After the volcanic eruption ends, you still have to survive from the ash cloud and mudflows. Hence, it is important for you to continue with the safety precautions’ that you implemented. However, you might change a few according to the situation. Follow the announcement and ensure that you have the essential requirements that will help you survive after the eruption. Obey instructions from local authorities. Do not let yourself or any other person of the family to go outside until the health officials declare the situation as safe.
Health officials also release updates about the air quality, condition of the roads, and drinking water. As it is difficult to clear the ash and other sediments, it is preferable to stay indoors. In addition, ensure that you have proper drinking supply. As you have already stored water, it should not be a problem. However, use less water to survive under the situation settles and life returns to normal. Disconnect drainpipes and rain gutters from the storage tank. It will help you with saving the water from the ash, and other sediments released due to the eruption.
Do not turn on air conditioning and heating units. In addition, do not open vents, fireplaces, and windows. It will help you keep away the ash and poisonous gases from entering your house. Wait for the instructions from your local community before you begin to open your windows, fireplaces and events. To gather information about the air quality before switching air conditioning and heating units.
The ash released due to the eruption contains glass pieces, stones and other sediments that are harmful to the health. Inhalation of the ash deteriorates your health and causes respiratory problems. Avoid being a victim by protecting yourself from the outdoors. Wear respiratory masks that prevent you from breathing the ash. You can keep stocks of air purifying respirators when you listen to the siren from your local community. An N-95 respirator is the common type of disposable particulate respirator. It is readily available at all the hardware stores. Before using the respirator, ensure that you follow the directions as prescribed. If it is hard to find this breathing apparatus to stock, another viable option is to stock dust masks commonly used by constructions workers, although not as efficient they can still save your life. When you use the dust masks, ensure that you do not stay for long periods outside.
If you utilize contact lenses, make sure that you switch to glasses. The tiny particles in the ash are capable of entering behind the contact lenses. When this happens, you will experience corneal cut the damages your eye. Although goggles are best for protection, using swimming goggles is also preferable if it is hard for you to buy the goggles.
After the ash settles down, it is your duty to clean the property and dispose of the ash according to the instructions laid out by the health authorities. Ensure that you replace all the furnace filters prominently. Although you can clean and use the filters, replacing them is advisable. Do not let ash settle on the rooftops. Ash is heavy and increases the weight on the structure. The situation worsens and results and structural collapse. It is a dangerous situation for people who are living in the houses. In addition, you also should take additional safety measures while cleaning the ash. You can use the spade to remove the thick layers of the ash. In the end, use a vacuum cleaner to suck even tiny particles of the sediment.
Depend on bottled water for drinking. Do not use the water source in your house, as it may contain traces of the ash. A better way is to carry out the testing to ensure that the water is safe for usage. Nevertheless, you will have to wait till the situation settles down to allow health authorities to visit and test the water. Until then, rely on bottled drinking water. In addition, reduce the usage of water to meet the requirements in a responsible manner.
There is a high possibility that you may experience a catastrophic effect, such as fire due to the result of hot lava. Lava flowing is capable of causing devastation to several miles. It kills anything that comes in its way. The after effect of a volcanic eruption is powerful. The best example of such a situation is the Mount St Helens eruption in the 1980 that killed over 24,000 animals. Another catastrophic event is the explosion of Krakatoa in 1883, which according to the scientists, the power generated is equal to 13,000 nuclear bombs.
The explosion destroyed all the villages in the surrounding area and killed over 36,000 people. It was so powerful that instruments that were thousands of miles away were capable of detecting the shockwave. Therefore, it is difficult for you to understand the after-effects. Complying with the announcements and following the safety procedures issued by the local community helps in preventing a major disaster. You will probably save your family and give them security, which is the most important factor under such a condition.
Surviving after a volcanic activity depends on the intensity of the eruption. You will experience a climate change after the eruption. While greenhouse gases warm the earth, volcanoes are capable of reducing the temperature. During the eruption, volcano releases hydrogen chloride, ash, sulphur dioxide, and other materials into stratosphere. The sulfate aerosols are capable of reflecting sun’s energy, which in turn reduces the temperature. However, chemical reactions also take place that results in the production of chlorine monoxide. Chlorine monoxide destroys the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from the harmful radiation of the sun. You might experience rainfalls, cooler temperatures, and debris rainfall. It is advisable for you to stay indoors until the atmosphere turns normal.
Volcanic eruption results in landslides that move large amounts of dirt and rock. They travel at high speeds of approximately hundred kilometers per hour. The high-speed alters the entire landscape in the region. Additionally, the eruption of acidic gases results in fume clouds. The fume clouds drizzle continuously that cause destruction to vehicles and other objects. The acidic substance corrodes the materials and destroys everything in its way.
If you or any person in your family suffers from breathing ailments, ensure proper protection. Seal the doors, windows, and other inlets. Minimize the entrance of external air to inside. It will reduce the impact and prevent the occurrence of a situation that requires immediate emergency attention. Do not let anyone venture out of the home.
There is a possibility that you can lend your hand to offer those who are in need of help. You can provide help to your neighbors or people with special needs. Children, elderly, and people with disabilities need as much help as they can receive to stay safe. If you have an additional pair of safety or protection gear, distribute to those who are in need. You can carry it in a pack and walk the neighborhood to check if anyone requires assistance.
An eruption does not last forever. After the volcano cools down and stops eruption, erosion eventually wears them over the time where they convert to hills or valleys.