Volcanic eruptions are more than juicy fodder for middle-school science fair projects.
Just askthe citizens of ancient Pompeii(if you’re free to find anyone.)
How much do you better worry about a volcano destroying your life?
It depends on how much youwantto worry, I guess.
Supervolcanos: Catastrophic natural monstrosities
The worst-case-scenario when it comes to volcanoes is a supereruption of asupervolcano.
Weve identified 60 supereruptions in Earths history, and there areabout 20 supervolcanos on the planet.
The most recent supereruption was in Taupo in New Zealand around 22,600 years ago.
So, not exactly a regular occurrence.
How inconvenienced would you be if a supervolcano erupted tomorrow?
Parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming would be buried in toxic ash.
And that wasnt even a supereruption.
About 50-70 volcanoes erupt every year on average, andaround 278,000 people have diedbecause of volcanos since 1500.
St. Helens and its eventual eruption in 1980.
Some were just dopes, like Harry Randall Truman.
A bit of a folk hero in the days leading up to the eruption of Mt.
My wife and I, we both vowed years and years ago that wed never leave Spirit Lake.
Its part of me, and Im part of that (expletive) mountain, Truman toldNational Geographic.
His remains were never found.
Put together an at-home emergency supply kit (you should do this anyway, for any potential disaster).
Masks and goggles are very important.
Have N95 disposable masks on hand (huh, where are you going to get those?).
Run an emergency drill or two.
Check outready.govs site for more in-depth informationabout volcano preparedness.
Understand volcano warning terms
There are four levels of alert for volcanos.
Heres what they mean.
Normal: Everything is cool with your volcano.
Advisory: Volcano is exhibiting signs of elevated unrest above known background level.
Watch: Its getting more serious.
The volcano is exhibiting heightened or escalating unrest with increased potential of eruption, timeframe uncertain.
Or: an eruption is underway but poses limited hazards.
Warning: Hazardous eruption is imminent, underway, or suspected.
Check out theCenter for Disease Controls listof actions to take when youve been asked/ordered to evacuate.
It lists essential items to take with you, steps to take, and more.
Heres are the steps to take to make your evacuation as smooth as possible,according to the CDC.
Take only essential items with you, including at least a 1-week supply of prescription medications.
If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
verify your automobiles emergency kit is ready.
Local authorities may evacuate specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
Close and lock all windows and outside doors.
Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems and fans.
exit the fireplace damper.
Organize your emergency supplies and see to it household members know where the supplies are.
verify the radio is working.
Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level.
Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
It is ideal to have a hard-wired (non-portable) telephone in the room you select.
Remember that telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
If so, things are really up in the air for you.
These are some of the steps recommended by theU.S.
Geological Survey, though, to increase your chances of surviving.
Move AWAY from hazard zones to improve your chances for safety.
Your route to safety might be cut off by lahars (volcanic mudflows).
If lahars are a threat, STAY OFF VALLEY FLOORS AND OUT OF LOW-LYING AREAS.
Pay attention to closure signs; they can store your life.
