Volcanic Eruption in Auckland:
Civil Defence advice on how to survive a volcanic eruption

Much of Auckland is built on a potentially active volcanic field. Between Manuwera (South) and Takapuna (North), there are about 50 volcanoes. None of these volcanoes are expected to erupt again, but the volcanic field can produce a new volcano in an unknown location at any time. Although a new volcano would be relatively small, its threat as a hazard is very high because of the large number of people ( over one million) living in the Auckland region. ( Refer Hazard facts H01, H02, H05).

If there is going to be an eruption, Civil Defence will give as much advice as possible, on where the eruption is developing and what parts of Auckland will be directly affected.

How to prepare

You will prepare yourself, your family and your workplace for a volcanic emergency if you:

• Store food and water
• Have a battery powered radio - and spare batteries (a car radio is fine)
• Keep important documents together - you will need them
• Keep your medicines and essential medical equipment together

 

You will also need:

• Dry clothing, blankets and footwear.

And

• People with disabilities should ask their normal special-needs agency for extra advice on what to do in an emergency.

 

When a volcano threatens

• Listen to your radio or TV for advice and information
• Check and complete your preparations
• Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate and how your family will meet.

 

When a volcano erupts

Dial 111 if you need help from Police, Fire or Ambulance

• Listen to your radio or TV for advice and information.
• Stay in doors as much as possible and keep pets inside.
• Conserve water and keep an extra supply in containers.
• Only use the phone if you really have to.
• Do not go sight-seeing.
• Stay out of restricted areas.
• Evacuate if necessary or if you are advised to by Civil Defence.
• Volcanic ash can cause you harm: You will need to: remove ash contaminated clothing before entering a building, wear a dust mask and goggles if you have to go outside in ash fall ,and wash ash off skin or food as soon as possible. Under heavy ash falls, you may also need to clear excess ash from walkways, drainage systems and roofs.

After an Eruption

• Return home only if you have been advised by Civil Defence that it is safe.
• Seek medical help or counselling if needed.
• Write a list of all damage as soon as possible.
• It takes a long time to recover from an emergency - so tell Civil Defence of your on-going needs.