Volcanic activity can include ash fall, falling rocks, hot gases and volcanic rock, lava flows, and massive mudflows. Find out what to do before, during and after volcanic activity.
Reduce the impacts of volcanic activity
Tairāwhiti is one of a number of areas across Aotearoa, New Zealand that are most at risk. Others include Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Northland, Taranaki and Waikato.
Add the following to your emergency supplies, just in case –
* Certified disposable dust masks (rated P2 or N95) and goggles
* Plastic wrap or plastic sheeting (to keep ash out of electronics)
* Cleaning supplies including an air duster, a broom, a shovel, and a vacuum cleaner with spare bags and filters
* Heavy-duty plastic bags to dispose of ash.
You could be stuck in your vehicle, so remember to store emergency supplies there too.
Review your insurance regularly. Having insurance cover for your home and contents is important to help you get back on your feet if you suffer damage in a disaster.
What to do during volcanic activity
Stay informed. Listen to the radio and follow our social media pages.
Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
Follow official advice from:
· Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Office
· Local authorities
· Emergency services.
During ash fall
Put your emergency plan into action. Listen to the radio for updates. Follow instructions from emergency services and Civil Defence.
Stay indoors. Volcanic ash is a health hazard, especially if you have respiratory difficulties such as asthma or bronchitis.
Do not attempt to clear ash from your roof while ash is falling.
Keep pets indoors.
Do not drive when there is ash on the road.
Avoid unnecessary exposure to ash until it has settled. If you have to go outside, wear protective clothing:
* a properly-fitted P2 or N95-rated mask (or a cloth if you don't have a mask)
* goggles
* sturdy footwear
* gloves, and
* clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Do not wear contact lenses because trapped ash can scratch your eyes. Wear glasses instead.
If ash fall has been forecast for your region
Before ash fall starts, go home if possible, to avoid driving or walking during ash fall.
If you have a visual impairment, wear eyeglasses. Do not wear contact lenses because trapped ash can scratch your eyes.
Bring pets inside and move livestock into closed shelters. Make sure that animals have supplementary feed and access to clean drinking water.
Close all windows and doors and shut down heat pumps to limit the entry of volcanic ash. Set up a single entry point for your house. Place damp towels at the threshold to prevent ash being tracked indoors.
Cover sensitive electronics. Do not remove covers until the indoor environment is completely ash free.
Cover vehicles, machinery and spa pools to avoid ash causing damage. Ash can corrode metal surfaces and cause abrasion damage to windscreens and paintwork.
Disconnect drainpipes/downspouts from gutters to stop drains clogging. If you use a rainwater collection system for your water supply, disconnect the tank.
Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
What to do after a volcanic eruption
Continue to follow official advice from:
* your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
* the Department of Conservation (for Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu or Taranaki only)
* local authorities, and
* emergency services.
If you have evacuated, do not return home until told it is safe to do so.
Help others if you can, especially people who may need extra help.
Keep children indoors and discourage play in ash.
Keep animals indoors until ash is cleaned up or washed away. If pets go outside, brush them before letting them back indoors.
Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
If your property is damaged
* Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property.
* Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
* If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company.
* Take photos of any damage. It will help speed up assessments of your claims.