Communication is key to saving lives

Recent advances in volcano monitoring, new and refined volcano-hazard assessments, and better warning schemes have significantly improved our capability to warn of volcano hazards and impending eruptions. Our volcano information and warnings, however, no matter how timely or precise, will reduce volcanic risk only if they are communicated effectively to a wide audience, especially to people who live and work in potentially hazardous areas and to emergency-management specialists. We only need to remember the tragic consequence of the events at Nevado del Ruiz, Colombia, in 1985 that killed more than 23,000 people to know how critical it is for us to work closely with many people when planning for future volcanic emergencies and responding to current volcano threats.

Increasing public awareness of volcano hazards

In addition to carrying out specialized studies on volcanoes and hazards posed by them, we participate in a wide variety of projects and activities intended to increase awareness of volcano hazards and minimize future consequences of volcano activity in the United States:

• participate in volcano-emergency planning workshops and emergency-response exercises
• convene international, regional, and local workshops focused on volcano-hazard issues
• prepare educational materials with partners, including exhibits, fact sheets, booklets, video programs, and maps
• collaborate with emergency-management specialists to develop effective warning schemes
• meet with community leaders and residents wanting information about potentially dangerous volcanoes in their area
• work with the news media and media producers
• lead educational field trips to active and potentially dangerous volcanoes for the public, officials, local residents, educators, and students
• help educators and students with classroom presentations, teacher workshops, field trips, and activities

In developing and delivering easily understandably hazard information that others may act on, we do not dictate or advocate specific mitigation measures, because such measures must be decided in view of social, political, and economic considerations that are beyond USGS responsibility and expertise. Rather, we try to provide the best possible scientific information about volcanoes that will help people to choose and manage the risks associated with active and potentially active volcanoes.

Resources: preparing for volcano emergencies

Developing a Volcanic Emergency Plan

Prepared by the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, 1985.

Volcano Educational Video Programs

See list of several programs on volcano hazards, how to reduce volcanic risk, and specific volcanoes, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior.