What to do in a volcanic eruption

Volcanoes are the most complex natural disaster and there are many dangers that they present. These hazards include:

Lava flows
Ballistics and tephra, which are material that is thrown from the volcano
Pyroclastic flows, which are hot clouds of material that flow very quickly across land
Volcanic gasses
Acid rain
Lahars, which are flows of volcanic mud
Lake bursts

Due to the wide range and severity of potential hazards, volcanoes can cause the biggest loss of life.

Getting ready before a volcanic eruption will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.

Find out if you live in a volcanic area and the hazards that could affect you
If you live in an area that could experience a lava flow, make sure you know a quick route to safe ground
Talk to your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group about how they will warn you of a volcanic eruption
Develop a Household Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Survival Kit so that you will cope with being on your own for three days or more
You should also plan what you need in your Getaway Kit in case you need to evacuate

If vulcanologists agree that a life-threatening eruption is likely to occur, a Civil Defence Emergency will be declared and the danger area will be evacuated
Listen to your radio for information and follow Civil Defence Emergency Management advice

Save water in your bath, basins, containers or cylinders at an early stage. Your normal water supply may become polluted
Bring your pets indoors and stay indoors as much as possible
If you have to go outside, wear a dust mask and goggles. This will keep ash out of your eyes and lungs
Keep your gutters and roof clear of ash. Heavy deposits of ash can collapse your roof
Turn your electricity and gas off at the mains
Do not leave your home unless advised by Civil Defence Emergency Management officials

Do not return to your home until Civil Defence Emergency Management officials have told you that it is safe to do so
If you are affected by the eruption, have your house inspected and the damage assessed

Click here for more information about volcanic regions within New Zealand

These checklists tell you what you need to do to get ready

what to do in a volcanic eruption