Worst-Case Wednesday: How to Survive a Volcanic Eruption

And does your home insurance have the volcano rider?
From Quirkbooks:

It’s Wednesday again, and we’re approaching the big summer travel season. In honor of my own upcoming vacation, I’m going to share some advice from The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Travel.

Okay, I am unlikely to encounter this specific danger in Orlando, but you never know what’s coming.

How to Survive a Volcanic Eruption
From the Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Travel

1. Watch out for falling rocks, trees, and debris. If you are caught amid falling debris, roll into a ball to protect your head. If you are trapped near a stream, watch out for mudflows. (Mudflows are mudslides caused by a large volume of melted snow or ice combined with rocks, dirt, and other debris.) Move up slope, especially if you hear the roar of a mudflow.

2. If you are in the path of lava, try to get out of its path in any way possible. You will not be able to outrun the lava, so do not try to race it downhill. If you are near a depression or valley that might divert the flow from you, try to get to the safe side.

3. Move indoors as soon as possible. If you are already inside, stay there and move to a higher floor, if possible. Close all doors and windows and move any cars or machinery indoors, if there is time.

4. Do not sit or lie on the floor or ground. It is possible to be overcome by volcanic fumes. The most dangerous gas is carbon dioxide: It does not have a strong odor, and it is denser than air, so it collects near the ground.

5. Evacuate the area, but only if authorities tell you to do so. Your best chance of survival is to use a car to drive to a safer area, but even a car may not be fast enough to outpace a lava flow. Some flows travel at 100 to 200 miles per hour. Since volcanic ash can quickly clog the radiator and engine of your car, avoid driving except to evacuate....MORE

Closer to home see also, from Trusted Choice Insurance:

What is Volcano Insurance? Do I Need It?

If you are like most people, your primary knowledge of volcanoes comes from movies and school science projects. While volcanoes are great Hollywood material, volcanic eruptions have very real consequences. In 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington, blowing off the top half of its peak. The combination of lava, ash, smoke and flames wiped out homes, businesses, roads, vehicles and wilderness for miles in all directions. If you live near an active or dormant volcano, you should know that there is insurance coverage available to you that could really make a difference when the unexpected happens. Volcano insurance endorsements are solutions that make sense for a certain group of homeowners.

FAQs About U.S. Volcanoes

• There are 98 known volcanoes in Alaska, 21 in California and 16 in Hawaii
• 17 states are home to known volcanoes
• The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 is one of the largest eruptions ever recorded; 90 people died and the eruption caused $860 million in damage

Are There Volcanoes in My Part of the Country? Known volcanoes exist in 17 states, many of which have not erupted in millions of years. Kilauea in Hawaii has been continually erupting for the last 30 years. The U.S. Geological Survey provides the latest information about known volcanoes. Every now and then, the survey will locate a new volcano based on seismic activity, changes in heights of mountains and a buildup of magma under the earth’s surface in a particular part of the country....MORE

Finally, from 2018's "Hawaii Volcano Victims May Face Insurance Crisis":

With zero disrespect toward the victims intended, told ya.
We have been warning of obscure perils for years, more after the jump....

...Our most recent mention of the need for risk management, from last September's "And In Other Volcano News: More than 120,000 flee Bali’s Mt Agung volcano":

...Volcano insurance?
Why yes stranger.
The state of Washington wants everyone to know about "Volcano coverage for your home and auto"
The major property/casualty insurer State Farm has a page devoted to "How Volcano Damage is Covered on Your Insurance"
Here's a testimonial:

 

Peter: "No, no, no. I read about this in a book once."
Brian: "You sure it was a book? You sure it wasn't nothing?"

Salesman: "How about I let you in on something every home owner needs: VOLCANO INSURANCE!
Now, I have an uncle that knows a lot about volcanos, and he says a volcano is coming THIS WAY."

Peter: "But we've never had any trouble with volcanos."
Salesman: "Well don't you think we're due for one?"

Peter (thinking): Touche, salesman. I too have an uncle.
Peter: Come in.