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Volcanoes - Ready and Able

Volcanic eruptions can create immense destruction to whole towns, crops, forests and roads. An eruption can also cause many evacuations and people will need to find safe shelter and food before they can be resettled into new homes.

Volcanic eruption

Lava flows may also block rivers, cause floods, mud flows and landslides.

On this page you can find information on how to stay safe and what to do if there is a volcanic eruption.

Be prepared

You can survive a volcano by being prepared and following these safety tips:

Stay away from active volcanoes
If you live near an active or dormant volcano keep goggles and a mask in your Emergency Survival Kit.
Know your evacuation route and where to meet if you are separated.

Are you at risk?

Some of the main risks during an eruption include:

Lava flowing from a volcano

lava flows
pyroclastic flows
landslides
lahars
blasts and explosions
land collapse
ash clouds
volcanic earthquakes
tsunami

Emergency Survival Kit

Creating an Emergency Survival Kit is important for your survival during a volcano.

Find out what you should include in your:

During the disaster

Evacuate only as recommended by authorities and stay clear of lava, mud flows and flying debris like rocks and ash.

Avoid river areas and low-lying regions.

Before you leave your house, put on long pants and long-sleeve shirts.

Wear goggles or eyeglasses to protect your eyes. Wear an emergency mask or hold a damp cloth over your face.

If you are not evacuating, close doors and windows and block chimneys and air vents. This will help to stop ash from coming in.

Be aware that falling ash can become heavy and can damage metal objects (like car engines and trucks). If you need to go outdoors, wear protective clothing.

Avoid driving – ash and falling debris can be dangerous.

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