Volcanic activity can create a large explosion called a Plinian explosion (a massive explosion) which can throw rock, ash, and gas hundreds of meters into the air. At this time, volcanic activity in various parts of the world is monitored regularly to provide early warning if at any time the activity of the volcano increases. If you live in an area where there is an active or inactive volcano, you should know the rescue steps you should take if at any time there is an increase in volcanic activity in your area.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Eruption
Step 1. Know the warning signs in your area
if you live in an area close to a volcano, your area may already have a plan to provide an alert in the event of increased volcanic activity. Usually the sign used is a siren. In addition, news coverage through radio and television will also usually be carried out to provide warnings. But usually each region has its own warning sign. Therefore, be well acquainted with the warning signs in your area.
- When you hear the sound of a siren, immediately look for other information either via radio or television to find out what steps you should take next in accordance with what is recommended by the relevant government/institution.
- If you don't live in the area but are just walking around, you should also be aware of the warning signs in the area so you know what to do if you hear them.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures
If you live in an area where there is a volcano, besides having to know the warning signs, you also have to know the evacuation procedures that you must do if one day the status of the volcano changes to active. In Indonesia itself, areas that have a disaster-prone status will usually be posted with directions to the evacuation routes that have been predetermined by the government or related institutions.
- Memorize these directions well so that if an eruption occurs you will know the best route you can take.
- Since volcanic eruptions usually come suddenly, you should also have some alternative routes to get to the "safe zone."
Step 3. Create an evacuation plan for your family
You must know what to do the next time you hear a warning sound. Have a map with directions to the evacuation zone, and remember the route. You may find it difficult to see during an eruption because volcanic ash will usually block your view, and you will not be able to travel by vehicle because volcanic ash will damage your vehicle. Therefore, you must remember the route to the evacuation zone carefully, just in case you have trouble seeing the surrounding area.
- Make sure all your family members are also aware of the evacuation plan that you have made well.
- You can also make a list of things you must bring, a list of plans to do, and also a list of your family members during the evacuation process.
Step 4. Have stock of essential items
You must have at least a stock of food and water for the next three days. You must have your own water stock because the water reserves that you normally use may have been contaminated by volcanic ash resulting from the volcanic eruption. Make reserves of these items and materials for easy portability. Apart from water and food, here are the other items you should bring:
- First Aid Box
- Blankets and warm clothes
- Battery powered radio and flashlight
- Special medicine
- Map of your area
Step 5. Prepare when you visit the area near the volcano
If you plan to climb a volcano, ask the relevant parties about the status of the volcano in advance. In addition, you also have to study the characteristics of the mountain well to avoid getting injured. If possible, ask a guide to guide you up the mountain to make it safer.
- Some items that you can bring if you want to climb a volcano, for example, are supporting equipment that can help you survive while in the wild, breathing apparatus and also glasses. You should also bring a shirt and trousers.
- Bring plenty of water in case you get stuck in the mountain realm.
Part 2 of 3: Staying Safe During Volcanic Activity
Step 1. Watch television or radio broadcasts if you hear a warning sound
When you hear the sound of warning signs of a volcanic eruption, immediately look for other information via radio or television. This information is needed so that you can know the next steps you should take.
- The siren may just be an early warning, stay tuned for the next warning sign.
- Make sure you have a battery-operable radio, just in case the power goes out so you can keep track of related information.
Step 2. Do not ignore emergency instructions
Make sure you follow the instructions provided by the relevant agency or government. It is very important to carefully follow these instructions for the safety of you and your family.
- Volcanic eruptions took many lives because they did not heed the instructions that had been given before. Therefore it is better for you to follow these instructions for the safety of you and your family.
- It is also very important that you evacuate you and your family immediately if the instructions say to do so.
Step 3. Enter the house immediately if you are outside
This should be done unless you are instructed to evacuate to a safe zone. Make sure you close all windows and doors to protect yourself from the volcanic ash. Make sure your whole family is also in the house. And also make sure all your supplies are stored properly.
- If you have farm animals, put them in a pen and close all windows and doors.
- If you have time, also secure the vehicle you have.
Step 4. Go to high ground if you can't find shelter
Large eruptions are often followed by lava flows, lahars, mud and floods. Lava flows, lahars, mud or floods will be very dangerous for you and your family. therefore, rise to high ground if you receive a warning of this happening.
Step 5. Protect yourself from pyroclastics
Even if you're at a high altitude, you should still protect yourself from proclastics. Pyroclastics are the vomit of rocks and gases produced by volcanic eruptions.
- Protect yourself by staying on the opposite side of the volcano.
- If you are caught in this pyroclastic, crouch with your back to the volcano. Also protect your head with your hands, bag, or whatever you can find.
Step 6. Be aware of exposure to toxic gases
Volcanic eruptions can also be followed by the release of very dangerous gases. To overcome this you can breathe using a respirator, mask, or damp cloth. This must be done so that gas or volcanic ash does not enter your lungs.
- Do not be lower than the ground because usually harmful gases will accumulate more underground.
- Also protect your eyes well. Use protective eyewear if the mask you are wearing does not protect your eyes.
- Also protect your skin by wearing shirts and trousers.
Step 7. Do not cross the area covered by geothermal products
The result of geothermal heat, whether it's lava, lava, mud, has a very thin surface, where if you step on it it may crack and can injure you. Take another route if you come across this.
- Mud and floods usually take more victims than the eruption or pyroclastics itself.
- Even if you are sure that it is dry, never try to cross it because it will seriously endanger your safety.
Part 3 of 3: Protecting Yourself after an Eruption Happens
Step 1. Stay indoors until the safety sign comes out
Make sure you keep the radio on for the situation, and also make sure you stay indoors until you hear the news that it's safe for you and your family to leave. If you leave the house before it's completely safe, make sure your entire body is properly covered from head to toe. You may also need to wear a mask or respirator or a damp cloth.
- Make sure you only drink bottled water until a statement appears that the tap water is safe for consumption.
- If the ash rain continues you may have to evacuate yourself and your family. Volcanic ash has a very heavy weight so it is not impossible to collapse the roof of your house.
Step 2. Move away from where the ash fall
Volcanic ash contains tiny glass particles that can damage your lungs. In addition, avoid driving in the ash rain.
- Keeping yourself from breathing volcanic ash is very important for people with asthma or bronchitis.
- Do not drive in the rain of volcanic ash because volcanic ash will damage the engine of your vehicle.
Step 3. Remove volcanic ash from your belongings as well as your home
If you feel the situation is safe, clean the volcanic ash from the roof of your house to avoid the ash filling the roof and causing it to collapse.
- Use a shirt and long pants, a mask and also protective goggles when you clean volcanic ash from the roof of your house
- Put volcanic ash into a garbage bag and dispose of it according to the recommendations of the institution or related party.
- Do not turn on the air conditioner or open the vents until the volcanic ash is completely removed.
Step 4. Go to the health center if necessary
Immediately treat the wound that you experience when the eruption occurs to avoid infection or the pain from getting worse.
Warning
- Watch for signs of fire when you are in the house or room. You need to know that pyroclastics can start a fire quickly.
- Beware of the collapse of the roof of the house if there is a large amount of volcanic ash. Remove the ashes immediately if possible.
- You should also know that rain or pyroclastic flows can reach speeds of up to 480 km/hour.
