The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has declared Taal Volcano on Alert Level 3 following its eruption on the morning of January 12. Residents are urged to take extra caution and take the necessary steps in order to avoid the disastrous result that happened with the historic eruption of Mount Pinatubo.
With this recent event, Red Cross has listed tips to prepare and survive this dangerous natural phenomenon:
How to prepare in advance
• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit.
• Create a household evacuation plan that includes your pets.
• Stay informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
• Educate your family on how to use the Safe and Well website.
• Talk about volcanoes with your family so that everyone knows what to do in case of a volcanic eruption. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children.
• Keep handy a pair of goggles and a dust mask for each member of your household in case of ashfall.
• Talk to your insurance agent. Find out what your homeowners’ policy will or will not cover in the event of a volcanic eruption.
• If you have pets, prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.
• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of ash fall.
How to stay safe during a Volcanic Eruption
• Listen to a local station on a portable, battery-operated radio or television for updated emergency information and instructions. Local officials will give the most appropriate advice for your particular situation.
• Follow any evacuation orders issued by authorities, and put your emergency plan into action. Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, if you are in a hazard zone, doing so could be very dangerous.
• If you are outdoors, seek shelter indoors if possible.
• Stay out of designated restricted zones. Effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many miles from a volcano.
• Avoid low-lying areas, areas downwind of the volcano, and river valleys downstream of the volcano. Debris and ash will be carried by wind and gravity. Stay in areas where you will not be further exposed to volcanic eruption hazards. Trying to watch an erupting volcano up close is a deadly idea.
• If indoors, close all window, doors, and dampers to keep volcanic ash from entering.
• Put all machinery inside a garage or barn to protect it from volcanic ash. If buildings are not available, cover machinery with large tarps.
• Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters to protect them from breathing volcanic ash.
• If you are caught in an ash fall, wear a dust mask designed to protect against lung irritation from small particles and protect your eyes by wearing goggles
• Keep as much of your skin covered as possible.
How to stay safe after a Volcanic Eruption
• Let friends and family know you’re safe.
• If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Continue listening to local news for updated information and instructions.
• If people around you are injured, practice CHECK, CALL, CARE. Check the scene to be sure it’s safe for you to approach, call for help, and if you are trained, provide first aid to those in need until emergency responders can arrive.
• Stay indoors and away from volcanic ash fall areas if possible. The fine, glassy particles of volcanic ash can increase the health risks for children and people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
Effects of a volcanic eruption
• Eyes, throat, nose irritation
• Lung and respiratory illnesses
• Breathing discomfort
• Skin problems
• Injuries from vehicular accidents or building collapse
If you have a vehicle, here are some steps from Toyota to take to protect it from the ashfall
1. Wash the car with pressurized water to remove ash from the vehicle’s body. Do not wipe the vehicle while spraying with water to avoid scratches on the vehicle’s body
2. Please repeat if vehicle continues to be covered with ashfall
3. If engine room is affected, bring your vehicle to your nearest dealer for proper engine cleaning.
4. Wear protective gear like raincoat and mask while cleaning your vehicle
