Hazards:

High speed lava flow containing toxic gases and 400 degrees + molten rock, which would be too fast for a person to out run.

Volcanic eruption clouds, liable to disperse ash over a large area (1000 km +) and affecting the local infrastructure in various ways such as:

• Aircraft accessibility, diversions and delays
• Food supplies, crops and live stock
• Dangerous driving conditions: poor visibility
• Vehicle air filtration systems blocked causing over heating and mechanical failure
• Drainage systems blocked and potential for local flooding
• Railway lines affected
• Water supplies affected

  Health problems as a result of ash particles within the atmosphere such as:

• Increased risk of Asthma reaction
• General respiratory and breathing problems
• Potential for severe reaction with moisture within lungs causing a cementing affect within the lungs
• Local eye irritation

  Preventative measures and recommendations:

  Monitor weather conditions particularly wind direction (wind changes direction with attitude)

  Have plans to evacuate up wind to a safe area under cover

  Have clear medical evacuation plans, which may be affected by aircraft and vehicle accessibility

  Where protective face masks and goggles

  Make regular updates with the volcanic monitoring centre

  Have sufficient water, food and medical equipment supplies, when travelling and at base location (minimum 72hours)

  Once major eruption as been declared have plans in place to return to a safe location and at a suitable distance