Volcanoes: The Hazards of an Eruption and How to Prepare

A volcano is a vent in the Earth's crust. When it erupts, hot rock, steam, poisonous gases and ash reach the surface.

The hazards

An eruption can also cause:

• earthquakes;
• mudflows and flash floods;
• rock falls and landslides;
• acid rain;
• fires;
• even tsunamis.

Volcanic gas and ash can damage the lungs of small infants, older adults and people with severe respiratory illness, and ash can affect people hundreds of miles from the eruption.

Being prepared

Nothing guarantees safety during an eruption, but you can act to protect yourself. Have a disaster plan: being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety and losses. If you do go through a disaster, it is normal to feel stressed, and you may need help finding ways to cope.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Volcanoes," drawing on the Federal Emergency Management Agency. https://medlineplus.gov/volcanoes.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.