PRECAUTIONARY SAFETY

MEASURES FOR VOLCANIC

ERUPTIONS
1. From previous lesson, we learned about the
dangers from erupting volcanoes. Below are some
photos showing impacts of volcanic eruptions.
2. How can we protect ourselves?

3. How can we avoid or minimize the negative impacts of volcanic

eruptions?
ACTIVITY:
Role Playing: Demonstrate What to do before, during and after. Divide the
class into 3 groups.

I. Group 1 what to do BEFORE a volcano eruption

II. Group 2, what to do DURING a volcano eruption
III. Group 3. What to do AFTER a volcano eruption

Each group is given 5 minutes to present their chosen situation on how to best
represent as many “what to dos”
Active volcanoes are being monitored for
possible unrest so that major eruptions can be
forecast and predicted. An eruption can affect
the surrounding environment, destroy structures
and cause deaths and injuries to man.
Although volcanoes are dangerous when in eruptive
stage, there are still also many benefits that man
derive from a volcano when it is quiet. As volcanoes
do not erupt frequently, during its long periods of
quiescence, the rich fertile soil derived from the
volcanoes provide land for agriculture and livestock ,
such that economic activities and communities have
flourished in the shadow of volcanoes. There are
many ways by which man can prepare and protect
himself from volcanic eruptions.
VOLCANIC ERUPTION PREPAREDNESS
BEFORE
1. For longer-term development planning, consult available volcano
hazard maps that indicate areas declared as permanent danger
zones (PDZs) and areas likely to be affected by different volcanic
hazards so that these areas are avoided when choosing sites for
developing new residential areas, commercial/ business areas, siting
for critical facilities etc.
2. Be aware of the kinds of volcanic hazards present in your area.
Determine the distance of your residence, workplace and livelihood
(farms, etc) from the volcano. Know if you are within what kilometer
radius from the volcano summit your location is.
3. Be aware of the meanings of Alert Levels, and recommended
actions. Make sure your family emergency plan has taken this into
consideration.
4. Be aware of community efforts such as identified
evacuation areas as well as designated pick up points .
Make sure that the whole family knows about this. If you do
not plan to stay in evacuation area, and has other
alternatives (another house, relatives in another town), make
sure that the whole family is aware of this.
5. Stock enough non-perishable off and potable water.
Cooking fuel, emergency light,/ flashlight, whistle, battery
operated radio, medicines, first-aid kit, dust mask, should be
made part of your emergency kit.
6. Consider provisions for pet animals, etc.
7. Always listen to the radio’s latest PHIVOLCS Alerts and
information. Heed the advise of community leaders or LGUs
about evacuation procedures.
DURING
1. Stay inside the house or evacuation area. Do not go
sightseeing.
2. Listen to the radio for advice and information.
3. If you are outside and very near the volcano, leave the
area immediately. If caught in ashfall or tephra fall, seek
shelter immediately. Sometimes, pieces of rocks may be
hot, seek care for burns right away.
4. Do not drive. If you must drive, keep the ca windows up
and do not operate the air conditioning system as this will
bring in ash from outside. Drive slowly as ashfall will reduce
visibility. Ash on road surface can cause the roads to
become slippery.
5. Check that your pet or livestock have enough food.
6. Do not try to clean or shovel the ashfall during eruptions.
7. Protect yourself from ashfall.
I. Close windows and doors to stop the ash from
entering the house.
II. Turn off all electric fans and air-conditioning units.
III. Wear dust-mask or cover your face with clean wet
towel or cloth to prevent ash from irritating the eyes and
entering the respiratory track.
IV. Better to use bottled water. If you must use tap
water, always boil water first before using.
AFTER
1. Listen to the latest update about Alert Levels, other
information from the radio.
2. Cook food thoroughly.
3. If the family has evacuated during the eruption, only the
adult members of the family should be allowed to go
home to inspect the house condition. Only when local
authorities- the LGUs have declared that it is safe to go
home that the family should return.
5. How to clean up an ashfall
I. As soon as the ashfall has stopped, remove the ash immediately.
II. Wear dust mask before you start cleaning.
III. The recommended method to clean the ash is to lightly damp the ash so
that it does not billow when swept.
IV. Clean house roofs first, to prevent damage to gutters and down-pipes.
V. Do not dump ash in sewage systems.
VI. Inside the house, use damp cloth to remove ash. Avoid vigorous rubbing as
ash particles are very abrasive.
VII. To remove ash from your car, wash with plenty of water.
EVALUATION:
Quiz - True or False?

1. Be aware of community efforts such as identified evacuation areas as well

as designated pick-up points.
2. At the peak or height of eruption, one can go out and do sightseeing as
eruptions are a sight to see.
3. Heavy ashfall can severely reduce visibility, that is why people are advised
not to drive.
4. During and after heavy ashfall, if you must use tap water, always boil water
first before using.
5. To remove ash inside the house, use damp cloth and vigorously rub off the
surface covered with ash.