Volcanos Part III: Evacuation Plans
You may not want to go, thinking you’re not close by enough, or there is too much to do, your livestock need you, etc. The alert that goes on via radio and television however, means this is the time to plan your exit. So keep your music off so you can hear warning sirens, keep the radio station tuned in to news stations, and if you have time, do the following steps for volcano evacuation plans:
- keep your gas tank topped up.
- have covers for your vehicles if they are going to remain in the area.
- know evacuation transportation facilities for those who require public or alternative transportation.
- get livestock into controlled area if possible.
- get medicines stocked up.
- check the house for where you can store extra water for cleaning- this means filling up sinks, tubs, water containers with water ahead of time.
- put together your emergency vehicle kit, listed on this site, and include the N-95 respirators in it.
- change the temperature on fridges and freezers to the coldest temperature. This will keep your food lasting longer in the event of a power outage.
When you do evacuate:
- ensure you have been listening or are aware of the evacuation routes, as some roads will be blocked and there will be major delays on routes.
- Ensure you have water and supplies to keep you as you and your family could be going slower than planned.
- unplug appliances to help avoid electric shock if power has been cut off and then restored.
If it is too late to evacuate, do the following:
- close all windows and doors. Close shutters if you have them.
- turn off heating, air conditions, fans
- close the damper for the fireplace.
- go to a room in the building without windows, and that is above the ground.
- have a regular phone available, not cordless, and notify an emergency contact of situation. Remind them that phone service may not be available for a while if you or they are trying to keep in touch.
- keep your pets with you in the same room if possible, with food and water supplies for people and pets.
- don’t forget your medicine.
