Volcanoes Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a reservoir of molten rock below the surface of the earth. When pressure from gases within the molten rock becomes too great, an eruption occurs. Eruptions can be quiet or explosive; there may be lava flows, flattened landscapes, poisonous gases, and flying rock and ash. Because of their intense heat, lava flows create significant fire hazards and can destroy all structures in their paths. Ash flows can occur on all sides of a volcano, and ash debris can fall hundreds of miles downwind of the volcano. Dangerous mudflows and floods can occur in valleys leading away from volcanoes, striking with little warning. The common risks that accompany volcanic eruptions include earthquakes and tsunamis, mudflows and flash floods, landslides and rockfalls, and ashfall and acid rain.

In the event of a volcanic eruption occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. During a volcanic eruption, personnel should leave the affected area using an established evacuation plan (if advised by authorities), avoiding downwind areas and river valleys downstream of the volcano.
3. If caught indoors, personnel should close all windows, doors, and dampers; put all machinery inside a garage or barn; and bring all animals and livestock into closed shelters.
4. If personnel are outdoors, they should seek shelter indoors as quickly as possible.
5. If subjected to ashfall, personnel should seek protection by wearing long‐sleeved shirts and long pants, goggles to protect vision, and a damp cloth to assist with breathing.
6. Following a volcanic eruption, personnel should stay out of an affected area, as the effects of a volcanic eruption can be experienced many miles from the main event, including mudflows, flash flooding, forest fires, and high‐temperature ash flows.
7. When safe to do so, roofs should be cleared of ash as it can result in structural collapse.
8. Monitoring of radio stations will provide guidance as to the situation, any advisory alerts and instructions, and any governmental response measures.
9. Personnel should avoid areas susceptible to channeling floodwaters, as dangerous mudflows and floods can occur in valleys leading away from volcanoes, striking with little warning.
10. Other aspects of the IMP should be instigated where required.
11. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.

Key People to Call (see the IMP Communications Plan)

Group	Yes/No	Group	Yes/No
• Medical organization		• Organic QRF
• Military interface		• Crisis response team
• Embassy or consulate		• Security provider (vendor)
• Police, fire, or ambulance		• Other groups