What You Need to Know to Prepare Your Family In the Event of a Volcanic Eruption
One of the major forces that exist on this planet that can cause a major disaster is volcanic eruptions.
I live in an area in Southeastern Idaho that was once a major hotspot for volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The landscape still bares a haunting image of a violent past that had happened in this region.
It serves as a reminder of the type of damage these volcanoes can do once they explode.
In order to give an advance warning of when the next eruption will take place, Volcanologists are a group of people who dedicate their time and talents to not only study the volcano, but also to use advance technologies to help measure seismic activity of when the next eruption will occur.
Even with all the technology that is being used to monitor volcanic activity, it would be a really great idea to come up with a family emergency plan if you are moving to an area that is located within the Pacific ring of fire or a location where there is a dormant volcano that has little or no activity at all.
Here are some items that you need to know about volcanic activity and what you need to do to prepare for any kind of unforeseen activity: 1.
Become familiar with the destructive forces of eruptions and how it can impact the surrounding areas.
2.
If you do move to an area where there is some type of volcanic activity, be prepared for the fallout of volcanic ash that can spread over a large area in a short amount of time.
These ashes can do major damage to vehicles, buildings and in the worst case scenario, it can kill plant life.
3.
Be aware of the type of lava flows and the type of damage they can do to property.
When you look at a stream of water, notice how fast the water can travel.
It is the same way with lava flows.
These molten streams of rock can travel at high speeds and can do some serious damage.
4.
Once a warning has been given about the possibilities of an eruption, DO NOT GO NEAR THE VOLCANO! 5.
Listen and follow the instructions that is given from local and federal authorities when they issue the order to evacuate to a safer area.
Don't think for one moment that you can ride it out like some people would do during a hurricane.
6.
If you live next to a river, beware of mudflows.
Mudflows can travel at high speeds that it can even take out a bridge in an instant.
7.
Even if you do not live close to a volcano when it is erupting, stay in doors to avoid the ash fallout.
Once everything starts to clear up, start the process of removing the ash immediately as it can cause structural damage to buildings, homes and cause serious health problems amongst the population.
8.
Keep a steady supply of food, water and emergency kits that will keep you family alive for at least a week.
When Mount St.
Helen's erupted back in 1980, the surrounding areas were completely destroyed, but not only this, the ash fallout continued to spread throughout much of the Northwestern part of the United States.
It is important to educate and prepare your family for any kind of volcanic activity.
I live in an area in Southeastern Idaho that was once a major hotspot for volcanic activity millions of years ago.
The landscape still bares a haunting image of a violent past that had happened in this region.
It serves as a reminder of the type of damage these volcanoes can do once they explode.
In order to give an advance warning of when the next eruption will take place, Volcanologists are a group of people who dedicate their time and talents to not only study the volcano, but also to use advance technologies to help measure seismic activity of when the next eruption will occur.
Even with all the technology that is being used to monitor volcanic activity, it would be a really great idea to come up with a family emergency plan if you are moving to an area that is located within the Pacific ring of fire or a location where there is a dormant volcano that has little or no activity at all.
Here are some items that you need to know about volcanic activity and what you need to do to prepare for any kind of unforeseen activity: 1.
Become familiar with the destructive forces of eruptions and how it can impact the surrounding areas.
2.
If you do move to an area where there is some type of volcanic activity, be prepared for the fallout of volcanic ash that can spread over a large area in a short amount of time.
These ashes can do major damage to vehicles, buildings and in the worst case scenario, it can kill plant life.
3.
Be aware of the type of lava flows and the type of damage they can do to property.
When you look at a stream of water, notice how fast the water can travel.
It is the same way with lava flows.
These molten streams of rock can travel at high speeds and can do some serious damage.
4.
Once a warning has been given about the possibilities of an eruption, DO NOT GO NEAR THE VOLCANO! 5.
Listen and follow the instructions that is given from local and federal authorities when they issue the order to evacuate to a safer area.
Don't think for one moment that you can ride it out like some people would do during a hurricane.
6.
If you live next to a river, beware of mudflows.
Mudflows can travel at high speeds that it can even take out a bridge in an instant.
7.
Even if you do not live close to a volcano when it is erupting, stay in doors to avoid the ash fallout.
Once everything starts to clear up, start the process of removing the ash immediately as it can cause structural damage to buildings, homes and cause serious health problems amongst the population.
8.
Keep a steady supply of food, water and emergency kits that will keep you family alive for at least a week.
When Mount St.
Helen's erupted back in 1980, the surrounding areas were completely destroyed, but not only this, the ash fallout continued to spread throughout much of the Northwestern part of the United States.
It is important to educate and prepare your family for any kind of volcanic activity.
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