What you can do to prepare for volcanic activity?
Many people live alongside volcanoes around the world, including some volcanoes that are frequently active. Although none of Turkey’s volcanoes have been active in living memory, it is important to understand that they may reawaken. While they are quiet is the best time to ensure you are able to live with your neighbouring volcano. There are steps that you can take to help protect yourself and minimise disruption in the event of your local volcano stirring..
Check out our advice and the links below for more information. You can also watch our short educational films and print out our posters!
Learn about the hazards you might face
- Have a read through our TurkVolc website to learn a little about volcanoes in general, and volcanism in Turkey.
- Watch the VolFilm videos which introduce some of the hazards and risk.
- Check out the links to educational resources.
- Feel free to get in touch with the TurkVolc team with any burning questions or concerns.
Follow advice from the authorities
Emergency managers, the emergency services, scientists and local authorities will endeavour to provide advice and assistance in the event of volcanic activity. Sometimes this may be advice to remain at home, evacuate or avoid certain areas or activities. All advice will be aimed at keeping you, your family and community safe, with the least disruption and fewest losses.
Develop and practice evacuation plans
This may seem silly given that Turkey’s volcanoes are currently quiet, but sometimes volcanoes rapidly spring back to life and need a rapid response. Evacuation plans can also be useful for multiple hazards that you might face more frequently.
As you may be required to leave your house rapidly, it is good to have already planned what to do:
- Plan in advance for what you would need to take with you.
- Who might need your help?
- Do you need to take or tend to pets and livestock?
- What route will be best to take? Understand that it might not always be possible to leave by road, as roads may become blocked or damaged. Ask your local and regional emergency services, authorities and schools if there are evacuation plans in place and for advice on planning your own.
Prepare an emergency kit
You may be advised to shelter at home and may not be able to access shops or services for a time. Sometimes services like gas, electricity and water may be disrupted.
Prepare a kit containing enough water, food (that is ready to eat) and medical supplies for your whole family (don't forget pets!) to last several days
See links below for advice on what to pack.
The steps you take now can help you in the event of many different hazards you may be exposed to.
Here are some links that will help you prepare:
- Red Cross advice on volcano preparedness:
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/volcano#Before - Make a plan and prepare a disaster supplies kit:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/emergency_plan.html
https://www.ready.gov/kit - Eruption: what to do before and during an eruption:
https://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/Eruption-What-to-do
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/during_eruption.html - Volcanic ash- what can I do?:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanic_ash/what_can_i_do.html (be sure to check out their tabs aimed at households, businesses and communities) - Be prepared: Volcanic ash fall:
https://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/Eruption-What-to-do/Be-Prepared-Volcanic-Ash-Fall - Ash impact posters and advice:
https://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/Eruption-What-to-do/Ash-Impact-Posters - Be prepared- Lava flows:
https://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/Eruption-What-to-do/Be-Prepared-Lava-flows - Eruption: what to do after an eruption:
https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/after_eruption.html