Safety guide in the event of a volcanic eruption & bull; hello healthy

Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions are impossible to resist and subdue. Even so, that doesn't mean you can't anticipate this one disaster. That is why you have to be clever in adapting yourself by always being vigilant and prepared for when a natural disaster occurs. So, what should be done before, during, and after a volcanic eruption occurs? Check out the tips in this article.

Recognizing the dangers arising from a volcanic eruption

Before knowing all the preparations that must be made before, during, and after a volcanic eruption occurs, you must first understand the dangers that will later arise due to volcanic eruptions. The following are the dangers that will arise from a volcanic eruption:

• Lava flow. Lava is magma that melts to the surface of the earth through fractures, the temperature can reach more than a thousand degrees Celsius and can damage all forms of infrastructure around it.
• Hot clouds. Hot cloud is a flow of hot volcanic material consisting of heavy, light (hollow) rock, massive larvae and clastic grains whose movement is influenced by gravity and tends to flow through valleys.
• Poison gas. Toxic gases are volcanic gases that can be instantly deadly when inhaled in the body. These toxic gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrochloric acid (HCL), fluoridic acid (HF), and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
• Lava eruption. Lava eruptions occur in volcanoes that have crater lakes and occur simultaneously during the eruption.
• Volcanic ash. Volcanic ash or also known as pyroclastic fall is volcanic material that is sprayed into the air during a volcanic eruption.

Preparations before a volcanic eruption

Be prepared to take shelter and take refuge in a place that has usually been prepared by the authorities in advance. Pay close attention to the evacuation and protection plans for yourself and your family after the volcano is said on alert status. Review the plan and make sure everyone understands it.

Don't forget, arrange emergency equipment in one bag so that when an eruption occurs, you and your family can immediately prepare for the evacuation process without having to think about what items to bring. But remember, because it's an emergency kit, it's recommended that you bring only the most important things, for example:

• Flashlight and extra battery
• First aid kit
• Emergency food and water
• Masks (try to choose a mask type N 95 because it can block 95 percent of particles that enter the respiratory tract)
• Spectacles
• Sleeping bag
• Warm clothes
• Radio that runs on batteries. A radio with a battery is preferable because when the power goes out, you can still rely on the radio. Monitoring information via the media is useful for determining next steps.

In addition to equipment, you also have to think of some alternative routes or evacuation routes to get to a safe zone because volcanic eruptions usually come suddenly.

When there was a volcanic eruption

Usually when an eruption occurs there is a siren sound as a warning sign. If you live in an area that is in a vulnerable area, hurry to the gathering point with the emergency equipment that has been prepared beforehand and carry out the evacuation process according to the instructions directed by the officer

Observe emergency instructions during an eruption carefully. These instructions will direct you to be evacuated elsewhere or to be able to remain where the effects are known to be minimal. Victims of the eruption usually fall a lot as a result of not heeding these emergency instructions.

While it may seem safe to stay home and wait for an eruption, it can be very dangerous. This is because volcanoes spew hot gas, ash, lava, and very destructive rocks. So, never ignore the emergency instructions given by the authorities.

Here are some things to watch out for when a volcanic eruption is taking place.

• Avoid disaster prone areas such as mountain slopes, valleys and lava flows.
• Stay away from windy areas away from the volcano to avoid ash rain.
• Wear clothes that protect your body, such as long sleeves, trousers, hats, and so on.
• Use glasses and don't wear contact lenses.
• Wear a mask or cloth to cover your mouth and nose.

After a volcanic eruption

• Make sure you keep the radio on to know the current situation. If you are one of the residents who are not instructed to evacuate, make sure you stay indoors until you hear the news that it is safe for you and your family to leave the house.
• Stay away from areas exposed to ash rain because volcanic ash contains small particles that can damage lungs.
• If the situation feels safe, clean the roof of the house from the ashes because the accumulated ash on the roof can damage or collapse the roof of the building.
• Do not turn on the air conditioner or open the ventilation of the house until the volcanic ash has been completely removed.
• Avoid driving a car in an area that is exposed to ash rain because it can damage the vehicle engine such as brakes, gears, and exhaust.