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/volcanoes/facts.html#:~:text=Volcanoes%20spew%20hot
%2C%20dangerous%20gases,drinking%20water%20contamination%2C%20and
%20wildfires.

“Volcanic Ash Impacts & Mitigation .” Volcanic Ash Impacts, USGS,

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/respiratory_effects.html.

“Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers.” NOAA, NOAA, 26 Apr. 2006,

https://www.ssd.noaa.gov/VAAC/vaac.html.

“Volcanic Gases Can Be Harmful to Health, Vegetation and Infrastructure.” USGS, USGS,
https://www.usgs.gov/programs/VHP/volcanic-gases-can-be-harmful-health-vegetation-
and-infrastructure.

Image References
“Disaster Supply Kit” Weather Underground, https://www.wunderground.com/prepare/disaster-
supply-kit

“Erupting Volcano.” Forbes, Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericmack/2019/12/01/a-

volcanic-eruption-triggered-a-tsunami-taller-than-the-statue-of-liberty/?sh=13880fde7c6c.
Accessed 13 Mar. 2022.

“Eruption of Soufriere Hills, Montserrat, November 2009.” Volcanic Ashfall Impacts,

https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/respiratory_effects.html. Accessed 14 Mar. 2022.

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