For Emergency Managers

Preparedness

The adoption of a Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM) approach allows volcanic ash and gas hazards to be incorporated into an integrated emergency management system; linking hazard mitigation, community and agency preparedness, warnings, public information, response, and recovery. Being aware of volcanic hazards is the key to effective preparedness. Being involved in a volcanic eruption can be an alien and stressful experience. Awareness and knowledge shorten reaction times and improve the quality of the decisions made during a crisis.

Managing a crisis - warnings, public information, response

A volcanic crisis is the total period during which a significant risk occurs at a volcano. It may be an extended time interval, which begins when precursory activity is first observed, and extends through the eruption and often for a period of months to years afterwards. The response is highly dependent on which volcano is involved, as hazard types and levels differ between volcanoes. Pre-prepared warning messages and public information can help manage the event and reduce response delays. Interagency planning and coordination are essential for an effective response.

Recovery

The time required for a community to recover from a volcanic eruption depends on the extent of the impacts and the amount of assistance available. Recovery planning can reduce this period and minimize ongoing social and economic effects. Communities receiving less than 2-3 cm of volcanic ash should be able to restore essential services (electricity, water, sewage and transport) within weeks of an eruption if they are not subject to additional ash falls. Thicker ash falls may require more complex recovery approaches to be consider and adopted.